Pristine Spas Services Reflexology Massage

Reflexology is all about pressure. It is a form of massage that relies upon various pressure points and the actual stress level applied to those points to alleviate pain and discomfort in certain parts of the body. The therapists who specialize in reflexology are sometimes called reflexologists. Those who've had reflexology often tout the many benefits of this treatment. There is quite a wide range of health benefits associated with this specific massage practice.

Numerous theories surround the practice of reflexology and how exactly it works. Whether more traditional ideas about the technique or modern concepts, the benefits are still plentiful for reflexology treatment.

For example, reflexology itself was first developed around the Chinese idea that vital energy flows through each person. Upon experiencing stress, specific pathways as far as this energy become effectively blocked. This then can lead to a host of stress-induced issues, including depression, illness, and pain and discomfort in general. Reflexology at its foundation seeks to unblock the channels through which energy flows to maintain health and proper balance.

In traditional Chinese-based practice, certain body parts and points along the body influence others. Using a body map, reflexologists will target key pressure points to relieve symptoms in specific areas. This, in turn, is meant to send healing energy to the parts of the body that require attention.

Some other reflexology theories contend that the nervous system generally reacts to outside factors such as touch and pressure. And so, during reflexology, the therapist's touch may have an overall calming effect on the entire nervous system when done correctly. Nerves, in turn, connect to the body's organs, and thus healing is promoted in this way.

Some people also believe that reflexology is primarily used to target pain in specific areas. Through a calming touch on particular sites, the pain diminishes significantly. This also goes a long way toward promoting stress reduction.

There is also the zone theory. Which suggests that the body is composed of a series of vertical zones. Each zone corresponds to specific body parts/organs. Each site also corresponds to particular fingers and toes. Some reflexologist theories contend that by working on the fingers and toes, you can access and help heal essentially any and every afflicted body part.

Reflexology has numerous benefits, almost too many to name. Some have been evaluated and thus proven from a scientific perspective. Among the benefits of reflexology:

• Stress reduction
• Alleviation of anxiety and depression.
• Helps reduce pain
• Lifts the mood
• Improves general health and well-being
• Immune system improvement
• Helps with certain types of cancer
• Fights bacterial infection
• Can assist with back issues
• Correct hormonal imbalances
• Improves digestion
• Good for people living with arthritis
• Can ease nerve-related problems

While there aren't many studies concerning the scientific results/aspects of reflexology, there is evidence that it can be an excellent treatment to complement primary treatments and thus help aid in the healing process.

Primarily, reflexology has been shown to help promote faster healing as it can decrease stress levels and lessen anxiety—these can significantly inhibit the healing process. Overall, many tout its ability to improve health and well-being more generally. And it certainly can provide relief from pain and discomfort depending on the treatment type and duration.

Some research has been done surrounding reflexology and pain management. For example, one such study was done on women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. A routine of reflexology treatments was shown to have some benefits. Some of their symptoms were partly alleviated upon receiving reflexology. In this case, pain mitigation following reflexology did not seem to be prevalent among the women studied.

Additionally, studies have been done in conjunction with the benefits of reflexology concerning women experiencing menstrual symptoms. One such study that focused on hand and foot reflexology practices reported that following a couple of months of treatment, the PMS symptoms did decrease among the women surveyed. This was a relatively small study done several years ago, though the results in reflexology benefits are nonetheless positive.

Reflexology has been heralded for its ability to help reduce stress and anxiety in those who receive this type of massage treatment. And even in more serious matters, such as for those undergoing various medical therapies who might be experiencing higher levels of anxiety, the benefits of reflexology have been apparent.

Touch, in general, is relaxing. And when the therapist is trained in certain reflexology practices and knows precisely what areas to target, this type of touch can go a long way toward lessening the symptoms of stress.

This is an essential question that many people have upon scheduling a reflexology treatment. Many describe reflexology as exceedingly comfortable. Unlike some more intense massage therapies, it is non-invasive and does not involve heavy or deep pressure.

One thing that is highly recommended is talking to your physician if you have a health condition or any concerns regarding receiving a reflexology treatment. For those experiencing the following issues, you likely will want to consult with your physician first:

• circulatory problems
• blood clots or clotting disorders
• gout
• any relevant ulcers
• fungal infections
• open wounds
• epilepsy

While there are not generally any side effects following reflexology treatment, keep in mind that on occasion, some people have reported experiencing lightheadedness, soreness in the targeted areas, as well as other sensitivities. These generally disappear rather quickly after your treatment.

Reflexology is something you may be surprised about how good you feel after the treatment if you haven't yet tried. Many swear by how it helps them deal with pain and other such symptoms. Again, before treatment of this nature, consult with your doctor first if you have a health issue.