Reflexology can be explained in one simple sentence: Reflexology helps the body heal itself. This usually occurs on the body’s own terms. Your body knows what kind of healing is a priority at any given time. This is sometimes referred to as the body's innate wisdom. Innate wisdom can be explained as the intelligence that keeps our BodyMind complex and re-establishes balance (this balance is called homeostasis).
Does the body need help in healing itself?
Although the body is sometimes very good at healing itself, there are many times when it needs some assistance and guidance, particularly when we are stressed.
Reflexology is one of the ‘tools’ used to assist with the healing process.
Daily, our bodies and minds are put under pressure.
The body is constantly healing itself, or trying to heal itself – this can be called homeostasis, which is the self-regulating process by which an organism tends to maintain stability while adjusting to conditions that are best for its survival. Maintaining homeostasis can become difficult for the body to do on its own, especially when it has to contend with stress, external environmental factors such as pollution (including electromagnetic frequency radiation) and even our minds and emotions (when they are negative or self-sabotaging).
When this happens, the body is likely to just keep you from tipping over the edge until the energy is no longer sufficient and disease manifests. The absence of sufficient homeostasis results in disease.
Techniques and strategies used by (most) reflexologists
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Find out the priority
- At the initial consultation, the patient is asked about the main reason for coming for reflexology and their primary health complaints.
- Next, we get our information from observing the feet and other reflex areas (and any other indicators) of where the body is most stressed. Reflexologists look for areas of congestion, stress, and weakness on the reflex points and along the body meridian lines.
2. Stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system[1]
- For healing to occur, the parasympathetic nervous system must be ‘switched on’.
- The parasympathetic nervous system’s primary functions are rest, repair, and digestion, and it assists with undoing stress's effects on the body.
3. Body communication.
- Communication of organs, reflexes and elements
- Identify the cause instead of only treating the symptoms.
- Reflexologists' specific treatment plan.
4. Lifestyle recommendation
- To assist the effects of reflexology, the therapist often offers lifestyle and dietary advice specific to the patient's needs.
Because of the nature of reflexology being to help the body to heal itself, essentially, it is suitable for any condition or issue one has, but reflexology is best known for:
- Boosting immunity
- Alleviating sinus congestion
- Alleviating headaches
- Alleviating digestive discomfort
- Assisting with sleep issues
- Fertility and hormone balancing
- Relaxation
[1] The parasymethic nervous system is responsible for the body’s rest and digestion response when the body is relaxed, resting, or feeding. It basically undoes the work of sympathetic division after a stressful situation. The parasympathetic nervous system decreases respiration and heart rate and increases digestion. (www.sciencedirect.com)