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Monday, April 11, 2005
Keeping healthy through reflexology
By Lord Lawrence Latonio
Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication
University of the Philippines Cebu College
Death is one of the things man fears to experience.
Man, in the conquest of resisting death, finds ways of prolonging life. From herbs to tablets, juices to syrups, chanting to surgeries - man has done it all.
Studies show, however, that stress contributes a lot to the development of illnesses and complications. Many of our health problems can be linked to stress. It is an acknowledged fact by the medical community that a body trying to function while under the influence of prolonged stress is less capable of organizing its defenses against illnesses and repairing damage caused by injury.
In this modern time, people are so preoccupied with modern living – work and technology. In effect, stress is killing us day by day. It is brought about by a lot of factors. It can be mentally, emotionally, physically or environmentally induced. These include our constant thought of problems and non-exercise. Our lives have become so sedentary that we barely have time to exercise and flex our muscles.
The working class comes home from work then watches TV or directly goes to bed. The youth, on the other hand, are busy with high-tech gadgets. Instead of walking a block to get home, we opt to ride in vehicles. The exercise we get from walking is taken for granted due to this so-called fast-track life. We then fail to burn extra fat we get from eating too much “modern food” that are full of oil and cholesterol. These excess fat block our veins and disrupt the normal flow of blood. This is where the problem begins. Man’s goal of prolonging life is then defeated with this kind of lifestyle.
Reflexology, an ancient practice existing until now, is one way of safeguarding health and in turn, prolonging life.
Reflexology is primarily a relaxation technique. It can negate the effects of stress while helping the body relax.
Through relaxation, the body is more capable of dealing with the stresses placed on it by daily living and those associated with illness. Reflexology gently nudges the body towards better functioning by improving lymphatic drainage and venous circulation, simulation to the nerve pathways, and relaxation of muscles. This is very helpful, nowadays, especially that we are bound to business. All you have to do is just sit and let the reflexologist do the job. It fits a busy lifestyle, which most of us have.
Chronic conditions seem to respond especially well to reflexology. In China, reflexology is accepted by the central government as a means of preventing and curing diseases and preserving health. In Japan and Denmark, reflexology has been incorporated into the employee health programs of several large corporations, saving each company thousands of dollars annually in paid-out sick leave benefits.
The Pedro Calungsod Alternative Healing Center of Patria de Cebu saw this problem and provided a solution – free reflexologies in parishes. The institution sends out reflexologists that have been subjected to trainings and practicum. These reflexologists are volunteer parishioners who realized what reflexology can do to keep us healthy.
This program is being sponsored by the Couples for Christ chapter in each respective parish.
The reflexology sessions are held in the afternoon in the vicinity of parishes in different parts of Cebu. It is a cheaper (on donation bases) alternative over body massages since it has two effects – relaxive and curative. It is relaxive because it relaxes our muscles since our nerve endings are connected to them. It is also curative because it allows the normal flow of blood and eliminates the crystals (uric acid) through our urinary system.
While historically, reflexology has anecdotally been found to have a positive effect on the body suffering from a wide variety of chronic problems, it is not a panacea for all ills. Reflexology is not a substitute for medical treatment, but can be used as a complement to any type of medical approach or therapy. It can also be incorporated into an overall healthy lifestyle, which includes attention to diet, moderate exercise, and different forms of stress reduction and relaxation. It can be done practically anytime and anywhere. Reflexology has been found to work best when the applications are consistent.
Definition. Reflexology is a science that deals with the principle that there are over 7,200 nerve endings on each foot. These nerve endings connect to nerve pathways that lead to each and every organ, gland, and part of the body. Through the use of a unique thumb and finger walking technique on each foot, sensory nerves carry information to the brain and help release endorphins to reduce pain in the body. By breaking up the crystal deposits uric acid) in the feet, the crystals are carried off into the blood stream and eliminated through the urinary system.
This relieves congestion in the body, and the body functions flow smoothly. Reflexology brings the body into homeostasis (a balancing of the endocrine glands) capable of improving the function of all body systems, while leaving one with a feeling of harmony.
History. The practice of reflexology can be traced back to ancient cultures believing that balancing the body itself is based on working on the feet. Evidence has proven this to be true, though most cultures’ evidence was oral in nature. For instance, in Egypt, in the physician’s tomb (2300 B.C.), there can be found a pictograph which may be evidence of reflexology being applied. In Asia, several examples have also been cited.
The scientific basis of reflexology began in the last century. In the 1890s, knighted research scientist and medical doctor Sir Henry Head demonstrated the neurological relationship that exists between the skin and the internal organs. Nobel prize winner Sir Charles Sherrington proved that the whole nervous system and the body adjust to a stimulus when it is applied to any part of the body. Around the same time in Germany, Dr. Alfons Cornelius observed that pressure to certain spots triggers muscle contractions, changes in blood pressure, variation in warmth and moisture in the body as well as directly affects the “physic processes” or mental state of the patient.
What are the benefits of reflexology?
* Reduces stress, tension, and anxiety
* Increases blood and lymphatic flow
* Improves oxygen and nerve supply
* Normalizes glandular function
* Cleanses the body of toxins
* Balances all body systems
* Improves emotional imbalances
* Is a preventative health care
* Enhances massage and chiropractic adjustment
* Helps the body to heal faster after surgery
* Reduces pain
* Improves sleep patterns
* Sharpens mental alertness
* Increases attention span
So, waste time no more and go to your Parish and inquire about any Pedro Calungsod reflexologist. If there are none, ask for a request from the parish to be forwarded to the Pedro Calungsod Alternative Healing Center of Patria de Cebu located in front of the Cathedral Church.
Sources :
Reflexology Association of America 4012 Rainbow Ste. K-PMB#585 Las Vegas, NV 89103-2059
www.thumbwalking.com
(April 11, 2005 issue)
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