What is plantar reflexology and how is it done? For whom is it suitable and what benefits does it provide? Does plantar reflexology have any contraindications?
Foot reflexology is a technique that uses massage on specific points of the foot to restore the balance of the body . Useful in case of congestion and tension, it helps against back pain, cystitis, anxiety and stress. Let's find out better.
What is plantar reflexology
Foot reflexology is a technique by which the body's energy balance is restored, using a particular type of massage which, through the stimulation and compression of specific reflex points on the feet, energetically related to organs and systems, allows the exercise of preventive and intervention action on possible imbalances of the organism.
The onset of plantar reflexology is traced back to ancient civilizations, especially Eastern. However, various documents indicate that this technique was also practiced by pre-Columbian civilizations and by the Red Indians. The representation of a fetus in the foot is present in a graffiti of 6, 000 years ago discovered in Valcamonica.
In more recent times, plantar reflexology survives, and develops, thanks to I van P. Pavlov . At the beginning of the twentieth century, thanks to an American otolaryngologist, William Fitzgerald, some concepts began to be codified in terms of plantar reflexology. To develop then the concepts of the master is above all the physiotherapist Eunice Ingham, today considered the true founder of modern reflexotherapy, based on the exploitation of a detailed map of the reflex zones localizable on the human foot.
Benefits and contraindications of plantar reflexology
The feet are a delicate, precious structure, fundamental for a good quality of life, which is subjected to inevitable daily overload . They therefore deserve to be the object of attention and to be treated with care.
The existence of reflex reactions to a contact is not only the subject of reliable reports by doctors, but a very common banal experience. A nice warm bath, a good foot massage are always followed by a very pleasant and relaxing sensation.
Foot reflexology tends to improve in three main areas: congestion, inflammation and tension . The goal is to gradually eliminate these often interconnected conditions during the sessions, managing to restore the body's balance.
There are some contraindications . Foot reflexology avoids treating pregnant women during the menstrual cycle. It is advisable to carry out the treatment away from meals and avoid treating extremely agitated or nervous subjects.
When plantar reflexology is indicated
Foot reflexology is indicated for the most common pains: from back pain, to headache, to discomfort in the cavity of the cheekbones (nasal sinuses), up to knee problems.
The foot reflexology massage is also a great tool to stop smoking or to help yourself during an episode of insomnia.
Problems such as cystitis, indigestion, cellulite, stress, cramps, arthrosis and anxiety can be combated.
You can take all the natural remedies for anxiety treatment
The law in Italy and abroad
In Italy, there is no national legislative framework for plantar reflexology. The activity of reflexologist can however be exercised, on the condition of adhering to the principles of the ethics code of the AIMO, which establish that the reflexology operator does not make diagnoses and does not prescribe drugs or treatments.
The formation of an aspiring operator can be achieved through the various reflexology courses present in the area. These are often supervised by the AIRF.
Curiosity about foot reflexology
The zonal therapy was initially aimed exclusively at the hands, because it concentrated on the fingers. Those of the feet, too small, were not considered long before the advent of Eunice Ingham.
