Massage Types
- Acupoint Therapy
- Acupressure
- Ayurvedic Massage
- Back Massage
- Bowen Therapy
- Breema
- Chi Nei Tsang
- Cranial Sacral
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Esalen Massage
- Foot Massage
- Four Handed Massage
- La Stone Therapy
- Lymphatic Drainage
- Muscle Energy Technique
- Myofascial Release
- Orthopedic Massage
- Petrissage
- Physiotherapy
- Pregnancy Massage
- Qigong
- Reflexology Massage
- Reiki
- Scalp Massage
- Shiatsu
- Stone Massage
- Swedish Massage
- Thai Massage
- Therapeutic Touch Massage
- Watsu
Reflexology Massage
Reflexology Massage is also known as zone therapy. It involves squeezing, massaging or pushing on parts of the feet and also on hands and ears. Its main aim is to improve general health and have a beneficial effect on various parts of the body. Reflexology Massage works when the areas on the foot corresponding to the areas of the body are worked on.
History of Reflexology Massage
The predecessor of this type of massage was introduced in 1913 by nose, ear and throat specialist William H. Fitzgerald, M.D. (1872-1942) and Dr. Edwin Bowers in the United States. Dr. Fitzgerald stated that there is an anesthetic effect on parts of the body when pressure is applied.
In the 1930’s and 1940’s, Reflexology Massage was further developed by a nurse and physiotherapist, Eunice D. Ingham (1899-1974). He asserted that the hands and feet were sensitive and mapped the entire body according to ‘reflexes’ on the feet. It was then that ‘zone therapy’ was renamed reflexology.
How Reflexology Massage Works
Through stimulation and application of pressure on the feet or hands, bodily and muscular functions can be improved. A reflexologist works on specific points on the feet which correspond to the organ or system of the body. It is believed that the soles of the feet have the sensory nerves of the internal organs of the body.
In Reflexology therapy, fingers, hands, cream, a wooden stick and oils are used to stimulate the reflex action in parts of the body.
Benefits of Reflexology Massage
This massage is ideal for all types of people of various ages. It is also used to relax the body and mind too. There are various ailments for which this therapy has been effective like –
- stress related conditions
- migraine
- sleep disorders
- infertility
- hormonal imbalances
- back pain
- arthritis
- sleep disorders
- digestive disorders
Reflexology Massage also helps in relieving stress with its gentle and soothing therapy.
