Reflexology for Relieving the Hands and Feet

Reflexology is an ancient art that has been used off and on for thousands of years in Egypt and Asia. Over time, it has faded in and out of popularity, and it is now in the middle of growing popularity again amongst health practitioners and patients alike. It was first noticed in the western part of the world in the 19th century, when doctors and scientists were beginning to realize just what that nervous system and reflexes are and how they react.

The general concept of reflexology is a therapy that is used by applying techniques with the fingers and hands to the pressure points of the hands and feet. When done properly, it has been shown time and time again to relieve stress and common physical ailments, such as headaches, chronic pain, and more.

Reflexology can also be preferable to many conventional treatments, as you won't have to rely on any chemicals or drugs - reflexology will help relax you, ease any stress you may have, and release your body's natural chemicals that help fight stress and depression. The blood flow is also easily improved without having to rely on a NSAID medication (which has the potential to cause serious complications). The body has also been shown to respond more quickly to reflexology than many conventional treatments.

It has not been proved as to how exactly it works, but one of the common theories is the idea of each bodily organ as being linked to certain pressure points in the feet and hands. When pressure is applied to these points, it helps relax tension in the corresponding muscles as well as help blood flow to these areas. A more modern way of describing it, is to do with neurology. The pressure points in the feet and hands are linked to the nervous system as triggers for the body's reflexes, and when there is pressure there it sends signals to the organs and releases chemicals in the body that helps the body and mind overall become more relaxed.

Most people who want to try reflexology have it done by a licensed therapist who specializes in it, commonly known as a reflexologist. Of course, more and more general therapists are becoming educated in reflexology along with their other specialties. But the nice thing about reflexology, is that it's a therapy that can be done by yourself, at home. Some cities give lessons or certifications in it, but even if you can't find such classes near you, there are quite a few resources online - such as pressure point maps of the hand and feet - that can help. There are also products like socks and gloves available that shows you were each pressure point is and what organ it is supposed to be linked to. You would then apply pressure to the points that seem to be ailing you. Even if you aren't a professional, you can still make yourself less stressed and relaxed with reflexology.