Page 15 - Inspire Health Magazine | May - June 2017

wellness

Today, in parts of Europe and
China, reflexology is an accepted
form of medical treatment that offers
health benefits ranging from relief from
headaches to diabetes mellitus. “In the
United States, however, reflexologists
can only legally provide clients with
stress reduction through relaxation and
improved circulation,” Doss emphasizes.
An experienced massage therapist
who utilizes foot reflexology for
appropriate patients, Doss notes that
the process is based on the theory that
the body has reflex points located on
the feet and, through applied pressure,
energy blocks can be released in
corresponding zones to rebalance
Reflexology or reflex point indicates something
Reflexology
the entire body.
“Sensitivity in a specific zone
manifesting in a corresponding organ

FOR BODY or body part,” she adds. “Direct pressure
will affect the entire zone by directing
life force along its natural pathways,
BALANCE AND CIRCULATION untangling energy knots caused by
physical or emotional stress. Another
theory suggests that by pressing on the
feet, toxins and impurities are released

By Patricia Danflous by increasing local circulation.”
The feet are the most distal region
“Be sure you put your feet in the right place, of the body. Venous and lymphatic
then stand firm.” circulation may not be adequate to
push these wastes back to the heart.
hen Abraham was used around the world to ease Reflexology can act to release and
Lincoln spoke aches and pains,” she says. “One of the return these wastes back into circulation.
those words earliest depictions of reflexology is an Reflexology is safe for most
more than a Egyptian tomb dating back to 2500 people, but it is always important to
Wcentury ago, B.C. It features a physician performing utilize services provided by a licensed
he wasn’t thinking about reflexology. foot reflexology for pain relief.” reflexologist and/or massage therapist.
Though his reference to feet was
metaphorical, he was acknowledging FOOT REFLEXOLOGY CHART
the importance of attaining life’s
spiritual, mental and physical balance.
And long before Lincoln, the Egyptians
and ancient Chinese healers were using
feet as road maps to align, adjust and
heal body and soul.
According to Licensed Massage
Therapist Celia Doss, reflexology
originated over 5000 years ago and
can be traced back to many countries
including, India, China, Egypt and Japan.
“Over centuries, knowledge of
this art form spread, and reflexology

inspirehealthmag.com § #inspirehealthmag INSPIRE HEALTH 15