How many of you have seen that colorful chart with a feet, hands or ear images designating areas that correspond with specific parts of the body? This ancient art seems to work wonders on getting the body to function properly to combat stress, blood pressure and other physical and mental illnesses by applying pressure on certain parts of the foot...but not without controversy.
According to the Reflexology Association of America (RAA), reflexology is primarily a relaxation technique to relax the body which in turn allows the body to fight off certain illness and conditions more effectively. With this being said, the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) in some states is trying to establish a licensing law for reflexology to be included under the massage umbrella despite the reluctance of practicing reflexologist.
According to the American Reflexology Certification Board, the difference between reflexology and massage is that:
Reflexology is applied to specific areas whereas massage is applied to the whole body.
You don't have to get undressed for a reflexology session as you would for a massage session.
Reflexology uses small muscle movements mostly with the thumbs and fingers while massage uses large muscle movement utilizing the entire hand.
Reflexology works with the function of the body to change the soft tissue directly stimulated while massage works with the structure of the body.
Reflexology promotes total body relaxation and balancing of all body systems while massage provides local muscle relaxation or circulation improvement if the whole body is massaged.
Like massage therapy and yoga, reflexology is considered complimentary and alternative medicine (CAM). Although, americans spend millions of dollars on complimentary medicine yearly, it has not, in the past, been highly regarded in the United States; but some hospitals and medical schools are now offering courses in CAM because of consumer demand. Corporations in China and Japan have included reflexology as part of employee heath plans which has decreased the amount paid in sick benefits.
Given the information I've read, reflexology sounds like a form of massge, but controversy aside...as a consumer, if reflexology or other CAMs such as massage therapy and yoga can help reduce pain, stress and create balance and a sense of well being in our busy overworked lives, it's a winner regardless as to whether you call it foot reflexology, zone therapy or another form of massage.
Article by:
Christi Booth, owner of Soulful Aroma Bath & Beauty and Bath & Beauty Solutions Blog. Offering beauty recipes, tips, articles and bath products.
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