Hieroglyphics found in a pyramid in Egypt dating back to 2330 BC show reflexology as part of Egyptian culture at that time.īy the end of the 14th century a version known as “reflex zone therapy” was being used throughout Europe. The origins of reflexology can be traced back around 5000 years to Egypt and China. The American Reflexology Certification Board defines reflexology as “a non-invasive, complementary practice 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”. Here we will look at what reflexology is, how it started, how it works, what a reflexology foot chart looks like, the benefits of reflexology, the scientific research behind it, the benefits and risks and why reflexology should be used alongside conventional medicine rather than as an alternative. Reflexology can be used to treat a variety of symptoms including headaches, sinus problems and stomach issues. Reflexology is based on the principle that the hands and feet are made up of zones which reflect the different organs, body parts and systems, known as reflex areas.īy stimulating these reflex areas, most commonly using specific massage techniques, you can reduce stress and pain in the related parts of the body and promote general well-being by improving the circulation of blood and energy. Reflexology is not just a “posh” word for a foot massage, it is much more complex than just rubbing the feet! Reflexology will not only help relieve your foot condition, it acts as an “inner massage” for your whole body.A reflexology foot chart is a commonly used tool in complimentary medicine with reflexology becoming increasingly popular for reducing pain and stress. And as a bonus, you will feel deeply relaxed, release tension, and even sleep better. A foot reflexology session is a good workout for your entire foot. Improved circulation in the foot will help reduce swelling, bring fresh blood supply and help ease the pain. A 1993 survey of healthy women revealed that some 88% of women wore shoes that were too small for their feet, and 80% of those experienced foot pain! Get active physically, but also stretch and exercise your feet specifically, try not to sit or stand for prolonged periods of time, and keep your body weight down.ĭo foot-specific exercises such a walking bare foot in the sand, rolling a golf ball under the ball of your foot (excellent for heel pain, arch strain or foot cramps) picking up marbles with your toes (recommended for pain the ball of the foot, hammertoes and cramps in toes) or as an alternative, pick up towels from the floor using only your toes.Īnd try Reflexology: it increases circulation of the blood and lymph and helps your body detox. To prevent foot pain wear shoes with appropriate support that fit properly. However, many of those can be treated successfully. the list goes on, as there are over 300 different foot ailments. – plantar fasciitis, the most common cause of heel pain, due to overuse and stress on the fascia, posterior heel spurs (calcification of the Achilles tendon), inflammation of the Achilles tendon, hammertoes…. – pain on top of mid foot due to inflammation of tendons due to tight shoes – foot arthritis, common in people with flat feet – mid-foot pain due to fallen or collapsed arches – redness, pain or swelling of the big toe joint, due to arthritis, bunions or gout metatarsal stress fractures due to overuse or too much pressure on the long bones in the forefoot pain in the ball of foot due to shortening of calf muscle If you suffer from pain in the feet, ankles, knees, hips, lower back, neck or even headaches, the root of your pain may stem from your foundation and you may want to tackle the issue from the ground up!įoot conditions are due to numerous factors, among them abnormal biomechanics of the foot, including excessive pronation or supination (feet rolling inward or outward), improper foot wear, overweight, lack of exercise or overuse, and the nature of your occupation. It is therefore no surprise that foot problems tend to increase with age.ĭid you know that one fourth of your body’s bones are located in your feet? Our feet and ankles consist of 26 bones, 33 joints and over 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, most of us take from five to ten thousand steps per day, that’s more than 4 laps around the globe in a lifetime! Once we hit thirty that wear and tear starts to show, as the bones and muscles in our feet weaken and the fat pad on the sole begins to shrink, which results in less cushioning around the bones of the feet.
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