Alternative medicine, massage & reflexology
August 6, 2008
 Reflexology practice |
Reflexology Practice: In a quiet office on North York Street, Ken Aldridge practices reflexology. The word may not be familiar to some, but practitioners say reflexology has been around for thousands of years. SOURCE: Some swear by reflexology |
| Mary Cagle, 63, a retired secretary, said she found Aldridge in the phone book only because she was looking for massage. “The circulation is not good in my legs,” she said.
“Since I started coming to him two months ago, I stopped taking my pain pills. Yesterday, I got on the treadmill and walked two miles.” Cagle says that even daily aches and pains have responded to reflexology. “This morning I had a spot on the ball of my feet but now he’s mashed on it, and it doesn’t hurt anymore,” she said. Cagle said her family has noticed an overall difference in her energy. “I used to not keep up with my husband, but now he can’t keep up with me,” she said. Once a week is all she needs, Cagle said. “I look forward to the sessions with him because I leave here relaxed and with no pain.” Aldridge, 72, provided the textbook definition of what he does. “Reflexology is a science that deals with the principle areas of the feet and hands that correspond to parts of the body,” he said. “It stimulates the blood flow, improves nerve function, and is very relaxing.” The appropriate areas of the feet or hands are manually massaged to achieve the desired result. Years of doing this kind of work show in Aldridge’s strong handshake. The business is called “His Touch Massage Therapy.” Aldridge does the reflexology and his wife, Beth, does massage. A spiritual man, Aldridge said there’s a reason his business card features a drawing of praying hands. “It is religious symbolism that represents His touch through us,” he said. “My wife, Beth, came up with that name. It was a way to kind of put us in the background.” MORE ABOUT THE PRACTICE OF REFLEXOLOGY:
|
Reflexology: the major benefits! (1)
July 29, 2008
 The major benefits of reflexology |
What are the major benefits of reflexology?: In general: the major benefits of reflexology have to do with the reduction of stress. The feet and hands help set the tension level for the rest of the body, and therefore they are an easy way to interrupt the stress signal and reset homeostasis, the body’s equilibrium. |
|
About the specific major benefits of Reflexology: Stress Reduction When we are stressed our body’s defences break down and we become more susceptible to illness and disease. Reflexology reduces stress by generating deep tranquil relaxation, helping the body balance itself and allowing healing energy to flow. Improved Circulation Blood needs to flow freely throughout the body carrying oxygen and nutrients to all the cells and removing the waste products of metabolism and other toxins. By reducing stress and tension, reflexology allows the cardiovascular vessels to conduct the flow of blood naturally and easily. Stimulated Nerve Function By stimulating more than 7,000 nerves in the feet, reflexology encourages the opening and clearing of neural pathways. It interrupts pain pathways, reducing pain. Improved Immune System Reflexology stimulates the lymphatic system thus reducing risk of infection. It cleanses the body of toxins and impurities and also stimulates the production of endorphins, leading to an improved immune system and sense of well-being. Increased Energy Reflexology revitalises energy throughout the body by relaxing and opening up energy pathways. MORE REFLEXOLOGY TOOLS:
|
Interview with reflexologist Rick Aselton
July 25, 2008
 Reflexology interview |
Reflexology means healing feet:
Reflexologist Rick Aselton of Lauderdale Lakes talks about the basics of reflexology: Reflexology has been around for about 5,000 years, but it hasn’t filtered into the public’s consciousness as much as, say, yoga or meditation.
SOURCE: |
|
Reflexology is about helping people tap their own curative powers, rather than relying on medicine. The practice centers on accessing the nervous system via the feet. Reflexologists must be certified by an accredited reflexology school, such as the Laura Norman School of Reflexology in Delray Beach, or the International Institute of Reflexology in St. Petersburg. For those considering dipping their toes into it, reflexologist Rick Aselton of Lauderdale Lakes talks basics:
Question: What is reflexology? Answer: The foot is a microcosm of the whole body. There are specific points on the feet representing every organ, gland and bone in the body. These points are connected by the 73,000-plus nerve endings in the feet. So, reflexology works with the nervous system to help the body to heal itself. Question: How does it help? Answer: Reflexology deeply relaxes and “re-sets” the nervous system. This balancing of the system eliminates tension, allowing the body to heal itself. Blood is oxygenated, circulation increases, and toxins are flushed from the cells. Additionally, energy flows more naturally. As a result, a lingering revitalized effect is felt well after a session. It is important to remember that reflexology is a therapy and the effects increase with frequent use. Question: Who does reflexology help? Answer: Men and women respond very well to reflexology. However, men tend to go even deeper. My conclusion is that men aren’t allowed, or don’t allow themselves to relax in the world. There’s always a state of keeping up a strong front or never letting them see you sweat. Women, on the other hand, are allowed to let it out. As a result, men usually end up snoring on the table. That’s a good thing! Question: Why is it centered on feet? Answer: Reflexology can be done on other parts of the body. However, the feet have a high concentration of nerve endings and are large enough to work on well. Also, the feet are a reflective microcosm of the entire body. Question: Why don’t people hear more about it? Answer: Reflexology is very widely used in many parts of the world. In England, it’s common to see a reflexologist for “what ails you.” I think, in the past, many who wanted to become a reflexologist were deterred because they also had to be licensed massage therapists, although the fields are not closely related. Question: Why do you like being a reflexologist? Answer: I love the effect it has on my clients. Oftentimes, they come in filled with tension and an ailment, and leave with a sense of deep peace and an improved condition. Many clients express that they don’t just have a session, but that they had an experience. I love that. Nick Sortal can be reached at nsortal@sun-sentinel.com or 954-356-4725. |
|
MORE REFLEXOLOGY THERAPY:
REFLEXOLOGY MASSAGE | PALMTHERAPY MASSAGE THERAPY | ASIAN MASSAGE
|
Interactive reflexology map
July 6, 2008
|
|
Interactive reflexology hand chart: The interactive reflexology map was introduced by experienced reflexologist pioneers, Barbara & Kevin Kunz from Albuquerque, NM, United States. SOURCE:
|
|
|
|
How does it work? Well, the foot is divided into various dermatomal patterns that corresponds to particular body part or organ in the body. The idea in foot reflexology is to stimulate the particular ‘zones’ of the feet and initiate a corresponding ‘reflex’ that will invoke a beneficial response to that body part or organ.
The basic concepts of reflexology in the foot include the following:
|
|
However, it can be argued that this thought process is conceptual. Does pressing the bottom of the big toe, for instance, stimulate the pituitary gland. As Kunz describes, “For example, a single nerve travels from the center of the big toe to the part of the brain responsible for controlling movement, respiration, and cardiac acceleration. So pressure applied to the center of the big toe, the pituitary gland reflex area, triggers a revival response (as in fight or flight)”
Now, as any doctor or anatomist will know, there is really not a single nerve that travels from the big toe to the pituitary gland. Also, if this concept is true, scientific testing can validate the concept of pituitary stimulation by stimulating pressure receptors under the big toe. To my knowledge, this has not been studied. Or maybe its just too ludicrous to study? Like many arguments made with alternative medical treatments, it is harder to prove that something doesn’t exist rather than prove it does.
|
