The feet are the most abused and yet the most neglected parts of our bodies. Our feet support our weight when we are standing, which can be too much if one is overweight or has been standing still for a long time. Whenever we walk or run, the first to feel the shock of the contact between the ground and our bodies are our feet. We keep our feet confined in shoes and socks or stockings for most of the day. The ladies are prone to stressing out their feet more because of the ridiculous necessity of wearing high heels. No wonder our feet hurt so much at the end of the day!
This is why a good foot massage at the end of the day can be an exhilarating experience. Practitioners of reflexology and alternative medicine claim that the nerve endings on the foot correspond to a specific organ of the body, and so massaging certain areas of the foot is like massaging that particular organ to which it is linked.
Whatever claims these practitioners of reflexology may have, the simple fact is that foot massage is so terrific that many who get them on a regular basis are ready to state that it is almost as good as getting a full body massage. When pressure is applied to various spots on the sole of the foot, it seems like all the tension that has built up there is being released; such a release of tension gives the body a feeling of instant relief.
Practitioners of reflexology claim that the principles behind this healing practice have been in existence for around five thousand years. It is said that there are archaeological evidence that give proof of the practice of reflexology in Egypt, China and Japan as early as 2700 BCE. The practice of reflexology itself, however, only came to the western world during the 19th century.
As stated above, in reflexology, it is believed that the feet, hands and ears are segmented into different zones or reflexes, and these zones correspond to a particular part of the body. It is also believed that the feet and hands are very sensitive, as they have pressure sensors that are related to the flight-or-fight mechanism of the body. The energy flow through the body can be blocked in these zones, causing stress and impairs the proper function of certain organs in the body. When the organs of the body fail to do their work properly, illnesses develop.
Applying pressure to specific zones on the feet and hands is believed to release the blocked energy in the body and encourage the corresponding organs to begin healing and functioning as they should. This is because manipulating the zones on the feet and hands aids in promoting circulation and releases endorphins, which are the feel-good hormones of the body. It relieves stress and alleviates pain on a more general level.
