Plantar reflexology

One of the oldest systems to restore and stimulate the flow of bodily energy is the massage, born as an instinctive gesture and which over time has become more and more specialized. Under the reflexology heading are cataloged all those natural medicines that act on the reflex points of the human body, including acupuncture, shiatzu, auriculotherapy and, obviously, reflexology of the foot, also called plantar reflexology .

Reflexology is therefore a science of reflexes, understood as corresponding and reflected areas of certain organs of the human body located elsewhere. Our body is the site of reflex points on which it is possible to act to relieve pain and tension; however, there are areas where nerve concentrations are more massive and among these there is certainly the foot. Becoming a reflexologist allows you to be a very useful professional in prevention and therapy. But what does a foot reflexologist do ?

The foot reflexologist

A reflexology session lasts approximately 45 minutes. In the initial and final phase the plantar reflexologist performs some maneuver aimed at the relaxation of the one who is about to receive or has just received treatment. The patient can sit in a chair or on a reclining chair, so that the feet are more or less at the level of the chest of the therapist. Using fingers and thumbs, the reflexologist locates the painful areas that reveal a problem in the associated body part. Foot reflexology treatment tends to improve in three main areas: congestion, inflammation and tension . The goal is to gradually eliminate these often interconnected conditions, eventually restoring the body's balance.

Obviously the instrument that acts as king in the "toolbox" of the aspiring reflexologist is the plantar reflexology map, through which the student becomes familiar with the ancient Shu points, before proceeding with the techniques of manipulation of the reflex zones of the endocrine system, locomotor, dierent, urinary, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory. The ancient Shu points ( Wu Shu ) are 5 in number for each of the 12 main meridians and correspond to 5 of the needle-points of each meridian. They are found in the terminal part of the 12 meridians comprised between the extremities of the hands or the feet and the articulations of elbow or knee, that is in the more superficial part of the path of the meridian, where the energy changes polarity (from a sense Yin to Yang or vice versa ).

Each Shu point corresponds to an Element and for this reason they are known in the West as "Elements points" or "command points". Becoming a reflexologist also means having considerable sensitivity in perceiving the patient's reaction when reaching a possible critical area. The number of sessions needed to feel better obviously depends on the general state of health. But how do you become foot reflexologist?

Become a foot reflexologist

Foot reflexology represents a professional training course in all respects. To become foot reflexologist it is sufficient to attend one of the many courses present in the area. Foot reflexology courses in Italy are usually structured in three modules, each lasting one year. The reflexology schools issue a diploma that has the validity of a certificate of attendance. Among the topics covered during the three-year course there is undoubtedly the history of massage, the evolution of the zonal massage in the West, as well as notes and lecture notes on traditional Chinese medicine and elements of physiology and energy diagnosis .

To anyone wishing to pursue this career, let us remember that at present, the professional figure of the reflexologist is not regulated by any law . It is therefore not a professional whose activity is exercisable in the health field under the supervision of the NHS, unless one has the professional qualifications required by law, ie a degree in medicine, a degree in physiotherapy or a diploma in massophysiokinesiapy. The activity must always be exercised under medical supervision and in structures in accordance with the law regarding physical therapies. With time, perhaps even in Italy a recognition from the health point of view will also come.