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Sedona Aromatherapie is an Oak Creek Enterprises Incorporated Company
Sedona, Arizona
Origins of Reflexology
As with aromatherapy, the modern way of practicing reflexology varies from that practiced throughout history. However, reflexology has been used, in one form or another, by many people throughout the ages.
The Chinese are thought to have been amongst the first to have developed the practice of reflexology. The practices of acupuncture and acupressure are similar to that of reflexology, and the Chinese have practiced these for many years. However, the ancient Egyptions were also aware of reflexology, as the tomb of Ankhmahor in Saqquara, Egypt clearly shows pictures of 'reflexology' being practiced as far back as 2330 BC.
Energy flows within these zones can be linked to a part of the body within the same zone. Blockages occuring in a particular part of the body could be cleared by applying pressure to the same zone.
Dr. Fitzgeralds's work was further developed by Eunice Ingham who brought the practice to mainstream attention in the 1930s. She concentrated on using the reflex areas in the feet to relate to other parts of the body.
Doreen Bayly was accredited with introducing reflexology to the UK in the 1960s. She had met Eunice Ingham whilst visiting America and took back the knowledge she had gained from her, eventually opening the Bayly School of Reflexology, which continues today.
Defining Reflexology
The practice of reflexology, as we know it today, has gained in popularity and accreditation in recent years. To date, scientific research continues, as no definative explanation has been conclusive in explaining how reflexology works. The only thing known for certain is - it DOES work!
In basic terms, reflexology is working on reflex areas in the hands, feet or ears to 'correct' any imbalances in corresponding energy zones throughout the body. As the energy flow is 'corrected'' any imbalances in that part of the body are changed to prevent further disorder.
Although hand and ear reflexology are practiced, foot reflexology is the most common method carried out.
What can I use Reflexology for?
Reflexology can be used for a number of ailments. The following list is by no means exhasustive but reflexology can be helpful with a number of 'woman's' problems including menstrual related, infertility related, pregnancy and menopausal related. It can also be useful in treating more general problems such as allergies, arthritis, back and neck pain, depression, migrane, circulation problems, stress, tinnitus, bowel difficulties, infections, multiple sclerosis and many more.
Reflexology treatments provides some time for relaxation so the overall effect can be very calming as well.
Did you know??? It is possible to see changes in energy patterns, before and after treatment,
using Kirlian photography. Kirlian photography was developed by the Russians, Semyon and
Valentina Kirlian, and is a form of electro or high voltage photography.
Is it suitable for me?
Reflexology is suitable for both old and young alike. Although, as with any other treatment, it is adviseable to take some precautions. For example, reflexology is generally not recommended for women in the first 3 months of pregnancy, although it can be a helpful tool later on in the pregnancy, and indeed after baby is born, for both mother and baby. Treatment sessions for children are usually shorter. Reflexology treatments for the older person can be useful in increasing the efficiency of the body's systems.
Although some people think that diseases such as cancer and AIDS should not be treated by reflexology, there has been no scientific proof to indicate that reflexology advances these ailments, and in fact, there
is considerable evidence that reflexology can provide some relief with managing the pain associated with more serious diseases.
Are there any side effects?
Unlike conventional drug treatment, reflexology is a completely natural therapy. However, the body may go through a healing 'crisis' dependent on the circumstances.
Common reactions to a treatment include the need to pass water more frequently, increased activity of the bowels, 'cold like' symptoms, temporary effect on sleeping patterns and increased emotional awareness (e.g.crying). These conditons are all temporary and should pass quickly. After all. the body is trying to get rid of unwanted toxins, which may have been building up for a while, and therefore releasing them is better in the long run.
It should by no means put you off from taking a treatment, as reflexology is really a very relaxing and fulfilling experience!
Did you know??? There are 7,200 nerve endings in the foot. No wonder our feet
are so sensitive and why so many people enjoy having their feet massaged!
The more modern approach to reflexology, that of a 'zone therapy', was developed by an American, Doctor William Fitzgerald, at the beginning of the 20th century. Dr Fitzgerald was an ear, nose and throat specialist. His 'zone therapy' approach took the basis that the body was divided into longitudinal zones.