FYI on Reflexology

What is reflexology?

Reflexology is the application of pressure to specific points and areas on the feet, hands, or ears. Reflexologists believe that these areas and reflex points correspond to different body organs and systems, and that pressing them has a beneficial effect on the organs and person's general health. For example, reflexology holds that a specific spot in the arch of the foot corresponds to the bladder point. When a reflexology practitioner uses thumbs or fingers to apply appropriate pressure to this area, it affects bladder functioning.

                                       

Although reflexology is not used to diagnose or cure health disorders, millions of people around the world use it to complement other treatments when addressing conditions like anxiety, asthma, cancer treatment, cardiovascular issues,diabetes, headaches, kidney function, PMS, and sinusitis.

According to several studies, a practice in Denmark resulted in reduced sick leave and absenteeism. Employees consistently reported complete or partial improvement in conditions where they sought reflexologists' help and even relief for additional problems related to stress. In one municipal district, almost one-third of the employees reported greater satisfaction with their jobs after completing six sessions with a reflexologist.

Where are the reflexology points and areas?

In reflexology theory, points and areas on the feet, hands, and ears correspond to specific organs, bones and body systems. Practitioners access these points on the feet and hands (bottom, sides, and top) and the ear (both inside as far as the finger can reach and outside) to affect organs and systems throughout the entire body.

Maps of reflex points have been passed between practitioners across the globe. Understandably, there is not agreement among all reflexologists on all points; however, general agreement does exist on major reflex points. Some scientific documentation of linkages between the skin and internal organs also exists.

To represent how the body systems correspond to one another, reflexologists use reflexology "maps." A good example of a reflexology map exists for the feet. Each foot represents a vertical half of the body:

• The left foot corresponds to the left side of the body and all organs, valves, etc. found there.

• The right foot corresponds to the right side of the body and all organs found there. For example, the liver is on the right side of the body, and therefore the corresponding reflex area is on the right foot.

The illustration to the right shows a reflexology map for the feet. 

A reflexologist may perform a general session or may focus on specific problem areas on the feet, hands or ears. 

Whatever the approach, the reflexologist attempts to release congestion or stress in the nervous system and balance the body's energy.

                        

How does reflexology relate to other therapies?

Acupuncture and acupressure: Reflexology is similar to acupuncture and acupressure in that it works with the body's vital energy through the stimulation of points on the body. However, acupuncture/acupressure points do not always coincide with the reflex points used in reflexology.

Reflexology and acupressure are both "reflex" therapies in that they work with points on one part of the body to affect other parts of the body. While reflexology uses reflexes that are in an orderly arrangement resembling a shape of the human body on the feet, hands, and outer ears, acupressure uses over 800 reflex points that are found along long thin energy lines called meridians that run the length of the entire body.

Massage: Some people confuse reflexology with massage. While both massage and reflexology use touch, the approaches are very different.

• Massage is the systematic manipulation of the soft tissues of the body, using specific techniques (for example, tapping, kneading, stroking, and friction) to relax the muscles.
• Reflexology focuses on reflex maps of points and areas of the body in the feet, hands, and ears using unique micromovement techniques such as thumb or finger walking and hook and backup to create a response throughout the body.

In short, massage therapists work "from the outside in," manipulating specific muscle groups or fascia to release tension. Reflexology practitioners see themselves as working "from the inside out" -- stimulating the nervous system to release tension.

Another difference between massage and reflexology is that a client will stay fully clothed for a reflexology session except for removing footwear, whereas clients remove clothing for a massage session.

Are There Times When I Shouldn’t Have Reflexology?

While reflexology is an extremely safe healing practice, it is important to be aware of a few contraindications or times when reflexology might not be a wise choice. 

These contraindications include:

• Reflexology on the foot is discouraged in patients with foot fractures, unhealed wounds, or active gout in the foot. Patients with osteoarthritis that impacts the foot or ankle, or those with vascular disease of the legs or feet, should consult with their primary provider prior to beginning reflexology on the feet. An acceptable alternative would be to use reflexology on the hands and ears.
• Clients who report current thrombosis or embolism (which is an obstruction of the pulmonary artery or a branch of it by a free-floating blood clot or embolus) should not receive reflexology therapy. Since reflexology improves circulation, it could potentially cause a clot to move towards the heart or brain.
• For women in early pregnancy (the first 6 weeks), the reflexology session is altered by treating the uterine and ovarian reflex points more gently or by avoiding them altogether. In general, caution should be exercised during pregnancy because of reports that stimulation may cause contractions.
• Babies and young children will receive benefit from many techniques, but rarely have the patience for a whole session. Thus, sessions are abbreviated in length.
• If you are using other touch therapies, such as massage, allow at least 48 hours between touch therapy sessions to avoid an overload on your system.

Hope you find this information helpful. I have doing some training as well as previous research on reflexology. I am not certified yet, but plan to be once I can attend a class focusing on this technique. 

