Reflexology

A complementary therapy that, although its use has been registered for thousands of years, it was only in the 19th century that the scientific community began to develop and carry out several studies proving its clinical effectiveness.

It consists in the principle that the feet (and hands) reflect the whole body - organs, systems, joints, teeth... everything. So through the feet it is possible to assess any imbalance in the body. And through different types of pressure on the feet, which are intended to stimulate or relax, we help to correct these imbalances.

Despite all the work that has been done by different health professionals (from osteopaths, acupuncturists, doctors of different specialties, physiotherapists, etc.), Reflexology has been challenged because there is no consensus regarding the way it works.

There are several explanations for how Reflexology works, I'm going to talk about the two best known that can be classified as Eastern view and Western view.

In the eastern view, it is believed that the body is traversed by several channels which are called meridians. When stimulating a certain part of a meridian, a reflex is created throughout the meridian, thus being able to reach any part of the body through the feet.

The Western view defends that the action of Reflexology occurs, in part, due to the Nervous System. Through the stimulation of sensory receptors in the feet, information is sent to the Central Nervous System, where it provokes responses from the body. One of the responses is the release of endorphins in the Circulatory System. There are several types of endorphins, they are substances produced by the Endocrine System, which, among other functions, enhance a feeling of well-being.

Regardless of the way in which Reflexology works, its clinical effectiveness is proven. Those who study and practice it do not dispute its effectiveness.

Through Reflexology I can make an assessment of the different systems, and get a global view of how the organism is functioning.

Reflexology (like most alternative therapies) targets the person and not the disease, it helps the body to restore its internal balance. Whatever the disease a person suffers, the more balanced the organism is, more easier will be to deal it.

Reflexology can be applied as a complementary therapy in cases of psychiatric disorders, for example, depression.

Furthermore, others situations where the body is totally out of balance, such as when a person ingests high doses of medication, and literally needs to do a detox. An example of this is during the administration of treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, in which the body is violently affected, and with Reflexology the side effects produced by these treatments are attenuated.

Of course Reflexology is also great for relaxing after a period of higher stress.

And just as there is no minimum age (nor age limit) to get sick, Reflexology can be applied both to babies and children, young people, adults, and the elderly.