Foot Reflexology
A Little History
Foot reflexology massage’s history dates back to the reign of Emperor Wendi but its most flourishing period was in the Tang Dynasty (618-907 A.D.). Later, the foot reflexology massage spread into Japan. Yet, there were some specialists in China who did not pass their knowledge to others, there were no written records. This resulted in the degeneration of this particular art of healing. Fortunately, the foot reflexology massage was brought to the Western countries when more and more Westerners started to get in touch with the Chinese around the late Manchu Dynasty (1643-1912 A.D.)
Then in 1913, Dr. William Fitzgerald, an American doctor, developed a systematized chart of longitudinal zones in the body. The 10 zones, ending in the fingers and toes, illustrated reflex areas with their corresponding connections, as well as physical conditions influenced by the connection. Fitzgerald discovered that pressure on one part of a zone could affect other parts of the body within that zone. That’s how this ancient modality was restored in the Western countries. And it was V. M. Bechterev, a Russian physiologist who coined the term “reflexology”.
The Practice of Foot Reflexology Massage
Not all foot massage is reflexology, even though some non-reflex varieties can be a very rejuvenating. The genuine reflexology is the application of pressure onto particular areas of the soles of the feet. A reflex action in another part of the body is stimulated by the manipulation of each specific area. Foot reflexology massage uses hands, fingers and sometimes, a wood stick with cream and oil.
It’s an amazing experience, and helps boost your energy circulation.
The Benefits of Foot Reflexology Massage
- It can relieve pain and stiffness caused by too much exercising or using muscle for too long.
- It can help prevent and cure many symptoms such as headache, stress, asthma, constipation, sinusitis and migraine.
- The blood circulation system will be boosted.
- The body’s function will be naturally turned into its homeostasis.
Restrictions
- The massage must be done with accuracy to avoid wrong reflection which will cause muscle infection.
- One should not receive a massage until at least one hour after a meal.
- After receiving a massage, one should drink water to eliminate toxin and lactic acids developed during the massage process.
- Pregnant women, menstruating women and people who are bleeding either internally and externally are not allowed to receive foot reflexology massage.
- Both masseur and client should refrain from washing hair, hands, feet or taking a bath within one hour of foot reflexology massage in order to prevent the body’s elements from the effect of coldness.
- Foot reflexology massage can be given every day but the total duration of both feet in a day should not exceed 45 minutes. However, only ten minutes is suggested for patients who have suffer from a heart attack.
Ready to experience this restorative procedure?
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