What is Reflexology?
How and why does Reflexology work?
What can I expect during a session? Is Reflexology painful?
How long is a session and how often should one receive Reflexology?
Are there any side effects from this
form of therapy?
Can a Reflexologist determine what is
wrong with me by examining and treating my feet or hands?
Is Reflexology a new form of therapy?
What is the difference between the Ingham Method of Reflexology and
the Booth Method of Vertical Reflex Therapy?
What is ReflexEssentialTM Aromatherapy?
What is Applied Vita Flex?
(The following information is drawn from the books, literature, and classes presented
by author/teacher Dwight Byers of the International Institute of Reflexology
and author/teacher Lynne Booth, Vertical Reflex Therapy.)
What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is a science that deals with the principle
that there are reflex areas in the feet and hands which correspond
to all the glands, organs, and parts of the body. Reflexology is a
unique method of using the thumb and fingers on these reflexes, finding
and working on the areas of congestion or tension to help the body
operate at its peak efficiency. Noted benefits include (but are not
limited to)
1. relieving stress and tension;
2. improving blood supply
and promoting the unblocking of nerve impulses; and
3. helping nature
achieve homeostasis.
Reflexology is safe, non-invasive, profoundly
relaxing therapy for restoring and balancing the body.
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How and why does Reflexology work?
Newcomers to Reflexology are sometimes
baffled by how precise pressure on specific areas of the feet can affect
the whole health of the body. The reason this works is because reflexes
link each part of the body to a special area on the feet and hands.
The nervous system serves as the connection. With proper manipulation
of the reflex points, a reflex action is produced through the nerve
endings. "These cord-like structures, comprised of a collection
of nerve fibers, convey impulses between a part of the central nervous
system and other regions of the body. They are the wiring system of
the house you call your body. As with any complex wiring system, a
short circuit can mean trouble... As tension is eased, pressure on
the nerves and vessels is relaxed, thus improving the flow of blood
and
its oxygen-rich nutrients to all parts of the body." (
Better Health With Foot Reflexolgy - The Ingham Method by Dwight C.
Byers)
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What can I expect during a session? Is
Reflexology painful?
You will
be asked to remove only your footwear and jewelry around the hands.
In the Ingham Method and the Booth Method of Vertical Reflex Therapy,
just the Reflexologist's hands are used to apply reflex therapy to
the client's feet and hands. This provides a safe and sensitive method
that is effective without the use of gadgets. Feedback from the client
is an important part of each session and pressure is adjusted according
to individual tolerance. When areas of tension or congestion are found,
a client may experience a kind of pain that "hurts good".
With proper manipulation of the thumb and fingers on these areas, relief
is often felt very quickly. Specific work on reflex points is interspersed
with relaxation techniques to provide a pleasant overall effect. The
most common comment from clients is that they feel a lightness in their
feet after a Reflexology session like they are "walking on air." See comments from my clients.
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How long is a session and how often should
one receive Reflexology?
Typically, the first session is one hour and includes an interview
in order to collect important information pertinent to the state of
your health. Subsequent sessions usually take approximately 30-40 minutes
depending on an individual's need. If the client is interested in an
acceleration of their body's healing process or is in an environment
of much stress at work or home, frequent shorter sessions may be recommended.
One to three times a week may be most beneficial for a period of time,
then once a month for preventive maintenance. The client will also
be shown self-help techniques that can be used at home.
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Are there any
side effects from this form of therapy?
There are no known negative
side effects. Since Reflexology helps the body to normalize, a natural
health response is sometimes experienced if the body has toxins to
release for your wellbeing. For example, in rare cases this could manifest
in the release of nasal mucous or minor loosening of the bowels. Frequent
drinking of pure water for several hours after a Reflexology session
greatly minimizes the body's need for a health response and helps to
sustain the benefits received. If a client is presenting with a very
toxic condition before the Reflexology session, it is recommended that
they receive lighter touch in frequent shorter sessions to gently ease
the body into a more vital, balanced state.
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Can a Reflexologist determine what is
wrong with me by examining and treating my feet or hands?
A qualified Registered Certified Reflexologist
will never diagnose or name a disease, prescribe or adjust a client's
medication, or treat for a specific condition. Our method of therapy
is a complement to your doctor's care, but is not meant to replace
it. Reflexology will not interfere with your doctor's treatment or
make any condition worse. The foundation of this work has been built
upon the opinion of practicing physicians who have had the opportunity
of observing the remarkable results obtained from this particular method.
Doctors agree that 75% of our health problems can be linked to nervous
stress and tension. The Ingham Method of Reflexology is used primarily
for relaxing tension.
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Is Reflexology a new form of therapy?
What is the difference between the Ingham Method of Reflexology and
the Booth Method of Vertical Reflex Therapy?
The idea
behind Reflexology is not new. We have records of it being practiced as early
as 2330 B.C. by the Egyptian culture. Reflexology as we know it today was first
researched and developed by Eunice Ingham in the 1930's based on the body being
divided into 10 vertical zones that carry through the feet and hands. Her nephew,
Dwight Byers, has become the foremost authority on this science, teaching, clarifying,
and developing her discoveries. He created the International Institute of Reflexology
and has developed accredited courses of study that lead to qualified certification.
The Ingham Method Charts on Reflexology are used throughout the world to map
the body on the feet and hands. The Ingham Method technique is performed on a
passive foot or hand while the client is in a semi-reclining position.
Lynne
Booth received her certification in the Ingham Method and went on to discover
the efficacy of performing reflex therapy on a weight bearing foot or hand. It
was originally developed by her in the UK to help with orthopedic conditions,
but has subsequently been successful in many different applications. Vertical
Reflex Therapy is briefly performed while the client is standing with their feet
on the floor or leaning their hand on a table. Lynne Booth has mapped out the
deep reflexes that can be accessed from the top of the foot and hand when they
are weight bearing. Ms. Booth says, "There appears to be a profound change
in the body's receptivity to healing when it is weight bearing....the upright
body is in a position of vitality." For accelerated results, it is suggested
that a full reflexology session incorporate both the Ingham Method and the Booth
Method. For more information on these methods visit
these sites: Ingham
Method and Booth
Method.
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What is ReflexEssentialTM Aromatherapy?
ReflexEssentialTM Aromatherapy is the topical application of the appropriate therapeutic-grade essential oils on corresponding reflex points to enhance the effectiveness of the reflexology techniques. Therapeutic-grade essential oils have affinities for different organs, glands, and body systems much like the reflex points in the feet have to different areas of the body. I use only the finest, scientifically researched, organicly grown therapeutic-grade essential oils from Young LivingTM.
For further information on Young Living essential oils, including how you can obtain them and use them, follow this link: www.youngliving.org/gaiatossing.
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What is Applied Vita Flex?
Vita Flex is a term coined by Stanley Burroughs meaning "Vitality Through the Reflexes", and is described in his book Healing for the Age of Enlightenment. The Vita Flex technique originated in ancient Tibet and is similar to acupressure. It consists of a specialized form of digital stimulation using the pads and nails of the fingers in a rolling motion to fire electrical energy into the body through reflex points. There are over 1,400 Vita Flex points on the body which serve as master control keys to restore normal body function.* Vita Flex may be applied alone or with therapeutic-grade essential oils.
* Taken from course notes prepared by C.A.R.E. Inc., Center For Aromatherapy Research and Education, a non-profit organization.
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