Reflexology: Another Form Of Massage Therapy Many people do not realize it, but reflexology is another form of massage

albeit a very localized one to the feet. Reflexology is also incorporated into some ot her types of massage including Thai massage, Shiatsu and other Ayurvedic massage techniques. In essence, reflexology is the application of pressure and massage to small fiel ds of the feet in order to affect other areas of the body, like say, the heart o r other internal organs. Reflexologists believe that all parts of the body have links with the feet. Reflexology sounds like a new, Third Age word, but reflexology is actually an an cient art. Looking at ancient murals in burial chambers, it seems that reflexolo gy was being practiced in Japan in 690 BC, in Egypt in 2330 BC and in China in 2 704 BC. And why ought it not to have been? There is nothing more natural than to want a foot rub when you have been on your feet all day. This might start with cleaning the feet to remove dust, perspiration and foot odour; followed by the applicati on of sweet-smelling oils or powders; followed my the rub. As it works out, that is precisely the same sequence of events employed in refle xology. This process is occasionally applied to the hands as well and some peopl e believe that it is soothing on the ears as well, but this is not pure reflexol ogy. Reflexologists maintain that the feet are linked to every organ and part of the body, so they can manipulate the other areas from the feet without having to tou ch them - a bit like using a remote control handset. They claim to be able to alleviate digestive disorders, backache, menstrual prob lems, headaches and the like, because our stress levels are controlled by the te nsion in our feet, which can be caused by tension elsewhere in the body as well. So, an instance might be: a bad back might cause the heel of your right foot to ache and if you can stop the heel of your right foot aching, your backache will disappear too. However, if you have any medical conditions, you ought to tell th e reflexologist before he or she starts. Pregnancy is also something you should notify them about. Not everybody in the Western world is convinced by the claims for reflexology in the same way that they are not convinced about acupuncture, however it is not a t all painful and is very relaxing after standing up or walking all day. Having said that, a good foot rub or massage does help get the blood flowing out of the feet and legs and back to the heart, so it is frequently used in hospita ls for patients recuperating from operations and for those who have spent a long time in bed. This kind of massage is performed fully clothed, except for shoes and socks, sea ted in a comfortable seat and normally lasts 30-60 minutes. It is a firm favouri te with women shoppers and shop assistants and fits into a luncheon hour just ni cely. Owen Jones, the writer of this article, writes on numerous subjects, but is at p resent concerned with the <a href="http://classesformassagetherapy.com/thai-mass age-parlor-video.html">Thai massage parlor video</a>. If you have an interest in massage, please go over to our web site now at <a href="http://classesformassag etherapy.com">Classes For Massage Therapy</a>