Reflexology: A Foot Rub That Can Cure All?

You’ve all seen the commercials that advertise removal of toxins through the feet. You may have even heard that massage of different parts of the foot and hand can address problems throughout the body.

Did you know that there is an actual science behind it all called reflexology? Reflexology, or zone therapy as it is also known, is based on the claim that different areas of the feet and hands correspond with different body parts and regions. Most practitioners of this type of massage feel that pressing on or massage  different areas of the feet and hands can relieve symptoms of a variety of health problems by stimulating blood flow and the flow of nutrients to the corresponding area of the body.

Most of us already know that a good foot massage can relieve some of life’s everyday stress, if you aren’t too ticklish! Many reflexologists believe that they can diagnose ailments and cure other lifetime adaptations to stress simply by feeling the different zones of the “reflexology map” in your hands and feet. Aside from stress relief, practitioners of reflexology have been known to report having the ability to cure a variety of diagnoses ranging from bedwetting to bronchitis to thyroid problems. At the cost of between $30 and $100 per session, this would seem to be the healthcare solution!

Not only has hand reflexology and foot reflexology been touted as a fix-all for various physical problems listed above, but it would seem to be a fantastically painless alternative to surgical facelift and traditional forms of dieting and weight loss. Some practitioners advertise the ability remove age spots and cure acne with pressure to the right area of the feet and hands. Others specialize in helping the body promote its own healthy weight loss by using the same techniques. For a science that’s been in this country for nearly one hundred years, more of us should be taking advantage of its benefits.

The Reflexology Association of America even promotes “self-help reflexology” that can be done at home for those of us that don’t care to bare our feet to a professional. They propose that we can rub away our own back pain, stress and anxiety, headaches, and toothaches among other things. You can learn how easily by purchasing a foot reflexology dvd. Even so, you can’t get any better than a nice, long session with reflexology professional.

So what have you got to lose other than an hour of your time and a few dollars well spent? Make an appointment with a reflexologist and see if your persistent headaches and sore lower back can be healed with a relaxing foot and hand massage. Make it the new “spa day” with your friends, or try it instead of your monthly appointment with your masseuse!