POSITIVE EFFECTS OF A FOOT REFLEXOLOGY MASSAGE ON YOUR HEALTH

The first image of foot treatment by a healer was discovered on papyrus in 2,500 BC. And for centuries, not only the Indians on their reservations have followed the reflexive connections and the effect of pressure treatment. In China, too, people knew how to use the connections medically and therapeutically in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Foot reflexology is firmly anchored in Far Eastern massage traditions. It is used in Ayurvedic medicine, Thai massage and also in Chinese Tuina.

Then it is known that the American ear, nose and throat doctor William Fitzgerald, who lived from 1872 to 1942, had knowledge of Native American folk medicine and traditional medicine. Equipped with this knowledge, he divided the body first into ten perpendicular zones and later also into three transverse zones. He transferred this grid proportionally to the sole of the foot. The first foundation stone for foot reflexology was laid.

Fitzgerald’s assistant Eunice Ingham, who lived from 1889 to 1974, is responsible for the further development. She was also the one who for the first time depicted the individual reflex zones on the feet (and hands) like a map.

WHAT IS FOOT REFLEXOLOGY BASED ON?

According to plausibility, the body is considered as a unit. By applying pressure to certain reflex points on the foot, the body’s circulating life energy, the Qi, is stimulated.

Orthodox medicine does not recognize any basis for the representation that organs and muscle groups are connected to the sole of the foot. Nevertheless, there are clinical studies and investigations that report positive effects. This includes a study published in 2006 by the University Clinic of Jena, which certifies that knee pain can be alleviated. Positive results are also reported for multiple sclerosis (MS) as well as headaches and back pain.

PROMOTE WELL-BEING

It is very possible to increase the general well-being by massaging the reflex zones on the feet, because existing blockages can be released and a relaxing effect cannot be denied. By loosening the tissue, energy can flow increasingly and, at best, unhindered.

This aspect can have an effect especially in professional and private stress situations, in negative moods, in sleeping and falling asleep disorders as well as in psychological stress. The best time is late afternoon or early evening.

On the other hand, it must be explicitly mentioned in this context that a preventive application of FRM is also possible, in order to prevent a restriction or illness with maximum possibility. Another positive aspect of (FRM) is the strengthening of the immune system. An increasingly stable immune system can lead to a natural improvement in symptoms.

ACTIVATION OF THE NATURAL SELF-HEALING POWERS

Important here is the gentle pressure on the relevant reflex points in the right order, so that the target signals can be sent in the organism.

Eine regelmäßige Anwendung der RFM kann zu einem verbesserten Wohlgefühl während der Menstruation führen, wenn zyklusbedingte Probleme vorliegen. Zu empfehlen ist eine wöchentliche Anwendung über zwei Monate. Danach reicht meistens eine Behandlung pro Monat. Zu den weiteren Bereichen, die mit einer FRM behandelt werden können, gehören:

• Gelenkschmerzen und
• Wirbelsäulenleiden
• Verspannungen und Verkrampfungen
• Schlafstörungen
• Wechseljahresbeschwerden
• Durchblutungs- und Kreislaufstörungen
• Kopfschmerzen und Migräne
• Magen-Darm-Störungen
• Blasenentzündungen
• Erkältungen und Heuschnupfen

In any case, do not drink or eat much before the massage. The massage effect may be reduced by the digestive process. Especially in the case of chronic diseases, regular application should be ensured. Individual treatments can increase well-being as well as relieve acute discomfort or pain.

In case of inflammations and fever, no massage of the foot reflex zones should take place. This also applies at the time of pregnancy and psychoses. Also, together with the therapist, it should be considered which massage of the reflex zones on the foot is just right. Rather the calming or the invigorating?

At the beginning there is a detailed conversation, the anamnesis, with a duration of at least 30 minutes. All physical and psychological complaints, but also the private and professional environment are addressed. Increasingly, the treatment in the institutes now begins with a breath relaxation. It is assumed that the solar plexus is the area where tensions and stress mainly accumulate.

For the first treatment, the patient lies on the treatment couch with bare feet and in a supine position. The first step is a systematic palpation of the soles of the feet. The initial palpation, in conjunction with the patient’s reaction, is the basis for the therapist to identify which organs, joints or muscle groups are diseased. Only now does the massage of the reflex zones on the foot begin.

Different grip techniques are used to stimulate the reflex points associated with, for example, the diseased organ in order to activate the organ’s self-healing powers. Both feet are always treated in each session. In many cases, FRM leads to a certain fatigue. Therefore, the possibility should be offered to find rest and relaxation in a separate room.

At the end of a treatment, the critical zones are drawn on a map and serve as a reminder during the follow-up treatment. In most cases 10 to 12 treatments are recommended. However, the patient and his complaints must always be considered and treated individually. A generalization is therefore not helpful and also not honest.

At the beginning, always embrace the foot and joints with both hands and warm them by gently twisting. Then with light kneading, first massage the whole foot with the thumb to promote blood circulation. Then massage the midfoot and then gently knead the midline. Finally, of course, the toes should be spread and stretched.

And with everything, hold the foot firmly in your hand. Understandable literature and goal-oriented courses help to get to know the individual reflex points. However, in the case of serious illnesses should be acted with caution and a conversation with the attending physicians should take place in advance.

Rather an inconvenience is the frequently occurring initial worsening. However, this should not lead to serious concerns or uncertainty.

This also applies to the onset of nervousness or digestive problems. In principle, the reactions are quite positive, because they are part of the healing process and usually disappear after a short time.

If the treatment is carried out by recognized therapists, part of the cost is reimbursed by most SHI funds under their supplementary insurance policies. For self-payers, treatment prices per session vary between about 50 and 80 francs. It is often cheaper to buy a treatment package.

In complementary medicine, foot reflexology is increasingly recognized and used at least as an adjunct. It is worthwhile in any case to discuss the topic with the attending physician. Also with a certain persistence!

A therapeutic FRM should always be performed by a trained masseur, alternative practitioner or therapist with appropriate training. Appropriate certificates provide information about this to anyone who is interested.