A sedentary lifestyle, constant stress, responsibilities and lack of time for ourselves make us feel worse and worse. Unfortunately, our daily bad habits have a huge impact on our health, and neglect leads to chronic diseases. Lack of strength, recurrent headache, numbness in the limbs, lethargy, drop in immunity … If these ailments appear more and more often, it is a sign that it is time to take care of your health as soon as possible! Remember that the sooner we react, the greater the chance that we will return to full strength. How to do it? The achievements of alternative medicine, which do not cause any side effects, may turn out to be particularly valuable for our health! Receptors on the feet and hands – how does it work?
One of the treatments worth trying out is reflexotherapy – it is a natural massage method that stimulates the whole body by pressing the receptors around the hands and feet. Chinese technique is a great way to quickly get health and get rid of constant pain without resorting to oral agents and ointments that cause harmful side effects. Who should benefit from touch massage and what are the benefits of regular reflexotherapy? Is it an effective way of treating serious illnesses? How to perform the procedure yourself? We encourage you to read!
Reflexotherapy – how does touch therapy work?
Therapy consisting in applying pressure to specific places on the hands and feet is an Eastern method of treatment that has been used in alternative medicine for centuries. Like many other holistic sciences, reflexology comes from China. In Europe, it began to be used only at the beginning of the 20th century. According to reflexologists, the human body and soul constitute an inseparable whole, therefore the malfunctioning of one organ may have an adverse effect on all other organs, as well as on mental health. For example, if our foot has degeneration, it may mean that one of the internal organs is disturbed, for example the stomach.
According to the principles of reflexology, there are special receptors on our hands and feet, and their proper pressure helps to overcome many ailments. Applying pressure to the right places on the body helps to stimulate the body’s self-repairing processes. Properly performed massage should not cause pain, but if it occurs, it may signal illnesses or serious changes taking place in the organ corresponding to the massaged point. In this case, it is worth consulting a doctor as soon as possible, who will refer us to appropriate tests. It is worth knowing that reflexotherapy does not exclude therapy with traditional methods, but only supports them. The main goal of reflexology is not to treat chronic diseases, but only to improve the functioning of internal organs and support classic treatments.
Reflex zones on hands and feet and magnetic therapy
Reflexology uses the principles of magnetotherapy, which consists in delivering special magnetic impulses to the human body, which are to stimulate the body to natural self-healing processes. The reflex zones of individual organs appear on the inside of the hands and feet. The only exception are the reflex zones of the organs in the head, which are stimulated by massaging the outside of the hand. The receptors on the right hand correspond to the organs on the right side of our body and vice versa. Importantly, we can perform hand massage on our own. Compression massage works like acupuncture, the properties of which are used in the treatment of many diseases. However, reflexotherapy is carried out without the use of needles.
Where are the specific receptors located? The tips of the fingers correspond to the brain area, in the metatarsus there are receptors responsible for the functioning of the heart and lungs, while in the area of the heels we can stimulate the stomach and intestines. The receptors on the hand are similarly distributed – the fingertips correspond to the functions of the head, and the middle part of the fingers is connected to the nervous system, it affects the eyes and sinuses. In the middle of the hand there is a zone connected with internal organs – including the spleen, stomach and liver. Lower, around the wrist, we can stimulate the processes taking place in the ovaries and intestines. Detailed information on the operation of individual receptors can be found in most massage parlors.
Reflexotherapy and reflexology – explanation of the concept
It’s good to know that reflexotherapy means something other than reflexology. Reflexology is the science that deals with the knowledge of places on the human body called receptors. Reflexologists study how human internal organs function under the influence of stimulating the hands and feet. Reflexology derives from reflexotherapy, i.e. a specific procedure that is applied to the hands and feet.
