 I've been reading a couple of things recently which have deepened my understanding about Reflexology and complementary therapies and I’ve come up with my own view about the real reason why Reflexology works.
One of the problems for many people about Reflexology is the lack of visible link between the feet and the rest of the body. How can Reflexology work when there is no visible or defined pathway between the feet and the various parts of the body? There are many theories about how Reflexology works but no definitive answer and acupuncture meridian pathways are often used as a solution – working on the feet access energy pathways throughout the body and that balances the body. I’m quite happy to accept that explanation, but I’ve also got a theory of my own. My theory is based on a few suppositions: 1. Homeostasis is a prime function of the body: the maintenance of a constant internal environment allows the body to function effectively. Thus, homeostasis (balance) is to be desired. And balance is one of the main aims of Reflexology – go figure! 2. We can’t be stressed and relaxed at the same time. And when we’re relaxed, we allow our body to progress the repair and renewal function. Relaxation literally supports the ability for us to heal ourselves. And relaxation is one of the main aims of Reflexology – go figure! Are you beginning to see a theme develop here? 3. Making a decision has a powerful effect on outcomes. From my personal experience and also from my NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) training, the very act of deciding that something will be so (rather than wishing it will be so) gives it an energy and direction that makes it more likely to be created. Ever had a sore tooth and once you’ve made your appointment with the Dentist the pain disappears? That’s the effect of decisions! Of course it doesn’t mean you don’t go to the Dentist - because the tooth still needs work - but the power of that decision gave (maybe temporary) relief from the pain of toothache. So, imagine you’ve got a health condition (which may well be stress related), or that you decide you’d like to be as healthy as possible. You then want to take action to support that decision. You think that Reflexology might be nice and you book an appointment. What’s just happened - you’ve already made a decision to improve your condition AND you’ve taken action to make that decision become a reality, so before you even turn up for your appointment, you’ve indicated to your unconscious mind (which runs your body) that you want to be better. Then, you turn up for your appointment and find yourself experiencing a relaxing and balancing treatment. Most people find Reflexology relaxing (and remember, you can’t be stressed and relaxed at the same time): and that relaxed state moves your body towards a state of homeostatis (the maintenance of a constant internal environment) where the body can function more effectively. And you enjoy the treatment because, what’s not to like about lying back and being pampered? I think the power of “relaxing” and “balancing” is often underestimated: they sound such soft, nebulous, ineffective words. Relaxing and balancing doesn’t really seem to DO anything powerful or dynamic: they seem passive and inactive things to aim for. But the power of doing nothing can be profound:
So the next time you see Reflexology (or any other therapy) described and relaxing and balancing, or you wonder if your reflexology treatments are really doing any good, consider that sometimes, not doing (ie BEING) can be just as powerful and doing. And if you have spent too much time recently doing rather than being, you can book a Reflexology or Indian Head Massage treatment by contacting: Doris Wylie 07724197627
1 Comment
|
