Who Can Benefit From Reflexology?
Reflexology relies upon the ideas of Eastern medicine, specifically the concepts found in Chinese medicine, meridian lines, zone theory, and the concept of qi, life force energy. For clarity, qi is pronounced as "chee." If you are at all familiar with Daoism or yogic philosophy, it is essentially the same as prana. When stagnant, blocked, or merely off-balance, qi can show up as illnesses, ailments, or any number of varying symptoms.
Reflexology offers a hands-on, gentle approach to creating movement within the energetic body where qi exists. Through proper movement and pressure, or pulling, sometimes tracing, reflexology can bring qi back into balance.
A reflexologist offers this treatment to anyone who wishes to receive the massage-like therapy on their feet, hands, or ears, so long as they see that it might be of benefit. Many individuals fit the bill for reflexology, and hardly anyone would not benefit from receiving treatment.
To begin, as it is a far shorter list, here are some of the individuals who should not receive reflexology:
· Pregnant individuals - Why not? Well, some reflex points where the reflexologist would direct pressure, might be able to induce labor, which would not be ideal in some cases
· Patients with foot fractures, wounds on the foot, or active gout in the foot - As the feet are one of the main areas where reflexologists focus, you would not want to inflame further or harm the area.
· Patients with osteoarthritis - If felt in the foot or ankle, patients should inform their reflexologist. They might be able to offer treatment in the hands or on the ears but would actively avoid the foot and ankle regions.
· Individuals with blood clotting issues, often related or diagnosed as thrombosis or embolism - Because reflexology improves blood circulation, receiving the massage might lead to a blood clot forming near the heart or the brain.
· Individuals with open wounds - Many, perhaps most, reflexologists do not wear gloves when offering treatment. So, if an individual has an open wound or contagious infection, they should inform their reflexologist. The reflexologist might decline to treat the area, but still might offer treatment while wearing gloves.
Who Can Get Reflexology
Now, to the long list of those who can receive reflexology. Still, check with a doctor before receiving any new form of treatment or medicine to ensure it is right for you.
Individuals with the following, or related symptoms:
· Anxiety
· Depression
· Asthma
· Fertility troubles
· Back pain
· Hormonal imbalance
· Weak immune systems
· Undergoing cancer treatment
Individuals with the following conditions or illnesses:
· Common Cold
· Sinus Infection
· Digestive troubles
· Arthritis
· Chronic pain
What makes reflexology so great?
Mainly, thanks to reflexology being rooted in Eastern medicine, it can offer benefits beyond the physical body. The energy, qi, moved in reflexology exists in a different realm than muscles, bones, and connective tissues.
So, while you might feel more immediate shifts in your physical body, the benefits run much deeper than just that. Even then, it can take some time for results to arise, so receive the therapy often for it to last long-term.
The main benefits of reflexology are related to the fact that, on a physical level, it considers your entire body. Your anxiety might be linked to your digestive problems, and you might not have even considered that as a possibility. By treating the different symptoms through different massage techniques, a reflexologist can heal you more thoroughly.
Or, they can improve an area that another form of treatment you receive is not. In this way, reflexology can stand as a valid and reliable complementary medicine method. While receiving another treatment, such as chemotherapy for cancer or conventional pills for anxiety, you can add reflexology to your treatment plan for added healing benefits.