1. AS A PLACEBO– The power of suggestion is the primary factor; so psychologically, it is believed that Reflexology
acts as a placebo.
2.
LYMPHATIC – The lymphatic system is part
of the immune system and functions as a filter. It removes toxic &/or malignant elements from the body. Therefore,
it is suspected that Reflexology enhances the lymphatic system’s function and, in return, restores proper chemical balance
in the body.
3.
BIO-ELECTRIC POTENTIAL – When bio-electrical
energy becomes blocked or congested, it creates a corresponding malfunction in another body areas. The application of Reflexology
touch techniques “breaks-up“ congestion, and remedies the lack in energy flow, and enables the bio-electrical
energy to flow again.
4.
CH'I ENERGY – Like acupuncture and shiatsu it is believed that reflexology works similarly: stimulating
the flow of Ch'i energy (a/k/a/ "life force") along the body’s meridians bringing it back into energetic
balance. Ch'i is the circulating life energy
that in Chinese philosophy is thought to be inherent in all things. In traditional Chinese medicine the balance of negative
and positive forms in the body is believed to be essential for good health.
5. COUNTER IRRITATION – As in homeopathic remedies, the human body repairs more rapidly when it receives an “insult”
to its equilibrium. Reflexology provides that insult.
6. NERVE PATHWAYS / NERVE ENDINGS / CHEMICAL DEPOSITS – It is believed that when nerve pathways are unable to transmit impulses,
it is because of chemical deposits that build up around nerve endings which blocks the impulses from traveling the pathways.
Stimulating nerve endings in the hands, ears, and feet, helps clear that blockage. In addition, those chemical deposits impede
the "grounding connection" the feet naturally have with the earth. Reflexology is believed to clear those residual
deposits.
7.
PROPRIOCEPTION – A Reflexology
session, using thumb & finger pressure techniques to specific areas in the hands, ears, and feet, stimulates muscles,
and re-angulates joints, thereby sending “false reports” of position and sensation to the brain. The brain then
responds with "message signals" to reposition the body which results in the relaxation of the muscles, tissue, &
nerves. This promotes natural healing.
Reflexology is not
a fully proven science (but what is?). [[Even physicians, though they may identify symptoms, do not always know All
of the causal factors for each physical problem which often includes the coalescence of thoughts, actions, events, dietary
habits, and resulting stress (physical, emotional, and spiritual); nor do they have "time" to ask, and oft are not
interested in knowing.]] So as with any Art or Science, Reflexology theories are based upon observation, speculation,
results, and "signs following." Ulimately, we each - individually - must take time to feel into and review
all circumstances which touch upon our lives - emotional as well as physical. Our bodies hold kinetic memory, and so
any trauma -- be it from a slap in the face as a child, falling off a bicycle, a personal heart-break, or emotional attack
-- those momentary "cringes" are held within the body's tissues, organs, and bones. Hence, therapeutic
touch by a qualified Reflexologist not only stimulates the associative trigger points, but also should provide a safe and
loving touch which enable the body to relax, identify and eventually "let go" of painful memories, which allows
the body to heal itself. And so, currently, evidence is mounting with regard to Reflexology's effect on the body
(especially when integrating hand, ear, & foot reflex points). Over time, practitioners learn to intuitively gain
greater insights by feeling through their finger tips, and FeelSeeing then balancing the energetic disturbances, which indeed
becomes somewhat miraculous at times. This hands-on practice, and communication with their client regarding their
"findings" enables Reflexologists to better target their client’s needs. Recipients benefit through
this experience; that is, regular sessions reduces the exponential build-up of stress and consequently they experience a better
sense of well being.
