Benefits Of Reflexology
What Is Reflexology?
Reflexology or reflex zone therapy, is an alternative medicine system that involves applying pressure to specific areas of the feet or hands. It is based on zones that correspond to different areas of the body. It is believed by applying pressure to these areas that you can affect changes to those body areas. While it still attracts some level of controversy, there are many patients who swear by its effectiveness that had given up on so-called “conventional” treatment methods.
How Does It Work?
Much like the chinese system of Qi, practitioners of reflexology believe that blockage of energy flows throughout the body can stifle the body’s ability to heal. Reflexology targets these areas of blockage in the hands and feet and attempts to restore the body’s natural flow of Qi. Manipulating different areas and applying different types of pressure are the main weapons in its arsenal.
Controversy About Reflexology
The main criticisms leveled at reflexology include the lack of formal studies showing its effectiveness, a central established body for regulating its practice, the short duration of training programs and the risks associated with delaying a possibly more effective treatment.
While all of these objections raise valid points, keep in mind that they are posited by members of the more traditional medical establishment. That’s not to say that they are not valid just that a consideration of the source should be taken into account.
My Take
Quite simply, I feel it’s worth a try. Everyone’s body is different and responds to different treatment modalities. I know I would definitely try it before I went under the knife for back pain. Talk about controversy surrounding a treatment? How about the less than stellar record spinal surgery has for ending back pain in patients.
Here’s a YouTube video about Reflexology:
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