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Could someone explain Reflexology to me?

By October 24, 2008 - 2:23pm
 
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I have friends who swear by the benefits of Reflexology but I'm not quite sure what it is! As far as I know it's some kind of foot massage that pinpoints some pressure points that affect the whole body?

That's about the extent of my knowledge!

Has anyone here actually had it done and do you feel better afterwards?

What does it entail?

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EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

thanks alot for this information

February 23, 2009 - 2:28am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

my opinion is that it is a total scam like all "new age" medicine, spirituality, and everything else "new age". The example given above about abdominal problems is nothing more than cold reading, an age old parlour trick. reflexology is a foot message and nothing more ! we believe so much superstitious stuff today we would make the people from the dark ages blush. The above link to the scam reflexology page is filled with the phrase: "It is believed" -as in- "It is believed that Reflexology can improve functions of musculo-skeletal system, circulatory and lymphatic systems and profoundly affect the internal organs of the body."
Delusions are defined as "beliefs" in psychiatric diagnostic criteria.
People in whatever state of underlying psychological disturbance invent beliefs that make them feel better. This is the very definition of "new age medicine" and the "new age" movement in general.
In short, reflexology is an idea invented for and by people paddling with only one ore because nutty ideas make them feel better.

December 19, 2008 - 9:17pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Reflexology is a form of bodywork that is applied to the feet, hands or ears. Professional Reflexologists receive hands-on training at a Reflexology school or a Massage school that offers a course in Reflexology. It is actually not a form of massage, though it is often confused as a foot massage.

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions on this modality: http://reflexology.suite101.com/article.cfm/frequently_asked_questions_a...

I am a board certified Reflexologist with a full-time practice in the United States so my response reflects current education standards and practices here in North America.

October 25, 2008 - 12:43pm

Thanks Melissa, that was a great read!

I don't believe those detox pads actually work, most studies have shown them to be nothing more than hype, taking legitimate Asian healing principles and turning them into money making schemes.

But I think I will definitely give Relexology a shot - the worst that can happen is that I have rested and relaxed feet!

October 25, 2008 - 12:24pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

It is a bit ironic that I just heard a story about this subject yesterday. I have a friend that travels to China several times a year for two weeks per trip for work. When he is in China, he normally purchases foot massages while he is in country. During his last trip, he was asked about his stomach issues by his massager. Please be aware that he never shared his story about an appendix eruption that sustained one month earlier with the woman.

This peaked my interest to research some information on pressure points and hands and feet.

Reflexology is actually a highly recognized form of therapy by some and is looked at as fraud by others. It is mainly used for stress reduction, relaxation, pain management, health enhancement and improved body function. The theory is that a massager utilizes pressure points on the feet, hands and ears to improve health functions, although there is really no scientific proof.

If you look into the history of China with reflexology, they tend to have the ideology that toxins are removed from the body through the feet and that is why if you ever visit Mainland China, you will find foot massage parlors on every street corner. Did you ever see those commercials on television about purchasing the foot pads that release all the toxins in your body over night? Same ideology. The Chinese and Koreans have used this theory for several hundred years although, I couldn't find scientific proof that there is any medical relevance behind the use of reflexology. Needless to say, any chance I can have to obtain a professional massage, I will certainly be entertained by the idea. It should not be used to cure, diagnose or prescribe any disease.

Cancer.org provides some information about reflexology here http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_5_3X_Reflexology.asp?sitea....

Hope this helps or at least you can rest assure that you received a good massage.

October 25, 2008 - 10:18am
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