Reflexotherapy – indications
For what purposes is reflexotherapy used? Among the indications for performing touch massage treatments, we can mention, among others:
- backaches
- recurring infections
- previous surgical procedures
- sedentary lifestyle
- digestive system ailments (e.g. heartburn, flatulence, diarrhea)
- diseases of the upper respiratory tract
- back problems
- intestinal disorders
- osteoarthritis
- circulatory disorders
- post-traumatic conditions
- female diseases (e.g. inflammation of the ovaries or small tumors)
- respiratory infections
- heart diseases
Reflexotherapy – how to properly perform a massage? The order of massaging the receptors
We can easily massage the receptors at home. We do not need any essential oils for the treatment. Press firmly on specific points on the body for at least 5 seconds (but no longer than 10 seconds), and then change the pressure point. Massage should be performed from top to bottom. If pain occurs during the massage, it means that in the place where the receptor is responsible, it is a disease. For example, if the touch of my middle heel causes pain, it could be a sign that we have back problems. The entire surface of the hands and feet should be massaged with the same force.
Reflexotherapy – massage effects
The effects of reflexotherapy appear immediately, but for the massage to have a comprehensive and long-term effect, it should be performed as often as possible – at least two or three times a week. The best results of the therapy are visible after a series of about 20 treatments. How does touch massage work?
- improves circulation
- reduces the tension
- cleanses the body of toxins
- it relaxes and reduces stress
- reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases
- supports the treatment of infections
- reduces the symptoms of depression
- supports weight loss
- increases immunity
- Adds energy
- restores mental balance
- reduces stiffness and numbness of the limbs
- helps rebuild damaged cells
- accelerates the rehabilitation process
- strengthens muscles and joints
- has a positive effect on general well-being
- reduces pain
Reflexology – opinions
What do people who regularly use this treatment think about touch massage? It turns out that people undergoing reflexotherapy noticed a number of positive changes caused by massage. Here are the reviews found in online forums:
“I read about reflexology in one of the books on alternative medicine. Due to the fact that for several years I have been struggling with enormous back pain, I decided to sign up for a massage … I did not expect such effects! The masseur stimulates specific points on my feet and I feel that I am recovering from my health! I recommend reflexotherapy to all people for whom traditional treatment does not bring any results. It really works!”
“I decided to go for reflexotherapy during a visit to a physiotherapist. Some time ago I had a serious injury and I still suffer from pains in limbs and joints. The physical therapist showed me how to stimulate the receptors, and I have been doing it myself for some time. The effects are amazing! At last I got rid of the pain that made it difficult for me to function normally. I am back to cycling and I can run again. You must try it! “
“Reflexotherapy is the most effective, traditional method of massage, which helps to get rid of many ailments – in my case it was recurring headaches. Even though the effect of the reflexotherapy has not been proven, I feel that it has helped me regain my full strength. If you are looking for an effective way to fight pain, be sure to learn more about how the receptors work! “
“My daughter is a masseuse and she showed me how to properly massage my hands and feet. I do this twice a day and feel a lot better. I no longer suffer from muscle and joint pain, I also got rid of persistent back pain. It turns out that traditional methods are the best way to stay healthy and avoid expensive treatment! “
Reflexology – contraindications, side effects
Reflexotherapy is a non-invasive procedure and does not cause any side effects harmful to health. Massage can be used with drug treatment. The treatments can be used by people of all ages, including children. However, massage should not be used in the case of acute, chronic infections, foot ulcer, as well as in the case of osteoporosis and diabetes. If we are struggling with a chronic disease, we should inform the masseur or physiotherapist about the type of medications taken. Also pregnant women, especially those at risk, cannot undergo reflexotherapy. Contraindication to reflexotherapy is also mycosis and infections in the area of the feet. Between treatments, it is worth taking a few days’ breaks to help the body regenerate and get rid of harmful toxins.
Reflexotherapy – is it worth trying? How much does the procedure cost?
Pressure treatment is a great way to quickly relieve pain and relax after a hard day – this method will work especially for people who do not have time for regular visits to the massage parlor. You only need to learn the right technique once and then apply it anywhere, anytime. Reflexotherapy restores balance in the body and helps you take care of your mental health in a simple way. The awareness of your own body and regular use of reflexotherapy helps to avoid many serious diseases. A reflexotherapy treatment in a professional massage parlor costs about PLN 100.