reflexology therapy
The gentle art of therapeutic foot massage. Specific pressure techniques are applied that work precise reflex points of the feet that release tension throughout the whole body.
We have over 7,000 nerve ending in the soles of our feet that when rubbed effect the body's internal regulators within our autonomic nervous system, giving us this whole body response of relaxtion leading to:
- increased circulation
- increased immune function
- increased mental awareness
- better digestion
- relief of headaches
- relief of neck and back pain
- relief of sinus problems
- decreased pain
- decreased swelling and edema
- quicker recovery from injury and surgery
Your body; organs, muscles, brain, extremities and more, are reflected in your feet as well. These areas on the feet are referred to as pressure points that when rubbed will cause a positive change in that corresponding area of the body. An individual's reflex patterns reflect their overall state of tension that has accumulated over their life time, as well as acute conditions happening right now, these patterns are updated continually. The Reflexologist uses the pressure signals to interupt the patterns of stress and to re-program the stress response mechanisms of our whole body.
Like massage, reflexology is a beautiful way to "work out" the central nervous system by peeling away layers of tension. Stress builds in layers and is released in layers. The tissues of the body have a sort of memory, they do what we tell them to do, and learn to respond in a particular pattern. For example, sitting at a computer for most of the day. Out muscles adapt to this posture and if we do not "break or interupt" this pattern, our body further adapts by shortening muscles, shallow breathing, neck and back tension, which eventually leads to pain and dysfunction. Reflexology application will recondition the body's overall response to stress. Giving the body a chance to return to homeostasis and allow healing to take place.
Reflexology in and of itself is not new. There are records of "the practice of rubbing the feet to give health to the body" as far back as ancient Egypt 2300 B.C. It was brought to the forefront in the United States by Dr. William FitzGerald and Dr. Edwin Bower in the early 1900's. Dr. Joeseph Shelby Riley and physical therapist Eunice Ingham in the 1930's added Zone Therapy. Her work was profound in keeping "drugless" therapy available in a time when modern medicine was just starting to rely mainly on medications. Reflexology is a powerful tool to help keep you healthy. Come in and enjoy a wonderful "footrub".
Serving Portland, Hillsboro, Cedar Hills, Cedar Mills, Aloha, Beaverton, Tigard, West Linn, Lake Oswego, West Linn