Reflexology is a practice known to be effective in the treatment of various diseases such as migraine, bronchitis, digestive system, high blood pressure, asthma and rheumatic diseases. Although reflexology massage, which is applied as a supportive treatment, is generally known as foot massage, it can also be applied in different parts of the body. Reflexology stimulates the nerves by applying pressure to certain points to provide relief in people with the aim of a therapeutic method. This method, which strengthens the central nervous system and increases blood flow, is used in the treatment of many diseases today, but is also applied after surgical operations. It should be done by experts in the field of reflexology. Reflexology specialists determine the most appropriate application technique and application time after evaluating the condition of the person.
What is reflexology?
Reflexology is basically a massage therapy by applying pressure to certain points of the body. Hand reflexology, foot reflexology and ear reflexology points correspond to some organs, systems and bones in the body. In this context, massage is applied to the visible points of the ears and certain parts of the hands and feet in order to have an effect on organs and systems. Reflexology is applied through maps of reflex points in the hands, feet and ears. The feet are the most intense part of the reflection of organs and systems. Various organs are stimulated in the feet, which are the vertical reflection of the body.
All organs in the left part of the body, especially the heart, are stimulated by the left foot, and on the right, all organs, especially the liver, are stimulated by the right foot. Reflexology zones on the hands appear as 10 pressure zones. To reach the nerve endpoints, organs, systems and bones, as well as ears, feet and hands must be in contact with each other. Electrochemical stimuli are made by pressure or rubbing applied to the nerve endings with hands and fingers. Thanks to the neurons, this stimulus reaches the organs to which the nerve endings are connected and has a stimulating effect.
How is reflexology done?
Although reflexology massage applications are similar to other massage applications, there are some points to be considered. Due to the special nature of the reflexology points, the massages applied must be done by experts who have been trained in this subject. One of the most important issues is the correct determination of reflex points. Nerve endings in the hands, feet, and ears are associated with various organs and systems. In this context, eye treatment with reflexology is also performed.
By applying pressure to the reflex points of the relevant organs, the treatment of related diseases can be supported. In this sense, the basis of reflexology is to determine the correct nerve points. First of all, the type of the disease, the patient’s age and general health should be evaluated well. The reflexology massage applied after this should generally be applied in seats specially designed for these applications. In general, massage applications on the feet are initiated by rubbing and warming the entire feet.
During the initial phase, experts can also make an assessment of the structure of the feet and the discomforts found. First of all, after the reflex points on the feet are determined, these points are massaged by applying pressure with various techniques. Reflexology massage can also be done with fingers and sometimes wooden sticks. The duration of the massage varies according to the health status of the patients, the type of the disease and the areas where the massage is applied. This massage takes between 10 and 45 minutes, depending on the patient’s needs.
How is reflexology applied?
In reflexology massage, the organs in the body correspond to a nerve in the foot. When the nerve points on the feet are massaged, the patient is treated, including the internal organs. Reflexology massage is done individually. For this, an application is made in a different way according to both the duration and the person. There is no age limit in reflexology. However, the reflexology specialist plans the application time and technique according to the age and general condition of the patient. Massage is done within this plan. Application points are determined by evaluating the patient’s age and type of disease, the patient’s physical condition and psychological health all together.
What are reflexology points and areas?
In reflexology, with the determination that the nerve points in the hands, feet and ears coincide with the prominent organs in the body, a supportive treatment method is applied by applying pressure to the hands, feet and ears. The reflexology map is used by reflexologists to show which points on the body correspond to which points in the application areas. Examining this map, it is seen that each foot represents one half of the body vertically:
- The left foot affects the organs located on the left side of the body.
- The right foot acts on the organs located on the right side of the body.
The reflexologist may focus on specific points on the feet, hands or ears to achieve a general or regional effect. Since the reflexology specialist works in a limited time, he can focus only on the ears and focus on providing relief to the patient. This application is carried out entirely as a result of the expert’s evaluation.
What are the reflexology benefits?
The harms of reflexology are wondered by many, but there is no known harm of reflexology. In addition, reflexology is not recommended for expectant mothers in the first 6 months of pregnancy, people with vascular occlusion, people with infections or open wounds on their feet. It should also be noted that reflexology has many benefits. We can list the mental and physical benefits of reflexology as follows:
- Significantly reduces anxiety and stress.
- It reduces pain and the effects of pain.
- It increases the level of endorphins to relax the body.
- It reduces insomnia and fatigue due to physical or psychological causes.
- It supports the treatment applied in some diseases.
- It accelerates lymph circulation with its detox effect.
- It regulates blood circulation and blood pressure.
- Increases hormones that benefit body health.
- It stimulates the immune system.
- It stimulates the circulatory, excretory and nervous system.
- It reduces toxins in the body.
- It reduces the effects of migraine and headaches.
- It reduces menstrual pain and premenstrual symptoms.
Which diseases is reflexology good for?
The many benefits of reflexology are one of the most important reasons why many people prefer supportive treatment. Applications made by reflexology specialists according to the condition of the person result in the relaxation and feeling of well-being of the applied person. Diseases and ailments that reflexology is good for can be listed as follows:
- Hypertension
- Migraine
- digestive system ailments
- Respiratory system disorders (Bronchitis, asthma, etc.)
- rheumatic diseases
- Mental disorders (Depression, anxiety, panic attacks, stress-related disorders, etc.)
- Circulatory, excretory, nervous system disorders