This technique from traditional Chinese medicine is based on the application of pressure on so-called “reflex” areas connected to the part of the body or organ that makes the patient suffer.
Reflexology, whether palmar or plantar, provides deep relaxation and has a soothing and preventive aspect. It adapts to everyone’s needs. It allows a different and balancing approach to allopathic medicine.
What is reflexology for?
Reflexology is a therapeutic technique and is described as a manual, and natural method focused on the self-regulation of the human body. The goal of reflexology is to relieve symptoms by acting on reflex zones.
Purpose of reflexology:
Reflexology aims to mobilize the body’s self-healing processes. It is practiced by applying sustained pressure, with the fingertips, on areas or reflex points located on the feet, hands, and ears. These points correspond to organs or organic functions. Reflexology does not claim to cure particular ailments. Instead, it seeks to provide some relief to all kinds of conditions: headaches, backaches, PMS, stress, breathing problems, etc.
Types of reflexology
Although plantar reflexology is the most widespread, there are other forms of reflexology, including palm (hand) and face reflexology. Palmar reflexology is preferably used on sensitive people like the elderly or pregnant women. Facial or cranial reflexology is preferred in the event of a mental disorder, for example, severe anxiety or overwork resulting in insomnia or recurrent migraines.
Plantar reflexology
Plantar reflexology is by far the most practiced. It is based on very precise cartography. Without going into details, we find mainly on the underside of the foot the internal organs and the top of the ventral side. The spine is located on the inner edge of the foot on the big toe side. On the left foot are the organs of the left half of the body (spleen), on the right foot, the organs of the right half (liver, gallbladder) and on both feet, the even organs (kidneys, lung) and the organs placed in the middle of the body (heart, stomach).
Palmar reflexology
Palmar reflexology is much less known and practiced. Our hands, like our feet, are the mirror of our body. The reflex zones are located both on the fingers, in the palm, and on the top of both hands.
Reflexology session:
A reflexology session usually lasts about 1 hour. During the first contact, the first minutes allow the reflexologist to discuss with the patient and question him about his medical history and his general state of health. The professional then proceeds to relax his patient and activate his lymphatic and venous system with a gentle and relaxing massage. Stronger pressures are then exerted on the targeted areas. Finally, an energy massage concludes the session.
How many sessions are required?
The number of sessions obligatory, and their frequency depends on the disorder and the receptivity of the patient.
- In a preventive setting, to relax and feel fit, one session every month or even all seasons seems to be a good rhythm.
- In a curative setting, when the patient comes for a problem to be solved, 2 to 3 sessions every ten days may be enough.
The benefits of reflexology are numerous.
- Bring relaxation and well-being
- Relieve pain
- Stimulate internal organs and relieve so-called “functional” disorders
- Improve blood and lymphatic circulation
- Bring comfort to the patient and people in palliative care
- Maintain good health and prevent disease
Despite the benefits of reflexology, it should be borne in mind that this discipline, like all those of alternative medicine, can, in no case, be a substitute for treatment or medical advice.