Reflexology

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Reflexology

What is reflexology

Reflexology is the theory that the human body can be healed from disease or imbalance through pressure to specific points on the hands, feet, and ears (http://www.doubleclickd.com/reflexology.html). This alternative form of healing is doubted by many, although there are studies that support its theory.

History of Reflexology

Reflexology is an ancient method of healing that originated in Egypt and the Orient. More than four thousand years ago, man discovered this treatment for imbalance, and recorded their discovery in drawings on cave walls. It is suggested that reflexology evolved from acupuncture and acupressure. Reflexology flourished in the United Kingdom in the nineteenth century, but did not appear in the United States until the early 1900's (http://lagunabeachca.com/reflexol.htm).

Zone Theory Behind Reflexology

According to reflexologists, stress, fatigue, illness, toxins, and inactivity are harmful influences on the body that can be healed through reflexology treatment. Reflexologists believe that the body can be divided into ten zones, five on each half of the body. In each zone, impulses and reflexes travel until they reach nerve endings in the feet and the hands. These zones are believed to be meridians along which energy flows. Placing pressure on the nerve endings in the hands and the feet will effect the organs found in that particular zone (http://www.reflexology.org/aor/refinfo/healart.htm). As well as longitudinal zones throughout the body, there are also cross-reflex points. These cross-reflex points are corresponding points on the opposite side of the body which can be useful in administering reflexology treatment when pressure i...

... middle of paper ...

...patient's recovery time, requiring less hospitalization and making more hospital beds available (http://www.reflexology.org/aor/refinfo/adv9701.htm). Reflexology is best used as an aid to modern treatment.

Works Cited:

Booth, B. (1994). Reflexology. Nursing Times, 90, 38-40.

Maxwell, J. (1997). The Gentle Power of Acupressure. RN, 60, 53-56.

Nickalls, S. (1996). Fluid Forces. Nursing Times, 92, 52.

Oleson, T. & Flocco, W. (1993). Randomized Controlled Study of Premenstrual Symptoms Treated with Ear,

Hand, and Foot Reflexology. Obstetrics and Gynecology, 82, 906-911.

Snyder, M., Egan, E., & Burns, K. R. (1995). Efficacy of Hand Massage in Decreasing Agitation Behaviors

Associated with Care Activities in Persons with Dementia. Geriatric Nursing, 16, 60-63.

Taylor, A. (1995). Back in Touch. Nursing Times, 91, 18.

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