Essential Oils and Reflexology

Reflexology, also known as zone therapy, involving the application of appropriate pressure to specific points or areas on feet, hands, or ears.

It is based on a system of zones and reflex areas that purportedly reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands. In another word, reflexology uses reflexes that are in an orderly arrangement resembling a shape of the human body on the feet, hands, and outer ears. For example, using thumbs or fingers to apply appropriate pressure on a specific spot in the arch of the foot affects the bladder function as it corresponds to the bladder point.

Where are the reflexology points and areas?

In reflexology theory, points and areas on the feet, hands, and ears correspond to specific organs, bones and body systems. Reflexology “maps” represent how the body system correspond to one another. A good example of a reflexology map exists for the feet. Each foot represents a vertical half of the body:

• The left foot corresponds to the left side of the body, and all organs, valves, etc. found there.

• The right foot corresponds to the right side of the body, and all the organs found there. For example, the liver is on the right side of the body, and therefore the corresponding reflex area is on the right foot.

Hence, our feet represent our entire body!

Benefits of combining essential oils with reflexology points

The benefits of putting therapeutic grade essential oils on feet, hands, and ears include:

• The bottoms of your feet have a rich blood supply. The pores are thicker on the sole and our legs act like straws sucking up the compounds quickly into the bloodstream. If essential oils are applied to the feet, oils can deliver to the body cells faster.

• As there are no sebaceous glands on the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands, the soles and palms will not secrete sebum. Sebum is a thick oily substance that could act as “shield” to prevent any absorption. Since the palms and the soles do not secrete sebum, they are more ready to absorb oils. However, you need to ensure your feet are dry before applying any essential oil.

• Applying essential oils to the points on the feet and hands (bottom, sides, and top) and the ear (both inside as far as the finger can reach and outside) affect organs and systems throughout the entire body.

• The skin on the soles of the feet are less sensitive than any skin of the rest of the body, and it allows applying any essential oil without dilution as there is a lower risk of skin irritation and sensitivities.

• On each foot, there are over 7,000 nerve endings called reflexes that correspond to every organ and system within your body. By pressing on these reflex points, you stimulate the nervous system and open energy pathways that may be blocked or congested

• Applying essential oils on the soles of the feet, the oils will bypass the liver and will not accumulate there.

• Digestive reflexology points can help to ease gastrointestinal discomfort, particularly digestion.

• Using the thumb to apply appropriate pressure on the inner edge of the middle part of the foot can help to relax the stomach and improves circulation in this area. Stimulating the middle of the foot opens the energy pathways to the organs like the stomach, colon, and intestines. This helps blood flow and circulation to these organs and can help alleviate digestive issues.

• For those who often suffer from hormonal problems or emotional imbalance before your period, apply appropriate pressure with recommended essential oils on the inner and outer reflex areas on each side of your ankle where the reproductive organs lies may help to alleviate the symptoms. Stimulating these areas can improve the circulation to the reproductive organs and help to regulate and balance you during that time of the month.

Although reflexology is not used to diagnose or cure health disorders, it if often used to complement other treatments when addressing conditions such as kidney functions, sinusitis, emotional imbalance, etc.

Source:

http://livingtraditionally.com

http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu

http://www.doctoroz.com

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