Reflexology is a holistic treatment originating in Egypt over four thousand years ago. The ancient Egyptians believed that the life energy that flowed through the body connected every body part with a specific point on the feet or hands; stimulating these points created an increase in life energy to the corresponding area of the body, healing whatever ailment was occurring.
Reflexology works in a similar fashion as acupressure and acupuncture, by stimulating the nerves in a specific area of the body to promote healing. Reflexology differs from acupressure and acupuncture in that reflexology is based on the belief that each part of the body is reflected to a particular area on the feet or hands. Physical manipulations of these areas, called reflexes, are akin to stimulating the correlated area elsewhere in the body. Reflexology activates the natural healing process by improving circulation through the physical stimulation of the reflex points, not just alleviating symptoms, but also treating the root cause of those symptoms. Modern alternative medicine has shown reflexology to be a beneficial complementary therapy for a wide variety of ailments, as well as stress induced conditions. As both alternative and traditional western medical practitioners agree that 75 percent of health problems can be directly linked to chronic stress, reflexology is a beneficial therapy to boost health through relaxation and the elimination of stress. Decreased stress improves the body’s natural immune system, promoting overall health and wellness.
Reflexology, like other holistic therapies, is a safe, non-invasive alternative medical treatment that promotes natural healing, rather than the elimination of symptoms. Through the elimination of chronic stress, reflexology enables the body to function at an optimal level, improving mental and physical health, while relaxing and rejuvenating the spirit. For maximum results, reflexology can be used along with other holistic treatments, such as aromatherapy, remedial massage therapy, and hot stone therapy. The therapist at our Winnipeg massage therapy clinic will be happy to assist you in determining the best course of treatment for your specific needs.