FOOT AND FACIAL REFLEXOLOGY

FOOT REFLEXOLOGY (South-African technique)

Foot reflexology works on the basis that the whole body is projected on the feet, each system and each organ being represented by a specific zone. The aim of reflexology is to re-balance the subtle energies of the receiver, thus equipping the individual to combat his or her psychological or physical imbalances.

The South African technique of reflexology is very pleasant to receive and induces a state of profound relaxation. It is precisely this relaxed state which releases physical tensions and enables the body to find its own equilibrium.

Foot reflexology:
-      stimulates the circulation of energies, of blood and of lymphatic fluid;
-      encourages the elimination of toxins;
-      rebalances the endocrine system;
-      improves digestion;
-      regulates respiration and cardiac rhythm (through its action on the parasympathetic nervous system).

By restoring the free flow of the vital energy that animates all living things, reflexology helps the receiver to find physical and psychological balance.  The flow of energy can be disrupted by stress, emotions, bad eating habits, illnesses, etc. Pain and imbalances that we experience physically are the sign that the energetic flow is disrupted or blocked. Long-term tension aggravates the energy blockage and inhibits the body’s natural detoxification process: a vicious circle!

The practitioner detects and dislodges toxins in the foot reflex zones. In this way, reflexology helps the body to detoxify naturally, whether the toxins are of the emotional or the physical variety.

The South African technique of reflexology is characterised by a very light touch on the surface of the skin which has an effect on the whole body via the central and the autonomous nervous systems. There is neither direct intervention on the organs nor physical manipulation. The technique functions on a global rather than a symptomatic level: the reflexologist contacts all of the reflex zones of the feet, irrespective of the receiver’s symptoms.

How does foot reflexology work?

Foot reflexology acts in several ways :

The nervous system

The feet contain numerous nerve endings and stimulating the reflex zones of the feet has an effect, via the nerves, on the central nervous system which governs the functioning of organs, muscles and glands. The nerves transmit an electrochemical message to the central nervous system.

The entire body receives nervous impulses emanating from the nerves originating in the spinal column. If we accumulate tensions, the muscles can contract and the nerves will then transmit signals of pain. Reflexology’s direct action on the central nervous system and the relaxation it engenders help the receiver’s body to release this tension and to reverse the process.

The blood circulation

Hypertension or hypertension, cold extremities and broken or varicose veins are signs of disturbances in the circulation of the blood. Reflexology has a beneficial effect on the circulatory system through its action on the autonomous nervous system which influences its function.

The lymphatic system

By re-establishing the flow of vital energy in the body, reflexology encourages the liberation of toxins, which can then be evacuated by the excretory organs and the lymphatic system.

The hormonal system

The stimulation of the nervous system also helps rebalance the endocrine system, which regulates our hormones and hence our moods.

Does it hurt?

No. The practitioner employs a very light touch which works not by stimulating the tissues of the foot but by provoking a state of profound relaxation, enhancing the body’s natural capacity to heal itself. A session of South African reflexology is never painful. The only uncomfortable aspect is the possible emergence and evacuation of emotions.

CHINESE REFLEXOLOGY

This technique involves more sustained and deeper pressure than South African reflexology but remains pleasant for the receiver. The reflex zones on the feet correspond to the 12 meridians of Traditional Chinese Medicine, each of which are associated with a bodily organ and with certain psychological characteristics. The aim of this reflexology is to re-establish the free circulation of energy in all the meridians and thus to restore the harmony between Yin and Yang, the two opposing but complementary forces described in oriental philosophy.

By working directly on the muscles, tendons and skeletal structure of the feet the technique liberates the toxins that have accumulated in the feet. These toxins enter the blood and lymphatic circulation and are evacuated via the urinary or digestive systems. For this reason, Chinese reflexology is contra-indicated for people suffering from kidney or liver insufficiency.

Depending on the nature of the problem for which the person has consulted, the session might be completed by work on specific acupuncture points, either manually or by moxibustion (a Traditional Chinese Medicine technique of stimulation using heat).

FACIAL REFLEXOLOGY (diên chân)

As with the feet, the entire body is represented on the face in the form of reflex zones and points corresponding to each system and each organ. The face contains numerous blood vessels and nerve endings. Its proximity to the brain (the command centre of the nervous system) ensures that the reflexological “message” is received directly by the brain. This facilitates a powerful neuro-psychic action and explains the effectiveness of this technique for alleviating physical pain.

After stimulating all the reflex zones on the face, the practitioner then works on particular points with a special tool or using his or her fingers.

Contraindications for all reflexology techniques: 

Thrombosis is a contraindication for all techniques of reflexology because of the danger that the relaxation of the muscles retaining a blood clot liberate it, causing a pulmonary embolism.

Contraindications for Chinese foot reflexology:

·        cancer in the progressive stage;

·        a recent fracture or severe sprain of the ankle; 

·         inflammation of the foot or ankle;

·         severe renal or hepatic failure;

·         cardiac fragility;

·         high temperature;

·         advanced osteoporosis;

·         exostosis or calcaneal spur;

·         pregnancy;

·         not indicated for children under the age of five

IMPORTANT: A reflexologist never makes a medical diagnosis and a reflexology session cannot replace a medical consultation. Reflexology is an energetic technique whose goal is to promote relaxation.

 14/05/2018