Ancient Egyptian drawings show people massaging each other's feet. It has been practiced by people of Eastern cultures for over 4,000 years. REFLEXOLOGY now is enjoying widespread support in North America. It is part of a holistic approach to body healing. It offers a hopeful vision of help and relief, aside from conventional methods.
Nature designed our feet for walking on uneven and rough ground, thus massaging our feet to keep our bodies healthy. REFLEXOLOGY is based on the principle that our nerves or zones end at the bottom of our feet. These zones or reflex points go from the bottom of our feet to the top of our head, encompassing all vital organs on the way. When we press or massage a certain point on the bottom of our foot, we send energy, via that zone, to the corresponding area in our body. So we are helping our body to heal itself by balancing our energies. Tender zones or points may indicate that part of our body requires help or energy sent to it, via the reflex point.
Oils for massage
Oils have been used in massage treatments throughout history. Homer wrote about an oily medium used for massage as early as 1000 B.C. Plato and Socrates wrote of anointing with oil and rubbing to ease pain. Today there are many types of oils with many uses. It is necessary to experiment with the many types and try them on a variety of skin types to develop your own sense of use and personal preference. The purpose of using oil in a massage is to facilitate the gliding over the client's skin. The various oils contain ingredients for nourishing the skin and promoting health. Essential oils (fragrant oils distilled from plants, trees, roots, seeds) can be added for further enhancing the treatment. When buying oils, look for cold-pressed or expellier-pressed ( made with the least amount of heating and processing) as they last longer. ( A rancid oil can cause free radical damage to your self and client.) Keep large quantities of oils refrigerated or
in a cool place (below 65 degrees) when not in use to delay spoilage.
Vitamin E added each month to the oil will help prevent spoilage. Use about 300 IU of vitamin E per pint of oil. A rancid oil will have an unusual smell to it and taste bitter. These are the basic oils and can be used in combination or alone. Essential Oils can be added for additional therapeutic purpose.