Reflexology Massage Therapy Encourages Overall Healing in Venice and Sarasota

According to Licensed Massage Therapist C.G. Funk, Vice President of Industry Relations and Product Development for Massage Envy, reflexology massage therapy encourages overall healing. Since reflexology massage therapy is available in massage clinics and massage spas in Venice and Sarasota FL, residents should lose no time in trying out this massage modality.

According to Funk, “Reflexology is a type of bodywork where the therapist primarily works on the feet and/or hands. The theory behind reflexology is that there are ‘reflex points’ on the feet and hands that relate to structures throughout the body, including muscles, bones, organs and glands. The premise of reflexology is that by stimulating those reflex points, through massage techniques, the benefits will be felt throughout the body.”

The Winter 2007 online issue of Massage Envy Magazine says reflexology balances the nervous system. It cites the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals as saying that reflexology works on the energy flow of the body using the same principles as acupressure.

Funk says “reflexology is a popular alternative therapy that promotes relaxation, improves circulation, reduces pain, soothes tired feet” and that “receiving reflexology on a regular basis can produce many benefits, such as decreasing stress and stress-related conditions; alleviating tension headaches; calming digestive disorders; relieving back and neck pain; promoting restful sleep; speeding recovery from injuries; and decreasing pain from menstrual disorders.”

Massage Envy Magazine adds that reflexology can likewise relieve symptoms of arthritis as well as emotional disorders. Stress is reduced and the body’s equilibrium is restored with the release of endorphins in the body.

Although there are many traditional practices around the world that manipulate areas in the feet and hands for health benefits, reflexology as it is known today can be directly traced to the Zone Theory first developed by Dr. William H. Fitzgerald, M.D. in the United States in the early 1900s, and of which he wrote in his book “Relieving Pain At Home” in 1917. Dr. Fitzgerald was the first person in the West to map out the longitudinal body zones. He applied continuous pressure on points in the hands and feet, as well as the tongue, palate and the back of the pharynx wall to relieve pain in other corresponding body parts. He discovered then that as pain was being relieved, the underlying cause of the pain was being treated, too.

The Zone Theory was further developed by Dr. Shelby Riley, M.D. who added the concept of horizontal zones in the hands and feet. Physical therapist Eunice D. Ingham applied the principles to hundreds of patients and meticulously documented her cases. Based on these, she identified the reflexology points on the feet in a book published in 1938. This has been translated into seven other languages around the world, and is the basis of reflexology points used today. Ingham began holding workshops teaching reflexology. Dwight Byers began assisting her in 1961 and in 1968 set up The National Institute of Reflexology in the US. By the mid-Seventies, he established The International Institute of Reflexology.

Funk reminds massage clients that reflexology should not be painful. “If you feel discomfort, be sure to tell the therapist so he or she can reduce pressure and work within your comfort zone. Some areas on your feet and/or hands may be tender, and the reflexologist may spend extra time on these points. The soreness should decrease with pressure.” He recommends that reflexology be enjoyed by itself or as part of full body massage.

Aside from reflexology, other therapeutic massage modalities include Swedish massage therapy, deep tissue massage therapy, sports massage therapy and pregnancy massage therapy. Ask for these from reputable massage clinics and massage spas in Venice and Sarasota FL.