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Reflexology, or zone therapy, is a complementary therapy, intended for use alongside conventional medical care and not as a replacement. It is the practice of stimulating nerves on the feet, hands and ears, in order to encourage a beneficial effect on some other parts of the body, or to try to improve general health. Reflexology is most commonly performed on the feet, moving on to the hands and/or ears where physical restraints (contraindications), such as veruccas or fractures, apply.
The massaging of feet to diagnose and cure disease. In the 1930s, Eunice Ingham (1889-1974) applied Occam’s razor to Dr. William Fitzgerald’s teachings in Zone Therapy (1917) and dubbed the result reflexology. She eliminated all of Fitzgerald’s energy zones--he said there are ten such zones in the body--except for the feet. Reflexology is based on the unsubstantiated belief that each part of each foot is a mirror site for a part of the body. The big toe, for example, is considered a reflex area for the head. As iridology maps the body with irises, reflexology maps the body with the feet, the right foot corresponding to the right side of the body and the left foot corresponding to the left side of the body. Because the whole body is represented in the feet, reflexologists consider themselves to be holistic health practitioners, not foot doctors. Allegedly, the ancient Chinese and Egyptians practiced reflexology, and it is still very popular in Europe.
 During treatment a reflexologist will feel all over the feet tolocate tender points. This will indicate where the energy is blocked. This is sometimes felt as gritty, crunchy areas and reflexologist claim that these area crystals of accumulated toxins and waste product such as excess uric acid or calcium.
The therapist will then proceed to use a variety of rubbing, rotating, caterpillar like movement with the aim of breaking down these crystals. If there is an area of slight tenderness with a slight swelling, reflexologist claim that this an area of weakness and will treat these to help the body heal itself of the weakness.
Although the treatment should not be painful, these area feel tender should not be painful, these areas often feel tender as the therapist works to break down the crystals.
Recommended Book To Read: The Everything Reflexology Book (Paperback)
by Valerie Voner
The everything reflexology book is easy to read as well as fun to do. A great book dealing with the body,mind, soul connection with easy step by step instruction for the beginner. This book will help you to work on your friends and family as well as whet your appetite if you wish to persue a professional career.
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Reflexology 