How can acupressure and reflexology help me?
As medicine has advanced, we’ve become entirely used to the notion that effective treatment must be pharmaceutical or invasive – that a medical practitioner must dig deeper to find a solution. It’s becoming increasingly evident that this method simply isn’t working for some people whose symptoms continue. For example, science has found a large body of evidence that there is a link between increased stress levels worldwide and a rise in chronic illness patients.
We tend to think that our solution will be clinical and swift; however, there are established, alternative treatments that do not necessarily rely solely on pharmaceutical or invasive techniques. For example, we do not often think of non-invasive touch therapy such as acupressure and reflexology as a possible solution despite its historical use.
What is the history of acupressure and reflexology?
If we look back to ancient China, there was a deeper understanding that certain parts of the body were intrinsically linked by natural pathways. Their medicinal practices reflected this belief for thousands of years with many records of its therapeutic and healing benefits. Still to this day, many doctors, clinicians, and consultants in both China in these parts of the world will make use of their well-established touch-therapies.
China is not the only place to practice touch therapy. Shiatsu massage from Japan is a form of acupressure dating back to the 1920s. Ayurvedic massage has been practiced in India for thousands of years.
People in the west have been benefiting from these practices for hundreds of years as well. Acupuncture was introduced in the west in the 1600s. Acupressure, which follows the same principles as acupuncture, but without the invasive needles, has also been practiced for quite some time. In addition, Dr. William Fitzgerald introduced us to the practice of reflexology for the first time in 1913.
What exactly is reflexology & acupressure?
Reflexology
Reflexology is largely based on the idea that certain sections of the hands, feet, and even ears are neutrally connected to other parts of the body (e.g., liver, heart, lungs). It is believed that applying pressure using either the thumb, finger, elbow, or palm to one part of the body could create the desired reaction in another. This reflex relationship is believed to work along certain meridional (longitudinal) lines within the body which led Dr. Fitzgerald to coin the term “zone therapy” for this therapeutic practice.
Acupressure
Acupressure encompasses the same ideas as acupuncture without any need for needles. Acupressure is based on the ancient Chinese philosophy of “Qi” otherwise known as the vital energy of the body. It is believed that Qi flows through the natural pathways of the body and if a blockage or deviation of flow occurs then illness or pain will soon follow. By placing pressure on certain pressure zones or points spread throughout the body it is believed that the flow of Qi can be returned to normal and a healthy equilibrium can be regained within the body resulting in an all-around better sense of wellbeing.
What are the benefits of acupressure and reflexology?
Though there have not yet been any decisive studies undertaken on the benefits of Acupressure and Reflexology there are numerous testimonies to its advantages and ability to improve quality of life. Here are just some of the ways in which these therapeutic practices have been known to aid the wellbeing of those who undergo it:
Relieve stress, anxiety, tension
Minimize headaches
Alleviate chronic pain symptoms
Curb digestive issues
Improve sleep quality
Help arthritis pains
Increased cognitive function
Boost metabolism & energy levels
Holistic medicine is on the rise for patients who cannot find answers to their ailments in traditional therapeutic methods. For many, it appears to be working. If you believe Reflexology or Acupressure could be the right answer for you too, why not book an appointment with Knoxville Acupressure and Reflexology Therapy Center and see how we might be able to help you.