‘Holistic’ – it’s a word you’ve probably heard used a lot but what does it actually mean?   The term ‘holistic’ comes from the Greek word ‘holos’ which means ‘whole’.  It’s the practice of taking the whole person into account rather than just the symptoms of a particular illness or disease.  

Holistic therapies such as Reflexology are underpinned by the idea that health is the result of harmony between the body and the mind. 

Therefore, you will find the focus during any holistic therapy at Sole Revival paying equal attention to how all your body systems are working together. 

Stresses of any kind, be they physical, psychological, social or environmental can upset this balance and cause ‘dis-ease’. You may be experiencing a symptom in one part of your body, but the cause may originate somewhere else – in another body system. 

For  example flu is doing the rounds, but not everybody will catch it.  They are all exposed to the same bug so why is that?  

The answer lies in your own body, it must be the internal environment and your state of wellbeing at that moment – that’s the deciding factor in who will get flu and who won’t. 

Reflexology and other holistic therapies do not see you as a collection of separate parts but as one energy system which comes complete with its own internal pharmacy. Reflexology facilitates this healing. 

 All your thoughts and feelings get translated into chemicals that fire off throughout your body altering the behaviour of your cells. A sad feeling will influence the cells of your tear ducts and make them produce tears and a funny joke or lovely memory will release feel-good hormones and lighten your mood.

The profoundly calm and relaxed state of being enjoyed by many during a Reflexology treatment provides the ideal conditions for the body and the mind to rebalancing and healing to take place.

  As the mind quiets, chemicals are released which help to balance the digestive system, bring the heart rate down and reduce the amount of stress hormones in the body.  This in turn can help to reduce and relieve the many stress related symptoms which are responsible for the majority of visits to our GPs.  

 In this way, holistic therapies should not only help to alleviate stress and die-ease but done regularly can be a preventative measure in maintaining bodymind health and wellbeing. Our ability to heal is influenced by our physiological and emotional state.  

For the Part can never be well, unless the whole is well….(Plato)

Reflexology has many health benefits*

• Relaxation.

• Improved sleep

• Reduction in pain

• Reduced anxiety

• Improvement of Your Nerve Functions. ...

• Improvement In Your Brain Power. ...

• Increased Blood Circulation In Your Body. ...

• Eliminating Your Body's Toxins. ...

• Boosting Your Metabolism & Energy Level.

• Reducing Your Headaches. ...

• Relieving discomfort from Menstruation & Pregnancy.

Why is reflexology sometimes painful?
The underlying theory behind reflexology is that there are “reflex” areas on the feet that correspond to specific organs or parts of the body. For example:
• The tips of the toes reflect the head.
• The heart and the chest are around the ball of the foot.
• The liver, pancreas and kidneys are in the arch of the foot.
• Lower back and intestines are towards the heel.

There are more than 7000 nerve endings in the human foot, and by targeting these nerve endings, the reflexologist can assist the flow of energy through the body to the areas affected by illness or stress.

Medical or clinical reflexology is where specific thumb, finger and hand techniques are used – mostly with deep pressure – on the various congested reflex areas. This holistic approach will optimize blood, lymph and nerve flow to a specific area, thus minimizing pain as well as muscle tension and facilitating the body’s natural healing and detoxifying process.

Reflexology will often hurt when the congested reflex areas are treated. As the condition improves with several reflexology sessions, so will the soreness on the corresponding reflexes.
Pain on a specific reflex is always brief and only lasts as long as the reflexologist is applying pressure. Pain is always kept at bearable levels.

The well-trained reflexologist will adapt his pressure to the pain levels of the patient. He will also teach the patient deep breathing techniques (deep breathing releases endorphins, the body’s natural pain-killer) in order to reduce the pain sensation.

What are the benefits?
This treatment is used for a variety of ailments. Not only is it beneficial as a tool for relaxation and stress relief, but is also effective in improving circulation, relieving pain, and acts as an immune and nervous system stimulator.
Many people with illnesses such as allergies, chronic sinus problems, migraines, anxiety, depression, back pain, headaches, arthritis, digestion problems, insomnia, asthma, PMS and period pain - to name but a few - have been helped tremendously by reflexology treatments.
Most people describe a profound sense of relaxation and increased energy following their session.

What reflexology and reflexologists are not
Although reflexology is proven to be beneficial for a multitude of problems, your reflexologist cannot diagnose or claim to cure any disease. They are not medically trained. Reflexology can help to restore balance and coax your body into healing itself.

Reflexology is recommended as a complimentary therapy and should not replace medical treatment. Seek advice from your medical practitioner before making your reflexology appointment.

Source: www.reflexologyforbackpain.com, www.wellbeingescapes.com, www.takingcharge.chs.umn.edu, beforeitsnews.com, altmedicine.about.com, breathetherapy.co.uk

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.