Reflexology–More than Fabulous Feet!
Although we call this new section ‘Fabulous Feet’ you may be noticing already that Reflexology can involve more than ‘feet’. At SCT we also teach Hand and Facial Reflexology. Other organizations include head, ear and full-body. So you might be wondering what makes reflexology different to massage.
Reflexology is based on the premise that there are energy lines that run throughout the body. These energy lines are invisible to the naked eye, however some clairvoyants can see them and have documented and painted them. The Chinese healing traditions are based on energy lines and this has been recognized for thousands of years. In addition, there was a great deal of mapping of the energy lines (and the reflex points) in the middle to end of the last century. This more scientific approach was mainly in the Western world.
The reflex points were discovered and mapped out by several different groups and this information is what leads to the distinctive Reflexology Foot Charts. Each chart will have some differences, based on the training, intuition and research of the chart’s developer. For example, the School of Complementary Therapies uses the Fairbrass Foot Chart. This chart was developed by SCT Founder Jacqueline Fairbrass in 1995 and uses more Traditional Chinese research influence than many other charts. In 2004 the Fairbrass Hand Reflexology Chart was introduced after ten years of study and research. Currently, the new Facial Reflexology Chart will be released later this year.
Reflexology uses techniques to stimulate, relax and/or subdue the natural flow of energy. When energy is flowing in balance we feel happy and healthy. When the energy flow is blocked or out of balance we can feel tired, stressed-out and it even leads to disease.
Massage tends to be based on the Western anatomy and physiology approach to the body. Reflexology is based on energy lines, called zones and medians. Each school or association will have it’s own specialized routine. The Fairbrass Reflexology routine was developed in 1995 and continues to be fine-tuned. It consists of a series of pressure techniques, some massage techniques, and although has some consistencies with other methodologies, is completely unique! Students learn to develop their sensitivity in both hands and intuition to be able to give a fabulous Reflexology treatment, whether on the Feet, Hands or Face.
Reflexology brings the body into balance, improves circulation and allows the body, mind, spirit and emotions to relax. Regular Reflexology keeps you feeling fabulous!
Grounding June Newsletter 2011
Often we find that we have become disconnected with ourselves as a whole. We stay focused on the “shoulds” in life and rarely stay in the moment. Reflexology reawakens our connection to the here and now within our bodies. During a Reflexology session our focus moves onto the physical sensations, both from the treatment itself as well as the body’s response to Reflexology.
As we connect with ourselves in the present moment we can open our thoughts to the connection our feet share with the earth that nutures us.
“The foot feels the foot when it feels the ground.”
~Buddha
Hugs
Michele Appleby, RRPr, SCT Reflexology Instructor
