Is reflexology a holistic therapy?
A complementary holistic therapy, reflexology follows the principle that the body is mapped on the feet and hands of an individual. Reflexology may be ideal if you’re seeking deep relaxation, stress relief, or support for everyday wellbeing. Acupuncture might be the better option if you’re managing specific health concerns or looking for a more targeted therapeutic approach.Targeted areas in massage therapy as more localized, offering relief from pain or improved circulation to the specific area that’s being worked on. Reflexology offers a more holistic approach, stimulating the nervous and energy systems of the entire body to promote healing and balance across all organs.Most people say having reflexology feels relaxing and soothing. But pressure on some areas may be uncomfortable or slightly painful. Your therapist might tell you that this discomfort relates to blockages in energy flow in a particular part of your body.Practitioners believe that reflexology is able to detect some problems in to the body, which can make patients aware of a health condition and seek further treatment. However, if reflexology is not performed correctly, it may cause negative effects such as pain and bruises.
What not to do after reflexology?
Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Following reflexology you may experience a number of symptoms or side effects. These differ from person to person and are positive signs of the body bringing itself back in to balance. Many people after receiving reflexology can experience a “healing crisis”. A healing crisis occurs when the body tries to eliminate toxins at a faster rate than they can be disposed of. The more toxic one’s bodily systems are, the more severe the detoxification experience, or healing crisis.Reflexology can remove some toxic substances from the body very quickly. If they are not released fast enough, or if the treatment is overdone, one can experience some mild toxic effect that usually disappears quickly. Detox symptoms may include: Headaches.Different from the more physical symptom is the concept of catharsis, an emotional cleansing process, having been reported after reflexology. Patients were reported to have felt emotional, tearful and thought more about their lives following sessions.
What are the disadvantages of reflexology?
Reflexology is a low-risk therapy and there are no known serious side effects. But it should be used with caution if you’ve got certain foot conditions, including gout, skin ulcers, vascular disease and arthritis. Reflexology claims to help a host of medical issues, from sinus pressure to labor pains. But research is currently of low quality. There aren’t any well-designed studies showing that reflexology is better than foot massage. But most studies compare reflexology to usual care and often show a benefit.Targeted areas in massage therapy as more localized, offering relief from pain or improved circulation to the specific area that’s being worked on. Reflexology offers a more holistic approach, stimulating the nervous and energy systems of the entire body to promote healing and balance across all organs.A foot massage focuses attention on the tissue of your foot. Massage uses pressure to loosen and realign your muscles, improve circulation and help you to relax. Foot reflexology provides similar benefits, but it does so through the precise manipulation of pressure or reflex points located in the feet.There isn’t strong evidence that reflexology works any better than a foot massage, but reflexologists believe reflexology can help improve the following: Immune system. Colds or bacterial infections. Sinus issues.DIY foot reflexology offers a convenient and accessible way to promote relaxation, relieve pain, and enhance overall well-being. By stimulating specific reflex points on the feet, you can experience the benefits of this ancient practice from the comfort of your own home.
What condition would not be indicated for reflexology?
Severe Foot Conditions or Injuries In cases of fractures, open wounds, infections (like athlete’s foot or cellulitis), or recent surgery on the feet or ankles, reflexology should be avoided until fully healed. Best practice: Wait until the area has completely recovered before seeking treatment. Reflexology is not for everyone, though. For people with certain health conditions, it may carry some risks, like the development of: circulatory issues.Clients with advanced diabetes and osteoporosis should also not seek reflexology because foot manipulations and deep pressures may cause damage. Severe circulatory conditions, infections or sores on the feet, and atrophy (nonuse) also make reflexology inadvisable.Patients with foot fractures, unhealed wounds, or active gout in the foot should avoid reflexology.Reflexology is not recommended for people with an acute infection or fever, or for those with blood clotting issues such as thrombosis or embolism. Additionally, people who have open wounds, fractures, deep bruising, and active gout should not receive reflexology in the affected areas.Severe Foot Conditions or Injuries In cases of fractures, open wounds, infections (like athlete’s foot or cellulitis), or recent surgery on the feet or ankles, reflexology should be avoided until fully healed. Best practice: Wait until the area has completely recovered before seeking treatment.
How long is a reflexology session?
Generally a session lasts between 30-60 minutes. You can rest or talk during the session at your discretion. If you fall asleep during the session, you will still receive the benefits of the treatment. Different conditions respond to reflexology at different speeds. While some symptoms like stress or mild headaches may ease within a session or two, others—especially those linked to chronic issues—take longer to improve. Your body’s individual response also plays a major role in how quickly reflexology works.A reflexology session usually lasts between 30 to 60 minutes. You usually lie down or sit in a reclining chair to have the treatment. Most people say having reflexology feels relaxing and soothing. But pressure on some areas may be uncomfortable or slightly painful.