Like many of the other therapeutic body massage modalities, reflexology massage therapy is not just a way to relax but is in fact a health maintenance therapy and even a natural treatment modality for various conditions. It is used not only in preventing the onset of a wide variety of illnesses but is also effective in addressing and even resolving diseases and their discomforts such as chronic pain. It is to the great advantage of residents of Washington County, Clackamas, Keizer, Lake Oswego, Portland, Tualatin, Sherwood, and Vancouver WA that reflexology massage therapy is easy to avail of from a professional therapeutic body massage spa that likewise provides other therapeutic body massage modalities like Swedish massage therapy, deep tissue massage therapy, sports massage therapy and pregnancy massage therapy in Beaverton.
Reflexology massage therapy has been shown to increase blood circulation and lymph fluid circulation, thereby facilitating detoxification. It also eliminates tension and assists the body’s self healing mode. It has been used effectively in the treatment of migraine, tension headaches, chronic headaches, back pain, arthritis, digestive problems and other diseases.
The roots of reflexology massage therapy have been traced through history to ancient Egypt, China and Japan, with its basic techniques found in Oriental acupressure and acupuncture as well as in other healing modalities in India, Africa, Europe and among the Native American Cherokee tribe. Many of those healing methods still exist today in many variations.
The philosophical tradition backing up reflexology massage therapy believes in the presence of QI which is defined as the invisible life force. This is supposed to flow freely throughout the body for optimum health. If the Qi is hampered or blocked for any reason at any point in the body, this can result in illness and pain. The blockage can be removed by energy released through reflexology massage therapy. Massaging certain reflexology points is said to send energy through paths in an energy grid encompassing the entire body. Once the blockage is eliminated, pain is relieved and healing commences.
Dr. William H. Fitzgerald, who was a surgeon and an eye, ear and throat specialist, developed reflexology massage therapy in 1913. His initial discovery centered on how the application of pressure on certain body parts had an anaesthetic effect on other body parts. His experiments further showed how the application of pressure on certain body parts produced other responses in other body parts. All his findings were documented by Dr. Fitzgerald in his reflexology map. He divided the body into ten vertical zones which had matching reflexology points on the feet and hands. His method was termed zone therapy.
By the 1930s and the 1940s, Dr. Fitzgerald’s zone therapy was further developed into reflexology massage therapy by Eunice D. Ingham who was a nurse and physiotherapist. Ms. Ingham discovered and mapped out reflexology points not only in the hands and feet but also on the ears that correspond to each and every body organ and body part, making treatment even more specific.
Through palpation alone, a trained and experienced massage therapist can identify the possible onset of certain diseases even before the client feels any of its symptoms. Regular reflexology massage therapy can prevent these diseases from actually developing and can address other already existing conditions, as well. You do not even have to believe in the theoretical or philosophical background of reflexology massage therapy in order to benefit from its healing effects. You only have to lie back and enjoy each session much like other sessions of therapeutic body massage modalities such as Swedish massage therapy, deep tissue massage therapy, sports massage therapy and pregnancy massage therapy. If you are from Washington County, Clackamas, Keizer, Lake Oswego, Portland, Tualatin, Sherwood, and Vancouver WA, go to a reputable professional therapeutic body massage spa in Beaverton.
