The question, "can YOU help with (insert ailment)?" is asked quite frequently. Such a simple question, yet phrased incorrectly! A different (and more accurate) way to ask this question can be, "what can reflexology help with?" "what are the benefits of reflexology?" or "can reflexology help (insert ailment)?" An even better way to phrase those questions can be, "what can my body heal via reflexology?"
Reflexology has amazing healing and health benefits but it will not work without YOU. Many people ask, for example, "what can I "press" for trouble sleeping or anxiety." I will give you my most honest answer (that you may not like hearing): Reflexology is not magic. You can't just press on your big toe and abra-cadabra, you're asleep! I wish it worked like that... but it doesn't. Reflexology works as a holistic complementary therapy.
What is an holistic complementary therapy?
Reflexologists are trained to look at the foot and see the WHOLE body... Hence, the word 'holistic', which by definition means: "characterized by the treatment of the whole person, taking into account mental and social factors, rather than just the symptoms of a disease" (https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/holistic). Complementary therapies work alongside conventional medicine. According to the Oxford Languages, the definition of 'complementary' is "combining in such a way as to enhance or emphasize the qualities of each other or another." Some synonyms listed include the following: harmonious, complementing, supportive, supporting, compatible, interrelated, etc. A big misconception today is that reflexologists do not like or agree with conventional medicine. This is why I choose to emphasize that reflexology is a complementary therapy. It is true that complementary therapies use a different approach than conventional medicine but they are here to work alongside one another. Just as the synonyms of the word complementary suggest, complementary therapy and conventional medicine complement each other, work in harmony, support one another, and are more compatible than we think.
If a client complains of lower back pain, it is not the job of a reflexologist to only treat the lower back. Reflexologists are trained to look at the whole spine, the neck, the head, the shoulders, the hips, the legs, the urinary system, and the emotional state of the person, to name a few of the many examples. Let me explain the urinary system example I gave... Lower back pain can be a symptom of a urinary tract infection. If a UTI is left untreated, the bacteria/infection can reach the kidneys, which is called, pyelonephritis. Infection in the kidneys is a serious condition that needs medical assistance as soon as possible and along with many symptoms, it can also be expressed as lower back pain. Back pain is so common and can stem from countless imbalances. That is why it is so important to look at the body as a whole because everything is connected and impacts one another, in a positive and negative way.
Our bodies come into contact with bacteria, viruses, germs, physical trauma, and emotional trauma on the daily. Any one of these can push our bodies out of balance. Think of a tightrope walker. Someone trained as a tightrope walker and practices daily to balance on a thin rope or wire will not lose his/her balance by a strong wind. However, a novice, who only practiced a handful of times, may lose his/her balance even by a small gust of wind or by losing focus for just a millisecond. To explain this analogy, the "tightrope walker", in reality, is someone who is constantly working on him/herself, physically as well as mentally. He/she is eating healthy, staying hydrated, sleeping enough, exercising, reducing stress levels, boosting their immune system, etc. The "novice" that jumps on the thin rope without practicing can be interpreted as someone who doesn't maintain a balanced diet, doesn't hydrate enough, doesn't sleep, doesn't stay active, is frequently stressed or anxious, has a low immune system, and so on. The "beginner" will fall off the rope numerous times, without a big external force. It won't take much to push that "beginner" off his course.
Now the good news!
Our bodies are built to heal themselves. Yes, the "beginner" will get sick often, but with some changes in bad habits and steps toward the right direction, illness can be prevented. The beginner can turn into an expert. Our bodies have the ability, the need, and the will to live a healthy and balanced life. Just as the novice tightrope walker will have to work hard, practice daily, mentally prepare him/herself, and stay focused, so too, we have to put in the effort and make changes when we see imbalances in our lives. Our bodies want to live a healthy life so badly that they constantly send us signals and warning signs of illness or imbalance. It is our choice to either listen or ignore.
Reflexology is an amazing tool. At times when we need that support or little encouragement, reflexology can help tremendously. The summer camp I used to go to as a child had a zip line. I was so excited and climbed up the ladder so quickly. As soon as I got to the top and looked down, I froze. I did not want to go down the zip line anymore. The guys working at the top of the zip line have seen this many many times. They knew I really wanted to go but could not do it myself. I just needed that little extra push. The first time, they told me to sit down with my legs dangling off the edge and they would give me a little push. The second time, they told me to stand at the edge and they would give me a nudge. By the third time, I was able to jump by myself and felt so accomplished. Sometimes we need something/someone to nudge us a bit but in reality, the capability lies within. To reiterate, reflexology is an amazing tool. Reflexology will encourage the body to return to its balanced state by bringing out your strengths, abilities, endurance, and healing powers. Reflexology will help you take that first step towards the brighter, better, and healthier you.
The "magic button" you asked about, lies within.
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Benefits of reflexology, or in other words, ailments that your body can heal via reflexology includes:
Relieves digestive issues such as stomach discomfort, constipation, diarrhea, ulcers, gas, etc.
Reduces stress & anxiety
Promotes sleep
Reduces migraines and headaches
Boosts immune system
Balances hormones
Relieves menstrual pains
Alleviates back & body pain
Improves nerve function
Increases blood circulation
Raises energy levels
Great explanation of holistic medicine. Like the zip line example