Integrative Reflexology is a holistic approach to healing based on Traditional Chinese medicine using zone reflex and meridian points on the feet, hands, and/or ears. This theory approaches the body as a complete macrocosm with interrelated systems. By accessing the feet, hands, or ears (predominately the feet in my practice) a practitioner has ability to support and heal the body using these body parts as a smaller platform of the entire body and systems. By using specific pressure and points on the feet, hands, and ears (again, most often on the feet in my sessions), it creates beneficial responses in the nervous, energetic, and chemical systems. A therapist slowly and intentionally applies pressure to these access points and the body relaxes allowing for healing to occur while tension and pain subside.
How Does Integrative Reflexology Work?
The human foot alone contains over 7000 nerve endings in each foot. These nerve endings are connected to every part of the body. If the body is exerting too much energy due to stress, this imbalance translates also to the tissue surrounding the nerves in the feet, hands, and ears. When stress, pain, or disease occurs in the body, the muscles in that area contract and the “reflexive” area on the feet, hands, and ears will also feel tender or panful. By pressing this reflex area, the therapist initiates a response. This response moves through the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems which influence all body processes – thus creating chemical reactions. This chemical reaction stimulates venous circulation as well as the lymph system to help trigger balance in the body.
What Can It Do For the Body?
Integrative Reflexology uses unique manual techniques to deliver pressure to neural pathways, assisting the body to function optimally. Research in reflexology has shown that it can improve circulation. Circulation carries oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and the lymph system carries cellular waste away. Improved circulation can mean decreased muscle tension and pain. It can reduce swelling from injuries, surgeries, or illness. Immune function, mental well-being and general health also improve when circulation is increased. From there, integrative reflexology can affect each cell in the body. This positive sensory impact helps to support the body’s ability to function and heal.
To sum it up, Integrative Reflexology allows the body to relax by releasing tensions and improving blood flow. As a result, it helps the body to adjust back to heathy balance.
Massage Services Offered
I can provide a wide array of massage services including:
