Foot and Hand Therapy: Reflexology
Posted by
patrick
Though I run the risk of coming off as an adherent of New Age philosophies, I feel I have to make the case for something called zone therapy, otherwise known as reflexology. I know what youre thinking: James, you've done it again. Yes, perhaps I have. But so what? This ancient therapy does not require the use of any special crystals or ethereal pan flute music. All that's required is a semi-open mind and your bare hands and feet.
It's essentially a hand or foot massage, yes. But reflexology is more than that. Well, it kind of depends on the intentionality of your masseuse. A reflexologist is trained to correspond points on your hands and feet (and sometimes ears) to certain organs or functions of the body. For instance, the hollow of the foot is said to correspond to your stomach. Have a bad case of Tennis Elbow? Have that part of your foot rubbed.
I know this may all sound like poppycock, but even the esteemed journal, Neuroscience Letters, claims that there is indeed a neural link between the brain and the foot. Of course, I would say, how else are we able to walk? Thanks, I'll be here all week! But seriously, folks, there is something to be said for this form of therapy. I know because it worked for me. My chronic headaches, which bordered on migraines, have abated since I started getting my hands rubbed.
Weird, sure. Creepy, maybe. But the bottom line is it works for me. It could work for you. It's like Tai Chi -- some people swear they can feel the chi running through their bodies. Other people punch people like that in the stomach and laugh. It's hard to say and I do sympathize with those of you who are creeped out by other people touching their hands and feet.
To that end, I recommend a handy, dandy foot massager. You can find models that are electric (and hence vibrating) or wooden (and do nothing but get mashed into your soft spots). The vibrating ones get the job done and even come with warm water jets and DVD players. I'm just kidding about the DVD players. Either way, it's something that may work for some people out there, and if something works, why not give a try?
It's essentially a hand or foot massage, yes. But reflexology is more than that. Well, it kind of depends on the intentionality of your masseuse. A reflexologist is trained to correspond points on your hands and feet (and sometimes ears) to certain organs or functions of the body. For instance, the hollow of the foot is said to correspond to your stomach. Have a bad case of Tennis Elbow? Have that part of your foot rubbed.
I know this may all sound like poppycock, but even the esteemed journal, Neuroscience Letters, claims that there is indeed a neural link between the brain and the foot. Of course, I would say, how else are we able to walk? Thanks, I'll be here all week! But seriously, folks, there is something to be said for this form of therapy. I know because it worked for me. My chronic headaches, which bordered on migraines, have abated since I started getting my hands rubbed.
Weird, sure. Creepy, maybe. But the bottom line is it works for me. It could work for you. It's like Tai Chi -- some people swear they can feel the chi running through their bodies. Other people punch people like that in the stomach and laugh. It's hard to say and I do sympathize with those of you who are creeped out by other people touching their hands and feet.
To that end, I recommend a handy, dandy foot massager. You can find models that are electric (and hence vibrating) or wooden (and do nothing but get mashed into your soft spots). The vibrating ones get the job done and even come with warm water jets and DVD players. I'm just kidding about the DVD players. Either way, it's something that may work for some people out there, and if something works, why not give a try?
About the Author:
There are a number of foot massager models out there. Find one that doesn't scare the daylights out of you and give it a go. My advice, start slow. Throttling an electric foot massager at full blast out of the box is just asking for trouble.
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