WHAT IS REFLEXOLOGY?

REFLEXOLOGY is a science that deals with the principle that there are reflex areas in the feet and hands which correspond to all of the glands, organs and parts of the body. Stimulating these reflexes properly can help many health problems in a natural way, a type of preventative maintenance. REFLEXOLOGY is a serious advance in the health field and should not be confused with massage.

IS REFLEXOOLGY NEW?

The idea behind Reflexology is not new - in fact, it was practiced as early as 2330 B.C. by the Egyptian culture. Reflexology as we know it today was first researched and developed by Eunice Ingham, the pioneer in this field. Her book on the subject was published in 1938. And since 1942, Reflexology workshops have been conducted year round.

WHAT IS THE INGHAM METHODT OF REFLEXOLOGY?

It is the combined work of the late Eunice Ingham and her nephew Dwight C. Byers, the world's leading authority on Foot and Hand Reflexology. Mr. Byers, President of the International Institute of REFLEXOLOGY, and/or his hand picked instructors conduct on-going workshops on a worldwide scale on both laymen and professionals alike.

REFLEXOLOGY-GETTING IN THE ZONE!

REFLEXOLOGY is based on the belief that pressure applied to specific points on the feet or hands that are linked to other parts of the body, such as bones, nerves and muscles, can alleviate physical distresses. Working these areas - known as reflex points - helps the body to relax, thereby promoting a beneficial response and a break from stress, acknowledged to be one of the main causes of bodily discomforts.

Though massage, and especially foot massage, has been known for centuries for its therapeutic benefits, the idea of reflexology was pioneered by Eunice Ingham, an American massage therapist who developed unique techniques and created maps of the feet detailing areas specifically related to other parts of the body.

Simply put, the entire body is divided into ten zones running from head to foot. Every organ, muscle, tendon, brain cell, and bone in each of these zones culminates at the soles of the feet and reflects the entire body, with areas on the soles corresponding to specific body parts. Working these reflex areas with the thumb and fingers stimulates a general relaxation of matching spots on the body.

Though not as commonly used, both hands also contain reflex points utilized in the same manner, but many reflexologists believe the feet to be more receptive to reflexology.

HOW DOES REFLEXOLOGY WORK?

Just how reflexology works is, admittedly, somewhat of a mystery. Nevertheless, the evidence is mounting that it does, indeed, work. Since each foot contain 7,000 nerves, numerous reflexologists maintain that spots on the feet stimulate nerve impulses that travel directly to the brain and are then transmitted to a specific body area. Others are of the opinion that messages from the foot points are somehow relayed directly to other body parts.

How reflexology works, however, is not as important as the fact that it does work. Extremely popular throughout Europe for many years, and the prime form of alternative care in Denmark, reflexology is rapidly gaining strong support in the United States. There are today more than 25,000 certified reflexologists around the world, accredited by, among other scientific group, the International Institute of Reflexology and the North American Association of Reflexology.

BENEFICIAL EFFECTS

Applied properly reflexology has proven to provide a highly positive drug-free response to a number of disorders but it works best when used for prevention. It keeps the entire body running smoothly, improves blood circulation, provides energy, and balances the entire system.

Here at The Face Place, we can provide you with all the beneficial effects that reflexology affords. Our skilled reflexologists, highly trained and experienced in their therapeutic art, take pride in their ability to relieve stress and improve circulation throughout the body. Conducted in privacy, we offer 50 minute and 20 minute reflexology sessions.

* Reflexology is a unique modality in the health field. Its purpose is not to treat or diagnose for any specific medical disorder but to promote better health and well-being in the same way as an exercise or diet program. Its practice should not be compared to massage or any other kind of manipulative procedure.