Modern medicine often relies on advanced technology and tools, precision instruments and medication. Yet the practice of medicine is as old as mankind itself. The very earliest records tell of healers in various different disciplines of ancient medicine. Most of these disciplines survive to this day and some, like reflexology are extremely popular. After reflex therapy Portland patients often report that the symptoms that plagued them simply disappeared.
Reflexology, along with several other very popular fields of treatment, is classified as alternative or complementary. These therapies remain extremely popular everywhere, however. Perhaps it is because they are not invasive and they do not involve procedures and medication that can cause complications and side effects. It is, in fact, not uncommon to find a qualified medical practitioner preferring to switch to an alternative form of treatment.
Reflexology involves the application of pressure on the hands and feet. This pressure is applied by the fingers and the thumbs and various specific techniques are employed. No lotions are used and the pressure is applied to very specific areas of the feet or hands. Reflexologists believe that specific forms of pressure will have an effect upon organs elsewhere in the body.
The pressure applied by the reflexologist is not arbitrary. The feet and the hands are mapped in detail and every part of these limbs relate to a very specific organ or bodily part. In order to treat a pain in the neck, for example, the very tips of the toes are manipulated. The idea is that the manipulation of a specific area of a hand or foot creates a flow of energy from the manipulation zone to the linked body part or organ.
Reflexology is not diagnostic in nature and that is why it is most often used as a complimentary treatment method. Studies have shown that it can help to reduce anxiety and stress. Practitioners also claim that it can provide pain relief almost anywhere in the body. It is a popular supplementary treatment for those with cancer and diabetes. Patients suffering from chronic headaches and sinusitis also seem to benefit.
Critics are quick to point out that there is absolutely no scientific evidence that reflexology is an effective treatment method for any medical condition. They say that the only positive effect of reflexology is to help patients deal with stress and anxiety but that the same effect can be accomplished by means of a professional massage. Other than with other alternative medical treatment, such as chiropractics, medical insurance will not cover the cost of reflexology.
The field of reflexology is not formally regulated and in most countries practitioners do not have to obtain a licence or register as practitioners. Patients must therefore understand that there is no official body where they can lodge complaints. There are, however, a number of bodies and organizations such as the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council in the UK that can be joined on a voluntary basis.
Despite the criticism, reflexology remains very popular. There is a worldwide tendency to opt for more natural forms of medicine. There can be no doubt that reflexology is completely safe and that the vast majority of patients report positive results.
Reflexology, along with several other very popular fields of treatment, is classified as alternative or complementary. These therapies remain extremely popular everywhere, however. Perhaps it is because they are not invasive and they do not involve procedures and medication that can cause complications and side effects. It is, in fact, not uncommon to find a qualified medical practitioner preferring to switch to an alternative form of treatment.
Reflexology involves the application of pressure on the hands and feet. This pressure is applied by the fingers and the thumbs and various specific techniques are employed. No lotions are used and the pressure is applied to very specific areas of the feet or hands. Reflexologists believe that specific forms of pressure will have an effect upon organs elsewhere in the body.
The pressure applied by the reflexologist is not arbitrary. The feet and the hands are mapped in detail and every part of these limbs relate to a very specific organ or bodily part. In order to treat a pain in the neck, for example, the very tips of the toes are manipulated. The idea is that the manipulation of a specific area of a hand or foot creates a flow of energy from the manipulation zone to the linked body part or organ.
Reflexology is not diagnostic in nature and that is why it is most often used as a complimentary treatment method. Studies have shown that it can help to reduce anxiety and stress. Practitioners also claim that it can provide pain relief almost anywhere in the body. It is a popular supplementary treatment for those with cancer and diabetes. Patients suffering from chronic headaches and sinusitis also seem to benefit.
Critics are quick to point out that there is absolutely no scientific evidence that reflexology is an effective treatment method for any medical condition. They say that the only positive effect of reflexology is to help patients deal with stress and anxiety but that the same effect can be accomplished by means of a professional massage. Other than with other alternative medical treatment, such as chiropractics, medical insurance will not cover the cost of reflexology.
The field of reflexology is not formally regulated and in most countries practitioners do not have to obtain a licence or register as practitioners. Patients must therefore understand that there is no official body where they can lodge complaints. There are, however, a number of bodies and organizations such as the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council in the UK that can be joined on a voluntary basis.
Despite the criticism, reflexology remains very popular. There is a worldwide tendency to opt for more natural forms of medicine. There can be no doubt that reflexology is completely safe and that the vast majority of patients report positive results.
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