REFLEXOLOGY

When you have a headache, your first response might be to reach for your
head in order to quell the pain. By pressing on your temples, you are helping
to slow the blood flow to your brain and thus reducing the pain you feel.
In a sense, this is a simple form of acupressure.

However, in reflexology, the idea of pressure is extended to the feet, the
hands and the ears.

As noted in many alternative medicine practices, the body's systems re all
connected. Whether you believe this to be the result of meridians or simply
due to the nervous system and circulatory system – this is not necessarily
the most important thing to know.

What is important is realizing that when you touch one part of your body, it is
thought, you can affect other parts of your body.
And that's reflexology.
Within each hand and foot, there are a number of specific points where you
can apply pressure and thus help a certain condition or organ system. If you

rub the inside web of your hand between the thumb and the pointer finger,
you can help to ease a headache, for example.

Even if you're not sure about the idea of the body's energy system, you can
understand how reflexology could help the body release tension. When too
much tension builds up, you can feel pain and pressure while also slowing
down certain systems in your body – leading to illness and disease.
There are other purported effects of reflexology for your body too.
Some claim that rubbing the feet in a harsh manner can help to break up uric
acid crystals that may accumulate there. If you were to reach down to your
feet right now and use your knuckles to rub the bottoms of your feet, you
might feet some crunchy areas – this is where the crystals are thought to
reside.

By breaking these crystals up, it is thought that you can help expedite the
detoxification processes in your body.
It is also thought that be pushing on certain points of the body you can begin
to release the natural pain killers of the body – endorphins.
There are several ways to look into reflexology for your specific medical
concerns. Many books and videos are available that can teach you how to
practice reflexology on yourself. But if this is the case, you might also want
to invest in some handy socks or gloves that allow you to immediately see a
'map' of the specifics areas you need to target for certain concerns.

When you find the appropriate spots that you need to apply pressure to, you
will need to use forceful pressure on the spot for up to one minute, release,
and then apply again until you feel the relief you want.
You can also massage the areas a few times a day if you have a larger or
chronic problem you need help with.
But for the best reflexology treatment, it's best to head to a licensed
practitioner. They will have gone through a training program and will have
been tested on their knowledge prior to receiving their certificate.

There are other benefits that you can have with reflexology:
• No side effects with medications
• No drug interactions
• Can be done on anyone
• Can be used on pets as well
• Can reduce stress and muscular tension
• Can help to reduce nagging symptoms of chronic diseases

With reflexology, the next time your head begins to ache, you can do
something to prevent it from turning into a life stopping even – by rubbing
away the pain.