Reflexology: Treatment of the Feet

Reflexology, the ancient practice of stimulating points on the feet to benefit other parts of the body

The idea behind reflexology is that all of the body's organs, glands, and main joints are reflected in the feet and that applying pressure to specific points on the feet can stimulate the body's natural healing processes.

• The technique, known to the ancient Egyptians as well as the Chinese and Indians has grown in popularity in recent years, along with other alternative or complementary therapies.
• Alternative therapies, including reflexology, acupuncture, and some herbal medicines have been found to be particularly beneficial for people suffering from chronic musculoskeletal conditions; including, arthritis, or from psychological conditions, as anxiety.
• In the United States, many cancer centers are offering alternative treatments including reflexology to help patients deal with the side effects of the disease.
• Golf clubs across Britain, have hired reflexologists to help players cope with back pain and other aches.
• Reflexology has become more popular in today's society as people are increasingly conscious of their health and how the stress and toll of daily life affects their bodies.
• A reflexologist can find places of unbalance in a body and is able to increase blood flow to certain points of the body.
• There are as many as 7,000 nerve endings on one's feet, and reflexology can help people switch off and heal themselves.

A unit of other flect-, flex- words.