- Foot Reflexology: Traditional Reflexology Practice - Hanna Monika Cybulko, with permission, istockphoto
The practice of reflexology dates back thousands of years; the most well known depiction of foot reflexology is found on the tomb of Ankhmahor in Saqqara, Egypt and is dated as 2330 B.C. Reflexology has progressed in more recent times due to the work of pioneers in the reflexology world, such as Dr. William Fitzgerald and Eunice Ingham, who developed the practice of foot and hand reflexology points used in the modern day practice of reflexology. However, the practice of reflexology continues to evolve in the form of facial reflexology, vertical reflexology, maternity reflexology and baby reflexology treatments.
Facial Reflexology: Stimulation of Reflexology Points on the Face
Facial reflexology was originally developed by Lone Sorensen in 1981. The practice of facial reflexology incorporates a number of healing therapies, such as acupuncture, Chinese energy medicine, the science of neuro-anatomy and South American and Vietnamese tribal practices. Facial reflexology works on various points on all parts of the face.
Benefits of Facial Reflexology
The benefits of facial reflexology include improved nerve function to the brain, improved blood circulation, lymphatic drainage and muscle toning of the face. Facial reflexology helps to heal the body both physically and mentally and helps to heal a number of health problems including migraine, digestive problems and stress.
Vertical Reflexology: Vertical Reflex Therapy
Vertical reflexology, or vertical reflex therapy (VRT), was initially developed by Lynne Booth. The principal practice of vertical reflex therapy works in the same way as foot and hand reflexology but the dorsal foot and hand reflexes are treated while weight-bearing. Vertical reflex therapy claims that the nerves in the feet and the hands are more sensitized (and therefore a quicker and more effective treatment response is obtained) when the feet are in a standing position or the hands are pressed flat on a surface.
Maternity Reflexology in Pregnancy and Labor
Maternity reflexology is for the specific treatment of pregnant mothers, women in labor, in pre-conception and post-pregnancy. Maternity reflexology is practiced and taught by a number of experienced reflexologists around the world. Some reflexologists will not recommend the practice of reflexology in the first trimester of pregnancy, as a cautionary note, although reflexology has not been proven to cause a miscarriage.
Research studies are limited on the effective use of reflexology treatments in helping a woman to conceive but many women report becoming pregnant whilst receiving reflexology treatments in an attempt to so. In addition, some research studies have shown that regular treatments of reflexology in pregnancy have helped shorten the length of labor time and reduce pain in labor.
The Benefits of Maternity Reflexology
Regular reflexology treatments in pregnancy may produce the following benefits:
- relief of stress and anxiety
- reduce back pain
- reduce heartburn
- increased energy
- improved sleep
- reduction in nausea
- reduction in oedema
- reduction of pain in labor
- reduction in postnatal depression.
Baby Reflexology: Techniques Specifically Designed for Baby
Once the baby is born, just as a baby benefits from massage and aromatherapy, a baby can also benefit from baby reflexology. Specific reflex points on a baby's feet are stimulated for the treatment of various health problems. An experienced and trained reflexologist can teach new mothers how to work the reflex points on their baby's feet. Reflexology can be practiced on babies as young as one month old and can help with problems such as sleeping and digestion.
Different Reflexology Practices
Basic foot and hand reflexology can help to treat a wide number of health problems. However, specific reflexology treatments such as facial, vertical, maternity and baby reflexology can target particular problems or groups of people in an attempt to treat problems more effectively. Consult a qualified and experienced reflexologist for further information on the different types of reflexology treatments.
References:
- Facial Reflexology Sorensensistem(TM) web site, accessed August 12, 2010
- Vertical Reflex Therapy web site, accessed August 12, 2010
- Maternity Reflexology web site, accessed August 12, 2010
- Baby Reflex (UK) web site, accessed August 12, 2010
- Author's own experience and qualifications in reflexology.
Sharon Falsetto - Sharon Falsetto is a business owner, certified clinical aromatherapist & professional writer with a life-long interest in plants.
