Reflexology as a Healing Tool
A Chemical Free Pain Reliever
Reflexology has many definitions, clinical, layman, and scientific. Basically, reflexology is the art and science of working areas in the hands, feet and ears where nerves end, stimulating the organs that are connected to the nerves and the production of endorphins. It has historically been documented as a healing therapy since 2330 BC in an Egyptian physician's tomb. In the tomb, below the relief of the physician and the patient, it is stated, "I am not here to hurt you, I am here to help you." It is viewed as a therapy, a preventive tool that assists the body in many ways. Some of key ways reflexology assists the body are as follows:"I am not here to hurt you, I am here to help you."
Physician's Tomb, Egypt
· Increased circulation
· Elimination of toxins
· Improved blood supply to organs and tissue
· Balanced energy levels
· Assistance with pain management
How does reflexology work?
In understanding a little of the body's physiology, reflexology works on a pretty basic concept. There are 7200 nerve endings in each foot, 2500 in each hand, and 435 in each ear. When the nerve endings are stimulated through massage like motions, messages are sent to the brain that causes the releasing of endorphins, the body's natural pain relievers. The touch also relieves stress along with the pain in the body, and stimulates the working of the body's various systems. When the systems are activated, then their functions become enriched, so circulation and elimination become enhanced. Elimination is extremely important in the removal of toxins within the physical body.
Our lifestyles in the western world incorporate the daily intake of many toxins through processed food, medications, and even in the air that we breathe. Without detoxifying the physical body, the toxins just build and build within, and contribute to the stress we already feel mentally and emotionally. They contribute to dis-ease within us, and reflexology helps as a maintenance tool for the daily releasing of toxins.
Today's shoe wear prevents us from naturally stimulating our nerve endings in the feet. Years ago, shoes were more natural and allowed for this stimulation. With reflexology, we are given a tool that gives us back that which was a natural maintenance tool for health. Aside from our shoe wear, we also live in a world where medications are given for almost every type of discomfort. These medications do nothing to help the body heal, but instead mask the body's pain while it continues its course of dis-ease and on top of the dis-ease, adds to the accumulation of toxins which also cause dis-ease. Reflexology is a natural pain reliever, and helps bring balance back to the body along with its spiritual and mental connections.
Some History
Reflexology holds a long history. As stated previously, the first recorded history known to historians today, is in an Egyptian physician's tomb, dating back to 2330 BC. The use and knowledge of reflexology spread through out the world from Egypt to Greece, from Arabia, India, China, and then into the western world including Europe and even America. The Cherokee Indians are documented using it in a spiritual way, recognizing our deep connection to Mother Earth through walking upon her surface, and using her surface for their sacred ceremonies in medicine wheels.
Today, it is a serious science and used in many countries as a major part of their preventive health care work. Australia, South Africa, Denmark, England, Russia, Germany and China have a strong reverence for the therapy, and research it steadily. Most of these countries are not dependant on pharmaceuticals and it is not such a big business there, like in America. Most wouldn't even be able to afford the medication even if it was offered, so they look to therapies that are inexpensive, and allow for preventive care.
Even in America, the recognition of reflexology as a healing tool is growing, along with other alternative therapies like reiki. For example, the American Cancer Society journal found that one-third of cancer patients used reflexology as an alternative medical approach. Hospitals like Columbia University are incorporating it into their after care for surgical patients.
Conclusion
Reflexology is a growing field in America, and the more natural therapies people can use to help themselves in their healing journeys, the better. Alternative therapies take us away from toxifying ourselves with over use of medications, they help us connect not only with our physical bodies, but our spiritual, emotional and mental components that contribute to dis-ease. Being educated in ways to help us grow on our healing journeys is an important part of growth. This is something that is lacking within the western world of traditional medicine, and something I hope I can help many achieve. Namaste.Please join in on my monthly newsletter, which discusses different messages within my book, and provides subscribers with sourced messages from my guides.
Copyright 2004 living in spirit
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