What was it??????????

REFLEXOLOGY!!!!!!!!!!!

Reflexology, the gentle art, has been held in high esteem for centuries for its holistic healing capacity. Holistic, derived from the Greek word meaning whole, aims to treat the individual as an entity, incorporating body, mind, and spirit. Reflexology is a technique of foot pressure, or "thumb walking" on precise reflex points. It is based on the premise that reflex areas on the foot correspond with body parts. The use of this technique achieves a state of balance and harmony.

How does it work??????
The nervous system is an intricate, complex system. It is composed of the central nervous system, the peripheral nervous system, and the autonomic nervous system. Nerve impulses initiated through pressure on the reflexes of the feet may be connected to the autonomic nervous system which controls the involuntary action of internal organs, muscles, and glands through their sympathetic and parasympathetic components. When neural pathways are impaired, nerve function is impeded, and messages are delivered slowly and unreliably. The body operates sub optimally. Reflexology, by stimulating the thousands of nerve endings in the foot, encourages an opening and clearing of neural pathways. In the cardiovascular system, circulation is enhanced and blood pressure can be lowered. In the endocrine system, glandular organs' functioning is optimized and balanced. Reflexology has been credited with reducing anxiety, fatigue, psoriasis, and insomnia. Current research links it with reducing free radicals and cholesterol, fortifying the immune system, restoring and rehabilitating body systems and delaying the age process (Shouqing, pp.21-23, 128-135).

Historical Background
The roots of reflexology are timeless and pervasive. A common theory is that it originated in China 5,000 years ago. However, actual documentation in a pictograph from an influential Egyptian physician's tomb dates reflexology back to 2500B.C. The Inca and Cherokee native American peoples believe that they have practiced healing reflexology for centuries. They acknowledge the importance of feet in maintaining physical, mental and spiritual balance. Fortunately, this ancient practice lives on!

The International Academy of Advanced Reflexology
The International Academy of Advanced Reflexology, (IAAR), proclaims that reflexology can:

1) stop bodily deterioration

2) persuade the body to biologically correct itself

3) strengthen and reinforce all body systems

4) encourage reflexology maintenance programs

The goals are to achieve specific, specialized relaxation in order to improve nerve, blood and lymphatic supply, to re-educate and re-pattern the nerves' instructions via the reflex/neural/electrical system, and persuade biological normalization. The result of this integration therapy is improvement in overall health.

How Does It Feel???
  Sensations during reflexology therapy vary depending on the functioning of the related part. Congested areas will be sensitive; the more congested the more sensitive. Areas without sensation may develop sensation as energy blockages are freed. Common reactions or side effects of reflexology include increased urination, improved skin tone and turgor, increased nasal secretions, altered sleep patterns, intensifying headaches, fatigue or depression as the body cleanses itself of toxins and energy blockages.

Where do I find a reflexologist???
Many reflexologists practice in spas with therapeutic services. Some operate independently and are available through referral from holistic practitioners. You can locate one by using the websites listed as references. The usual treatment course is one or two treatment sessions weekly for eight through twelve weeks. A session generally lasts 45 minutes.

Conclusion
   For their size, feet are quite remarkable! Treat them to the freedom and nurturing they deserve. Go barefoot, walk on sand or pick up pencils with your toes. Better yet, have a reflexology session. If it was good enough for Cleopatra, it'll do wonders for you! 

References

Biography: Cleopatra, Arts & Entertainment Channel, February 16, 1996.

Shou-qing, G., Xian-qing, X., Yuan-zhong, L., &Wan-yan, F. (1996, October). 1996 China

Reflexology Symposium Report, pp. 21-23, 128-135.

http://www.foot-reflexologist.com

http://www.reflexology.net.

http://www.reflexology.org.

http://www.reflexology-research.com