Health: About Reflexology



	The Reflexology Association of Canada defines it as "A natural healing art, based on the principle that there are reflexes in the feet and hands which correspond to every part of the body." By stimulating and applying pressure to the feet or hands, you are increasing circulation and promoting specific bodily and muscular functions. Kevin Kunz, one of the pioneers of reflexology, puts it best -- "Imagine stepping on a tack. Your whole body reacts because of something perceived by the foot. Reflexology with a full range of pressure sensors, utilizes the same body system of fight or flight to relax the body." Indeed,
	the feet and hands are more sensitive than most people realize. Similar to how we use our eyes to detect light, the hands and feet detect pressure, stretch, movement and weight distribution.
	The 1996 China Reflexology Symposium Report has found foot reflexology to be 93.63% effective in treating 63 disorders. After an analysis of 8,096 clinical cases, Dr. Wang Liang reported that reflexology was significantly effective (the cure) in 48.68% of all the cases, and an effective/improved treatment in 44.95% of the cases Another study, in Britain, had fifteen women receive half-hour reflexology sessions for eight weeks. The findings included noticable physical and emotional improvements, increased self-esteem and confidence, an ability to stay motivated and be heard and taken seriously, and an improvement in concentration. Here are some important reminders before using reflexology. Avoid use for one hour after meals. Within 30 minutes after massage, you should drink at least 500 cc (cubic centimeters) of warm water; in cases of kidney or heart disease, you should drink no more than 150 cc of water. Do not apply heavy pressure to bones. In case of serious heart conditions, diabetes, or kidney problems, use at any time should be restricted to under 10 minutes. In case of epilepsy, heart conditions, or high blood pressure, a physician should be consulted. If after use of the massage board for a period of time, do not feel alarmed if an ailment seems to worsen or the mouth feels dry. This is normal, especially in the case of inflammation or rheumatism and will pass shortly.