Small Business Online

Reflexology is considered an alternative health treatment. Reflexology is also known as zone therapy. It involves massaging, holding, squeezing and pushing throughout the body. As certain areas are massage then it is thought to affect other parts of the body. However, many practitioners have conflicting views on exactly how reflexology massage is supposed to work.

But fear not, there is some common ground in the reflexology world. Reflexology targets specific points of the hands and feet. Massage movements stimulate specific reflexology points that are supposed to be connected to other organs within the body. Although reflexology has been around for centuries, no clinical studies have been performed to validate the benefits of this type of massage.

Reflexology has been practiced throughout the ages. It can be traced as far back as 2330 B. C. The Egyptians have left evidence of the connections of reflexology and their links to other parts of the body. One of the more noted researchers is Eunice Ingham. Her first reflexology works were published between 1938 and 1942 throughout the world.

Reflexology is relatively new United States and was introduced in 1938. Eunice Ingham and Dwight Byers introduced the Ingham method of reflexology. This method is for relaxing and releasing tension in the body. The Ingham method provides the basis for which most other reflexology massage types that exist today.

There are no known side effects of getting a reflexology massage. Massage is focused on particular points in the hands and feet. These areas are massage, squeezed and pushed to relieve tension in the body.

Certification and reflexology massage is not mandated by any laws. There are certification programs and boards such as the Reflexology Association of America. Students must meet the minimum criteria in order to receive a certificate in this program. This includes book study as well as hands-on practice.

Reflexology massage is interesting assets only apply to mainly the hands and feet. This has made it somewhat difficult for practitioners to only specialize and this technique. As massage gains more notoriety as a natural treatment, reflexology will also increase in popularity.

Finding further information on reflexology can be obtained from the Reflexology Association of America. They provide information that has been published regarding reflexology and pain control. Other research has indicated that reflexology reduces the presence of toxins.

Other research indicates a wide variety of benefits. Again, since there are no clinical studies, some of these benefits must be taken with a grain of salt. But other benefits include reducing hair loss, rectal prolapse and reductions in cardiac diseases. It certainly will be interesting to see some more studies and the traditional area.

Reflexology has been used from ancient Egyptian times to relieve tension in the body. The Egyptians developed the first relationships between certain points on the hands and feet and other major organs. Today, practitioners of reflexology can become certified by a national board. This has provided more legitimacy to preserving a long-standing traditional healing method.