Consultation
After collecting anamnesis, the patient takes off shoes and socks, lies down or sits on the couch, and the reflexotherapist begins treatment. In general, the reflexotherapy procedure should be pleasant. Some points may be painful - this usually means an energy imbalance. As a rule, discomfort is short-lived and disappears as the doctor works with the reflex zone. Reflexotherapy stimulates the accelerated elimination of toxins from the body, so some people may experience a "recovery crisis". There may be mild headache and, in some cases, temporary worsening of symptoms, while the organism is in a transitional state. The number of sessions required varies depending on the needs of the patient and their susceptibility to treatment. Often, improvement is noted after the first session, however, in case of serious illness, it may take more time for the patient to feel the effect of the treatment. Reflexotherapy is based on the theory that the body is divided into reflex zones, which can affect one another by cross-effect. Reflex, or reflexogenic, zones are located on the entire surface of the body. Hands and feet are related to the same zones, and there is a relationship between the right arm and the right foot, as well as the left arm and the left leg and the joints of the limbs. Examples of such pairs are the wrist and foot of the knee and the elbow of the shoulder and thigh, as well as the ankle and wrist. This effect is used to affect various areas of the body in cases where for a variety of reasons can not be applied a direct effect. Such treatment is known as "mediated". For example, the zone of mediated influence for the elbow is the knee.
How it works
There is no generally accepted theoretical basis for reflexotherapy. One of the most common theories is based on the concept that the effect is mainly due to an improvement in the movement of blood and lymph in the body. This movement can be disturbed by the crystalline deposits of uric acid, which are found in the reflexogenic zones of the foot. Reflexotherapist can grind and destroy these deposits, working on reflexogenic zones. Often, crystals can be detected by touch, although sometimes their presence becomes noticeable only when observing the patient's reaction. During the session, the patient experiences sensations ranging from mild soreness to acute pain. Reflexotherapy is used for a variety of purposes - from the treatment of difficulty breathing to relieving pain. It is also increasingly used as an adjunct to standard methods of treatment. Reflexotherapy has many different uses. The method brings relief in a wide range of acute and chronic diseases, including musculoskeletal pain, circulatory and digestive disorders, hormonal imbalances, problems with the paranasal sinuses and associated breathing difficulties, and migraine headaches.
Pain relief
Studies have also shown that reflexotherapy is effective in treating diseases in which standard medical methods are sometimes not able to alleviate symptoms such as chronic fatigue syndrome and multiple sclerosis. Reflexotherapy is now increasingly used in hospitals for palliative care for hopelessly ill patients. Its ability to accelerate disease recovery and recovery from surgery and its high effectiveness in reducing pain and stress are also proven, which helps reduce the need for painkillers such as morphine. Reflexotherapy can also reduce the need for other medicines for various diseases. Studies show that during the reflexotherapy session, the heart rate decreases and the blood pressure decreases, so it is important that those who take medications to control these physiological indicators inform their reflexotherapist about this. Reflexotherapy is often used and simply to relieve stress and relaxation. Many people live and work in a stressful environment, they find it difficult to relax. This has a negative effect on the immune system and leads to sleep disorders and various diseases. Some large companies give their employees the opportunity to use the services of a reflexotherapist, because they believe that this reduces the incidence and loss of working days, increases productivity and improves the moral climate in the team.
Improving sleep patterns
Another useful application of reflexotherapy is its effectiveness in the treatment of desynchronoses (sleep disorders associated with the change of time zones, for example, during air travel). Since the pattern of sleep is regulated by the endocrine system, the reflexotherapist can pay special attention to the relevant area, which helps to balance the body. Reflexology can be especially useful in the treatment of people with drug or alcohol dependence. People with these problems often suffer from chemical and hormonal imbalances, and their health is seriously weakened. Reflexotherapy is of great benefit, leveling these imbalances and speeding up the process of detoxification of the body.
Emotional impact
The benefit of reflexotherapy in the treatment of drug and alcohol dependence is also in the fact that it works on an emotional level, which starts most of the problems associated with alcohol or drugs. Reflexotherapy is able to relieve stress and calm down negative emotions. It should not be surprising if one of the patients after the session cries or feels unusually calm, which contrasts sharply with the feelings of irritation and anger that could have been observed at the beginning of the treatment. A common problem among people with a drug or alcohol addiction is that they can not fall asleep or relax without the help of drugs or alcohol; In this they are very well assisted by reflexology. If children do not suffer from any serious illnesses, they can effectively heal with reflexotherapy. However, the pediatric foot is much more sensitive than that of an adult, and treatment with it should be appropriate. The pressure should be much weaker. For young children, one finger is used very carefully. It is very important to be careful when treating children approaching the age of puberty, as their endocrine system is in a state of increased activity. Reflexotherapy can be used to influence the zones located not on the feet, but on the hands. Brushes have the same reflexogenic zones as the feet, but due to the fact that the brushes are much more mobile, these zones are not so distinctly separated. For the reflexotherapist, however, it is important to be familiar with the map of the reflex zones of the brush, since they can work with them, if for any reason a stop can not be used. In the case of trauma or amputation of the foot, great relief can have an effect on the hand. Another area in which a hand massage can be used is self-help. It is much easier and more convenient to massage your own brush than stop. The reflexologist can show the patient where the particular zone is located, so that he can work on it to relieve pain.