ABOUT REFLEXOLOGY
Step Forward of Oregon provides a special kind of Reflexology. It is a blend of modalities, including techniques fromTotal Body Reflexology, Applied Kinesiology, Clinical Kinesiology, Touch for Health, Reiki, and others.
If you have long-term pain this treatment is for you!
We specialize in chronic and repetitive strain issues, and without surgery or pharmaceutical toxins (aka: pharmaceutical drugs)!
What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is a therapy in which nerve endings (primarily in the feet, hands and ears) are stimulated by specific light pressure techniques to effect changes in another part of the body and thereby improve health and help overcome disease.
In some cases, it is to stimulate circulation and nerve action at the other end of the nerve association. In other cases, like with repetitive strain injuries, the proper treatement will "reset" the circuit breakers that control muscles, restoring normal muscle function.
The science of reflexology as used today was founded by Dr. William Fitzgerald, an American ear nose and throat surgeon. He called his technique Zone Therapy.
In the 1930's a massage therapist named Eunice Ingham refined Dr. Fitzgerald's Zone Therapy and developed what is now known as "reflexology." She observed that congestion or tension in any part of the foot mirrored congestion or tension in a related part of the body. Therefore, treating the areas of the feet could have a relaxing and healing effect on different organs and tissues inside the body.
How does it work?
Reflexology is sometimes known as Zone Therapy because the body is divided into different zones represented by points in the feet or hands.
Nerve endings are imbedded in the feet and hands that travel to the spinal cord and to various parts of the body creating "nerve associations." Stimulating these nerve endings helps promote relaxation, improve circulation, stimulate vital organs in the body and encourage the body's natural healing processes. Unlike conventional medicine, reflexology works on the underlying problems within the body and works through the body's nervous system, which is already trying to heal the problem.
Sometimes lactic acid or other body by-products can be felt in the foot in the form of little crystals. This is a sediment due to poor eating or lack of exercise and can be crushed and reabsorbed into the body thereby allowing the lymph system to eliminate the waste product.
What does treatment involve?
Reflexology treatments can take up to an hour or more, and like with acupuncture, usually about six sessions are recommended for optimum results. Some results are achieved immediately, some results come after several treatments.
The treatment involves a range of light to firm pressure to the soles and uppers of mainly your feet, hands, or ears. Since the reflex points are very small the reflexologist has to be very precise.
It is possible that there will be a reaction to the first treatment in various forms such as increased bowel movements or virus-like symptoms. This is a healthy sign, which tells you that the treatment has encouraged the release of harmful toxins from the body. During treatment some areas of the foot may feel a little tender and these will correlate with the problem areas in the body.
With repetitive strain injuries there is usually an instant change in muscle function, and an instant change in pain level (reduced or eliminated).
What can it help?
Reflexology can treat nearly all health problems. Although many reflex areas will be addressed, the therapist will pay specific attention to the actual problem area. For example, for migraines, strokes, multiple sclerosis, etc. pressure will be applied to the reflex points in the feet or hands that relate to the head and the connecting areas. In this way the reflexologist will treat all disorders according to where in the body they occur, for example, neck, back and hip problems, sciatica and arthritis will be treated in the musculoskeletal area, and angina, high blood pressure and any circulatory problems will be treated in the heart reflex area, and so on.
Reflexology will not fix problems such as broken bones or hernias, but if used regularly it will enhance any other treatments you are receiving by keeping the circulation stimulated and the lymph system active. You should also experience feelings of vitality and well-being after a reflexology treatment, which encourages the healing process throughout the body.
