Healing Journeys with Suzie Daggett
Suzie Daggett interviewed practitioners who help clients relax and distress through the practice of Reflexology. Historically, the art and science of Reflexology can be traced to ancient cultures in Egypt and Asia. Today, Reflexology is considered a relaxation therapy that can help reduce the effects of stress as it assists the body in healing. By using certain pressure points, Reflexology can improve lymphatic drainage and venous circulation, simulate the nerve pathways, and relax muscles.
Question: How does reflexology aid in health and well being?
Susan Hayes: Reflexology, in general, helps relax a person, so that the body can heal itself. It can help with specific conditions by virtue of the fact that there are specific reflex points on the feet (and hands) that correspond with particular body parts. For example, working on the spine reflex might help relieve back pain; working on the shoulder or knee reflex point might relieve athritis pain. Our blood circulates 4 times per minute from the feet to the heart, any blockages in that circulation route are helped by stimulating the reflex points on the feet. If there is a tender spot, it means that there is an obstruction or blockage. Working that tender spot helps open up and improve the flow of blood and energy through the body. For instance, a client just got home from 8 months in a hospital in Reno, where he had a total of 7 surgeries. After his course of treatment, he had suffered nerve damage to his feet, which always feel ice cold and on pins and needles. Physical therapy, drugs, warm foot baths - nothing helped, except, the human touch of reflexology. It is the only time he feels relief. When he first started treatment, he needed 2 canes to walk, now he Is able to walk without canes. Susan can be reached at Mountain Top Reflexology, 530-878-7065
Judi Gunkel: Reflexology is a preventative health modality that, through therapeutic touch, brings the body into balance by de-stressing it. Reflexology can access all the body systems through the feet, hands and ears. There is a bio-electric current that carries energy throughout the body. This energy is essential for optimal health. Stress of any kind can block this energy and dis-ease will manifest in the body. Many clients have back, arthritis and sleep issues. By de-stressing the body, the over energy of pain is minimalized. Reflexology is by no means a substitute for medication, but some people feel they do not need as much medication when their body feels in balance. Reflexology is not a panacea for health. One must live a balanced lifestyle with diet and exercise. Reflexology is just one modality that can assist in this goal. Judi can be reached at Feet First with Judi, 530-271-7771 or via her website at www.cafeetfirst.com .
Abhi Ktori Carter, RCST: Reflexology is a treat for the feet and also a great way to support health and well-being. By stimulating specific energy points on the feet, the therapist promotes balance and healing in every part of the body. Many health conditions respond to regular reflexology treatments. For example, by stimulating points on the feet that relate to adrenal glands and kidneys, a reflexologist can relieve arthritic symptoms and reduce joint inflammation. Reflexology increases our natural production of cortisone, thus reducing the need for pharmaceutical cortisone with its possible side effects. Reflexology also encourages the body’s elimination of excess uric acid, one cause of arthritic pain and inflammation. Because reflexology is so relaxing, it is also a wonderful way to manage the stress of daily life and some of its adverse consequences, like insomnia and sleep problems. Reflexology helps balance the nervous system, relax the spine, and settle the heart, circulation and digestive systems. Working with points related to the pineal gland promotes production of melatonin, a hormone that affects sleep rhythms. Reflexology clients experience deeper, more restful sleep. Other ailments that are helped by reflexology include minor heart problems, constipation, hormonal imbalance, back pain, and weight problems. Such conditions are partially the result of impaired circulation. Life is a flow. When congestion and stagnation exist, the result is disease and pain. Abhi can be reached at 530-362-0526 or via the website at www.essencetouch.com .
Healing Journeys is a column written by Suzie Daggett for the Grass Valley Union newspaper. Suzie interviews a variety of health practitioners most Fridays in the Wellness section. Click here to read past articles prior to 2005. Enter "Suzie Daggett" in the search box to get listing of all articles. |
