Many people now are more receptive to the concepts of alternative medicine. It is interesting to note that alternative as it is, reflexology, herbology and such has been around longer than mainstream medicine has. Reflexology has been in practice a thousand years before, though it cannot be said from which continent it did originate because the Egyptians, Chinese and Japanese have been using it practically at the same time the world over.

Despite the widespread use of reflexology in different continents, the methods used have stark differences. For instance, the Chinese apply pressure through the use of needles, now popularly known as acupuncture while the Egyptians use the hands to apply pressure on the feet. But the same pressure point principle is observed in the entire reflexology community.

They all follow a certain scaled down body map on the base of the foot. The toes represent the head from the neck upwards. The heart and the chest area are represented by the ball of the foot. The internal organs are represented by the arch of the foot and the sole represents the lower back or spine and the intestines.

It is believed that the area corresponding to the body part is directly connected by the veins that run through the body. Therefore, the application of pressure will enable better blood circulation and relaxation. The heaviness of the pressure must be in accordance to the standard practice set by professional reflexologists because too much pressure can result to injury or sprain and not a lot of people can endure such pain. However, the amount of pressure can also be requested by the patient, as others do not feel the sensation from the average pressure.

Reflexology promotes relaxation because it allows the blood to circulate and relieve swelling. Reflexologists believe that illness or discomfort is primarily caused by blockages in the veins that prevent the blood and oxygen from passing through. Consistently applying pressure will slowly remove the blockages and allow the nerves to breathe. When the internal organs are at their best performance, the entire body is also on its optimum level.

However effective reflexology is in relieving pain, stress and other bad health symptoms, it is still not considered as a replacement for scientific or mainstream medicine. Nonetheless, it is often recognized as a complement to medications and to help promote the well-being of an ill person. Even devoted reflexologists refuse to advise an entire therapy around reflexology because mainstream medicine is still respected as the default medication for all.

In essence, reflexology is simply a therapy to release stress. The pressure points release hormones that induce the body into a relaxed state. Those who do not have reflexology sessions on a regular basis, or have had it for the first time feels dizzy and weak, but it is not an indication of anything negative happening in the body. It is simply a result of the resetting of the body’s equilibrium or homeostasis where the patient’s body is adapting to.