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| Sunday, 23 May 2004 |
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Fancy footwork : Help yourself to beauty and health through the use of reflexology by Umangi de Mel Being able to stand on our feet or think that we are standing on our feet could be the sole ambition of many among us. You owe it all to the pair of feet as it is the foundation that bears you sans complaint and takes you that extra mile in life. Thus taking care of the dear old feet could be one of the best things that you can do for yourself. "Oriental foot massage, otherwise known as reflexology was previously known as "zone therapy." It's an ancient art of healing," says Rochelle Tillekeratne, therapist. Reflexology is the application of pressure, stretch and movement to the feet and hands to effect corresponding parts of the body. Rochelle says that the particular art of healing works on the principle that the body's organs including the brain are connected by energy channels to trigger points in the feet, "Consequently when our feet are tired, so are our minds and bodies." Reflexology in Asia is an ancient technique for foot relief which has been practised for centuries. It originated in India and China more than 5,000 years ago. It's grown out of the understanding that every part of our faithful pair of feet corresponds to a part of our body making them key healing zones," she says adding that one quarter of the bones in our body (26 different bones) are resident in the feet, "It seems they deserve as much if not more attention than any other part of our body." The technique is applied to the feet and hands which could be the main focus of reflexology. Reflexologists believe that if a body parts such as liver, thyroid gall bladder, eyes or ears are not functioning properly, the energy that flows through our channels or meridians becomes sluggish or even blocked. Rochelle says that it can cause crystals to gather under the skin in specific parts of our feet. "Managing these points breaks down the crystals and restores the flow of body energy," she explains. Reflexologists view the feet and hands as a mirror image of the body. Thus by applying technique a reflexologist can break up patterns of stress in other parts of the body. "It's a fact that the foot contains thousands of nerve-endings and 23 pressure points. Therapists know each area that mirrors a particular body part. You will use the healing forces of nature to revive glandular vitality. You can actually help yourself to beauty and health through the use of reflexology," she says. The benefits of the healing art are countless. It's known to reduce stress. "You can get almost immediate relief from many aches and pains by pressing a certain reflex button under the skin of the foot or hand and managing it a few moments in a certain way." Rochelle also adds that most headaches may vanish almost immediately by manipulating the big toes as they contain the reflexes to the head. "It's the same with Arthritis, spine back or shoulder aches, rheumatism and all stress factors. Our therapist points out that the correct use of reflex massage can reactivate the body's natural process of rejuvenation and regeneration of cells and bring new life to those who are already senile, "You will relax the nervous tension in your body and be able to sleep," she says. Talking about the many advantages of massage, Rochelle says that there's no mystery to its power. "The uncomplicated process of kneading, stroking and pressing the feet is proven to unleash countless therapeutic benefits and it's interesting that western culture which has put so much faith in science for cures and in medical practices for answers is now turning to touch therapies such as reflexology a cure practised for centuries by Asian people." |
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