As the holiday season draws to a close and we begin to return to our regular routines, we can now take time to wind down from all the parties, family gatherings and general stress of the season. Now might be just the right time to see a trained reflexologist.
I recognize that visiting a reflexologist is not most people's solution to confronting stress in their lives. However, reflexology offers benefits that most people are simply not aware of, benefits that can help soothe the body and mind and bring greater balance to the nervous system. For many practitioners reflexology is all about achieving a systemic balance to the body, and allowing the body to heal on its own.
WHAT IS REFLEXOLOGY?
As a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, reflexology adheres to the same principles of the flow of energy, or Chi, as does acupressure. Energy flows through the body along 12 meridians ("zones" in reflexology), affecting all the organs of the body. When something interrupts the flow of energy, such as physical injury or a prolonged period of stress, the body becomes susceptible to illness.
"Reflex" points on the feet, hands and ears are believed to correspond to the various meridians that affect specific organs, glands and parts of the body. An experienced, trained reflexologist can manipulate these reflex points to restore proper energy flow, treat illnesses, and bring balance back to the body. Some of the conditions effectively treated by reflexology include back pain, joint pain, migraine headaches, constipation, endocrine disorders, and stress and anxiety, to name just a few.