Reflexology Balances the Body

They may appear humble -- but feet are actually the key to our health, according to the ancient healing art of reflexology.

Practiced by the Chinese for 5,000 years, reflexology works on the ancient belief in energy channels, known as meridians, which lead to the feet. By applying pressure to specific parts of the foot, known as reflex points, energy can be balanced elsewhere in the body.

And so by working on the feet, the reflexologist is able to help with a whole range of problems such as digestive disorders, sinus difficulties, stress and headache.

At the Solace Spa in Hockley, U.K., reflexologist Clare Coniry says it is one of the most popular treatments.

"I think people like it because it is relaxing but also because it is noninvasive.

People who are trying treatments for the first time and may feel uncomfortable about taking their clothes off for a body massage will often try reflexology.

"Clients tend to come for a range of problems, but probably the most common include irritable bowel syndrome, back pain, constipation in pregnancy, headache and stress and also kidney and liver dysfunction.

"But they may come for one thing and it is possible for something else to present itself. We always have a full consultation to begin with, but then at the end I may present back. I don't say I can diagnose, but I may suggest they should see their doctor about something. I have had cases where I have spotted that someone was two days pregnant and where someone had diabetes."

Clare says pressure on the feet can be incredibly powerful.

"The feet are like a map for the rest of the body.

Feet have 7,000 nerve endings, so putting pressure on them really stimulates other parts of the body. Each part of the foot relates to a different part of the body. "In a first treatment, I will work over the entire foot. But after talking to the client afterwards, we may feel there is one part which needs more work. So for future treatments, while I will work on the whole foot, I may concentrate on one or two are as particularly," says Coniry.

"People can feel a range of things during the treatments. They may feel a slight tingling or fluttery feeling in the part of the body that relates to where the pressure is applied. And very often afterwards they will initially feel tired and they could feel a bit of headache or dizziness -- a bit like a detox effect. But then in the following days they will usually feel more energized.

"But then we do usually advise that they try to take it easy after a treatment. It is better if they can not go back to work and go home and relax, drink a lot of water."

Coniry fully understands why reflexology has gradually been embraced by the West.

"In the East treatments like this take place in the family. They are just seen as the usual way of treating something," she says.

"And people respond to them. I have to say that as a therapist, reflexology is one of the treatments I enjoy doing the most as you can see people relaxing even as you are doing it."

Source: Evening Mail; Birmingham (UK). Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. Powered by YellowBrix.