Why do reflexology points hurt

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Want more where that came from? By Emma Singer Sep. What is a foot reflexology chart? What are the risks associated with foot reflexology? What does it mean when a reflexology point hurts?

Can you do reflexology on yourself? Some problems respond better to the reinforcement of work on all three—hands, ears, and feet. If the reflexologist chooses to work on your feet, you will lie or sit down, remaining fully clothed except for your shoes and socks. The practitioner may wash your feet and soak them in warm water, then position them at his or her chest level. The practitioner will begin by assessing your feet for open wounds, rashes, sores, plantar warts or bunions and will ask you about any foot or leg pain that could hinder treatment.

Generally a session lasts between minutes. You can rest or talk during the session at your discretion. If you fall asleep during the session, you will still receive the benefits of the treatment. Feedback during the session is encouraged, and of course, you can request that the session stop at any time. Regardless of your health condition s for example, migraine, nausea, sciatica, etc. A complete reflexology therapy session uses many different techniques and includes all of the points on both feet and perhaps the hands and ears.

By working all of the points, the reflexologist addresses internal organs and glands as well as muscle groups, bones, nerve ganglions solar plexus, brachial plexus and nerves sciatic during a session. If you have a specific condition, such as migraines, the reflexologist will carefully feel and work the area corresponding to the presenting problem. However, they will also work all areas of the foot with gentle pressure, because, according to reflexology theories, this allows the nerve pathways and congestion to release and promotes the relaxation response for the entire body.

The first thing to understand is that the reflexologist stimulates the nervous system to do the work of balancing and releasing; it is not the therapist who "fixes" discomfort. If reflexologists find pain, congestion, or tightness during the session, they will apply pressure to work on bringing the body back into balance.

The reflexologist can return to that area or spot at the end of the session, confirming the pain has released. Throughout the session, the reflexologist will stay present, grounded, and in a calm and centered state of awareness.

Experiences with reflexology sessions vary from a general feeling of relaxation, to a sense of "lightness" or tingling in the body, as well as feelings of warmth, a sense of "opening," or "energy moving" from the practitioner's pressure to the specific body area or organ. There is often a physical perception of energy flowing through every organ, valve, gland, or muscle, as well as a sense of communication between each body system.

Reflexologists do not diagnose or tell you about any congestion or tension they observe on the foot, hand, or ear during a session that may suggest abnormalities.

The foot, generally, is divided into different zones and specific parts of it represent different organs in your body. Photo: Courtesy of Juhi Singh. Though there are so many pressure points on your foot as the above foot reflexology chart proves , here's the basic gist of things: "The left foot will stimulate the left side of the body and all its organs, and the right foot will do the same for the right side," explains Singh.

The bottom of the foot from the tip to the heel will relate to your spine. It's important to note that modern science has yet to confirm specifically how reflexology works and what it can do. Some small studies have found that the practice can be helpful for reducing stress , reducing back pain , and managing migraines in conjunction with other therapies.

However, a review notes that reflexology does not currently have " sufficient evidence to support its clinical use ," in large part because there is just very limited, high-quality research on reflexology, period.

That doesn't mean that reflexology is without benefit, especially since, as mentioned, it is a mainstay of Traditional Chinese Medicine. In fact, the same review concluded: "Reflexology practice should be implemented as a complementary therapy in developed countries due to its functions which can give many benefits to body health condition The well-trained reflexologist will adapt his pressure to the pain levels of the patient. What are the benefits?

This treatment is used for a variety of ailments. Not only is it beneficial as a tool for relaxation and stress relief, but is also effective in improving circulation, relieving pain, and acts as an immune and nervous system stimulator. Many people with illnesses such as allergies, chronic sinus problems, migraines, anxiety, depression, back pain, headaches, arthritis, digestion problems, insomnia, asthma, PMS and period pain - to name but a few - have been helped tremendously by reflexology treatments.

Most people describe a profound sense of relaxation and increased energy following their session. What reflexology and reflexologists are not Although reflexology is proven to be beneficial for a multitude of problems, your reflexologist cannot diagnose or claim to cure any disease.

They are not medically trained. Reflexology can help to restore balance and coax your body into healing itself.