Chinese foot reflexology — this is the balance

Foot reflexology helps the body achieve and maintain its natural balance, or homeostasis.

by Fatina Hijab —

Without balance there is chaos. According to Chinese Traditional Medicine (CTM), disease occurs when the body is imbalanced. Foot reflexology helps the body achieve and maintain its natural balance, or homeostasis.

Reflexology works on the 11 systems of the human body: muscular, nervous, skeletal, endocrine, digestive, urinary, circulatory, reproductive, respiratory, integumentary and lymphatic systems. In other words, reflexology is a holistic healthcare modality, and in one session a trained reflexologist can cover the entire body.

Reflexology is also a preventive form of health care. Working on the numerous reflex points in the feet, which are connected to the spinal cord and the brain through the thousands of nerve endings in each foot, can accelerate blood flow, especially the returned blood (stagnant blood) from the feet to the heart. This allows the oxygenated blood to gush through the tissues where an exchange of gases takes place. During this process, the organs receive nourishment with nutrients and hormones while aches seem to vanish.

Experiencing common conditions such as stress, allergies, insomnia and more may indicate an imbalance in specific organs. According to CTM, these are common conditions that can be easily reversed through manipulating the key reflex points and the related reflex points. These conditions are referred to as “functional.”

The term functional in Western medicine, according to Webster’s Dictionary is “… any derangement of an organ in which there is no apparent degeneration, damage, impairment or structural change.” In layman terms, the word functional means the condition will go away. However, if neglected, they could lead to unfavorable results over time.

The benefits of foot reflexology are numerous, simple and safe. A client needs to remove only his or her shoes and socks during a session.

The Chinese method of reflexology, however, prepares the body to align itself to achieve self-healing by applying systematic and orderly techniques, as well as adding a Chinese herbal formula to the mix, all of which add to its effectiveness and therapeutic results. Another way of viewing reflexology is as a form of exercise for the internal organs and external body — a concept most appealing to many.

Fatina Hijab is a professional reflexologist who practices Chinese reflexology in Scottsdale, Ariz. She is board-certified and registered in the U.S. and China. 480-242-2373 or [email protected].

Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 26, Number 1, February/March 2007.