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Setting the standard in Rhode Island for the Professional Reflexologist! |
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Reflexology is based on the premise that there are zones and reflex points in the feet, hands and ears, corresponding to all glands, organs, parts and systems of the body.
Through the application of thumb, finger or hand pressure to these reflex points, energy pathways are cleared, balancing all body systems.
It's not foot massage, which focuses on the muscles and ligaments, but is based on the principles of acupressure.
A full Reflexology session will last approximately one hour. It is a clothed session with only the removal of shoes and socks as a requirement. Pressure, stretch and movement are used to work through the foot methodically. It should be a gentle, but firm pressure, within your comfort zone.
Reflexology is a non-invasive, complementary modality involving thumb and finger techniques to apply alternating pressure to reflexes shown on reflex maps of the body located on the feet, hands, and outer ears
Modern Reflexology is based on the work of two American physicians, Dr. William Fitzgerald and Dr. Joe Shelby Riley of the 1920's and on that of physiotherapist Eunice D. Ingham who developed Fitzgerald and Riley’s knowledge into a usable therapy, calling it Foot Reflexology and took it to the public in the late 1930's through the early 70's.
In the last 30 years, because of Eunice Ingham’s traveling around the country teaching groups of people her method of Reflexology a grassroots following of Reflexology emerged in the US. In that time practicing Reflexologists have emerged, more than 40 Reflexology books have been published, and the number of magazines articles published has risen by 500 percent since 1982.
Today recent research studies have been conducted around the world, including in the US, which are validating the effectiveness of Reflexology on a wide variety of conditions. Chronic conditions seem to respond especially well to Reflexology.
Many of our health problems can be linked to stress. It is an acknowledged fact by the medical community that a body trying to function while under the influence of prolonged stress is less capable of organizing its defenses against illnesses and repair damage caused by injury. Stress can be mentally, emotionally, physically, or environmentally induced. Reflexology is primarily a relaxation technique. Reflexology can negate the effects of stress while it helps the body relax and balance.
Reflexology gently nudges the body toward better functioning by improving lymphatic drainage and venous circulation, stimulation to the nerve pathways, and muscle relaxation, helping the body to balance itself.
Reflexology is not a substitute for medical treatment, but can be used as a complement to any type of medical approach or therapy.
Research studies are being conducted around the world validating the effectiveness of Reflexology on a wide variety of conditions. Chronic conditions seem to respond especially well to Reflexology. In China, where reflexology is accepted by the central government as a means of preventing and curing diseases and preserving health, over 300 research studies have shown that reflexology provided some improvement to 95% of the over 18,000 cases covering 64 illnesses studied. In Japan and Denmark, reflexology has been incorporated into the employee health programs of several large corporations saving each company thousands of dollars annually in paid out sick leave benefits.
Many of our health problems can be linked to stress. It is an acknowledged fact by the medical community that a body trying to function while under the influence of prolonged stress is less capable of organizing its defenses against illness and of repairing damage caused by injury. Stress can be mentally, emotionally, physically, or environmentally induced. Reflexology is primarily a relaxation technique. Reflexology can negate the effects of stress while it helps the body relax. Through the relaxation process, the body is more capable of dealing with the stresses placed on it by daily living. Reflexology gently nudges the body towards better functioning by improving circulation, stimulation to the nerve pathways, and muscle relaxation.
While historically Reflexology has been found to have a positive affect on the body suffering from a wide variety of chronic problems, it is not a substitute for medical treatment. It can, however, be used as a complement to any type of medical approach or therapy.
Reflexology can also be incorporated into an overall healthy lifestyle, which includes attention to diet, exercise, and different forms of stress reduction and relaxation.
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©2007 Reflexology Association of Rhode Island