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What’s this
Foot reflexology is a technique used in holistic or alternative medicine that aims to treat ailments of various types through the foot massage.
It is a practice with very ancient origins, widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Foot reflexology is based on the theory that specific points – called reflex points – connected to the various organs, glands and districts of the body. Through the manual stimulation of these points it would therefore be possible treat pathologies affecting connected organs.
Foot reflexology is a branch of reflexology that also includes the hand or palmar reflexology, facial and ear reflexology. Although the effectiveness of foot reflexology has not been proven by scientific studies to date, the practice has always been very successful and many people who use it claim to benefit.
How does it work
In foot reflexology the reflexologist stimulates specific points identified on the sole of the foot. Generally the massage takes place pressing your thumbs on the reflex points; more rarely, the treatment involves the use of tools other than hands, including special sticks.
Through the stimulation of the reflex points, according to foot reflexology it is possible to act above all on the lymphatic system and on the blood circulation thus eliminating excess fluids and toxins and bringing nourishment and oxygen to all the tissues of the body. Furthermore, manipulation of the sole of the foot would be able to act on the endocrine system stimulating the production of endorphins, hormones with analgesic action. The reflex points would then be connected to the various organs of the body through the nervous system, therefore, pressing these points would act on the nervous communication between the brain and the organ, improving any disorders affecting the organ. Working on blood circulation, lymphatic circulation, endocrine system and nerve connections, foot reflexology should improve the energy flow (Chi or Qi) that flows inside the body: this would have, in addition to a relaxing effect, a rebalancing action between body and mind and would help the self-healing processes implemented by the body.
Benefits
Reflexologists use foot reflexology to treat numerous ailments including:
All of these conditions, according to reflexology, could benefit from a rebalancing of energies which, once harmonized, lead the body to heal from ailments and diseases.
Points
As we have seen, foot reflexology works on certain reflex points connected to the various organs of the body. The reflexologist’s task is to evaluate through an interview which energy imbalance determines a symptom, disorder or pathology and then go on to stimulate the reflex points capable of re-establishing the flow of energy.
The reflex points have been identified on the toes and sole of the foot: on the left foot there are the points corresponding to the organs located on the left, while on the right foot there are the points connected to the organs located on the right; the single organs instead have a single point on one of the two feet.
In particular, on all the fingers there are the points connected to the head. Just below the fingers are the connected points eyes and ears. Just below the big toe are the reflex points of the vertebral column and thyroid and, moving towards the outside of the plant, those of lungs, bronchi and shoulder, the latter under the mellino, the fifth finger.
Going further down towards the plant, on the left foot are the points connected to the heart and to the spleen, on the right those reflecting the liver and gallbladder. Moving towards the internal part of the plant there are then, on both feet, the points connected to the kidney, adrenal gland, stomach and pancreas. A little further down we have the points relating tointestine: duodenum, ileum, colon, rectum. On the heel we then find the points connected to the urinary and reproductive system.
Contraindications
Foot reflexology is a foot massage with no particular contraindications or side effects. It would be good to avoid resorting to foot reflexology in case of major circulatory problems and pathologies affecting the foot, including warts or fungal infections. It is also important contact trained personnel and expert to avoid compromising the health of the foot through incorrect maneuvers. In case of pathologies it is essential consult your doctor and follow his indications: the use of alternative therapies or practices can be a support to traditional medicine but cannot replace medical diagnosis and therapies.
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