Yours in Wellness,

Heather Miracle LMT

Massage has to hurt to do any good, right?

So I thought I would write a little about a common statement/question about massage. A lot of people think a massage has to hurt in order to do any good, but that is not always the case. Delivering an effective massage is about the technique over muscle. If it were all about muscle massage therapists everywhere would be exhausted and wouldn't come back to work! Professional therapists don't work like a cookie cutter doing the same thing repeatedly. They don't go to the same depth of pressure for every client each session either. We treat elderly clients with osteoporosis, for example, with much less pressure than a young athlete who prefers deep tissue work. Female therapists can work just as deep as a "strong" male therapist. In turn a male therapist can give a light/sensitive massage just as well as a female therapist. Again it's all about technique and the needs of each particular client.

Massage does not have to hurt to help either. You gain therapeutic benefits from a relaxing massage; which doesn't hurt at all. You can seek out a more aggressive treatment option which will cause some discomfort afterwards, but both have their benefits for your well being. If you don't want heavy pressure, just say so and the massage therapist will gladly adjust the pressure for you. Massage therapists want to help you. If you are tensing up that will work against the goals of the massage which is to invite your body to relax, reduce pain, increase well being, and for you to have long/supple muscles. Massage therapists aren't in the torture business so make sure to communicate with your therapist on what feels good and what doesn't. Recognize that your needs and pain threshold might change with each visit and things may need to be adjusted in order for you to receive the best massage possible.

With all this being said: go out and find a massage therapist, get a massage, relax, and enjoy!

Massage for Seniors: What the Research Says — American Massage Therapy Association

Article from the AMTA about massage for senior citizens.. Get grandpa or granny a massage! They are great for anyone of any age :)

Massage for Seniors: What the Research Says — American Massage Therapy Association

What is a knot? Why do I have them? & How massage helps :)

What is a knot?

A knot is known as a myofascial trigger point. A simple explanation is that a knot is a tight ball of muscle from an overworked muscle. I have been asked if a knot is when two or more muscles have become intertwined. A good question because actually fibers within the same muscle can become intertwined as can fibers from separate muscles that share an attachment of the same bone. Try not to think of a knot as a “knot” in the traditional sense. There is no wrapping into a bow of our muscles as the term can easily be misconstrued. Instead think of the knot as a muscle spasm.

Most of the time, our muscles operate in an on/off manner which means the muscles that get sore/fatigue easily. The fast twitch fibers that enable us to perform rapid/intense movements of short duration like weight training or throwing a ball are not always at work. They fire/contract during exertion but when the exertion is complete they quit firing. When they continue to fire or contract without releasing a spasm or muscle knot forms. A fatigued muscle in spasm contains individual sections within the muscle that constrict and pull from both sides. This makes a taut band of muscle essentially forming what is known as a knot.

How does a knot occur? 

There are direct and indirect causes of knots. One of the most common causes is overwork. Remember, fast twitch fibers are not meant to be used for long periods of time. So overworking muscles can cause knots. Trauma, such as can happen in an automobile accident or physical activity or injury, also contributes to knot formation. The stress that we encounter on a daily basis help form the shoulder and neck knots that we all are accustomed to at some point or another. Our neck constricts and shoulders raise, before long if we cannot calm down then those poor muscles that make our shoulders look like earrings remain overworked by contracting and firing too much/too long. Therefore tension knots occur.

So how does massage therapy help in getting rid of our knots and decreasing the associated pain and discomfort? 

The number one benefit of massage is relaxation. When a person experiences massage, whether Swedish, Deep Tissue, Thai, Shiatsu etc. , the primary response to touch is that the parasympathetic nervous system or rather the nervous system that enables us to rest/digest is activated. This means that during your massage session: your body is much more relaxed, is able to function much more effectively, efficiently, and optimally because it is undergoing a restorative phase. Therefore our circulatory system works optimally and increases circulation which carries blood and nutrients to other systems in our body. Then these systems operate more efficiently too. Our liver detoxifies and the lymphatic system operates better reducing toxins in the body. Because it is thought that a knot can contain excess lactic acid, unusual deposits of protein and other bodily by-products more commonly referred to as “toxins”, massage both directly and indirectly has an effect on the removal of wasteful by-products.

Trigger Point therapy directly aids in the reduction of knots with a massage technique called sustained compression. Where the massage therapist locates the knot and applies deep compression with a thumb, fingers, or elbow and holds until the pain and discomfort goes away (usually 20-30 seconds and is repeated several times). This is done with patient/therapist awareness and focus on breath and thought. Trigger Point therapy can be painful but if done correctly it can make the difference between chronic pain caused by muscle knots.

Hope you enjoyed this information! It's been awhile, but I was computerless :( Contact me with any questions at miracltouchmassagetherapy@gmail.com and I can post a blog/email you the answer! Or feel free to call me to schedule a massage 513.765.9230.

Have a relaxing day!

-Heather Miracle LMT

The Miracle Touch

In-home Massage Therapy