Reflexology is a complementary medicine technique that involves a method of treatment using massage to reflex spots found most often in the feet, but also on the hands. Reflexology has been used for several thousands of years and is believed to have been practised in a similar manner by the Chinese and the Egyptians.

Reflexology is not a replacement for medical treatment but can be put to work as a complement to any type of medical approach or therapy. More along the lines of massage, reflexology can also be combined into an overall healthy lifestyle which includes attention to diet, moderate exercise and different methods of stress reduction and relaxation.

A great deal of different disorders have been successfully treated by reflexology including such things as migraine headache, sinus problems, hormonal imbalances, breathing disorders, digestive system problems, blood circulation issues, back problems, tension and stress and even dizziness.

Most people who have undergone a treatment would agree that the process can be very effective and is also a relaxing therapy.

In the feet, there are reflex spots corresponding to all the parts of the body and these areas are laid out in such a way as to form a map of the body with the right foot corresponding to the right side of the body and the left foot corresponding to the left side of the body. By having the whole body reproduced in the feet, this offers a way of treating the whole body, not merely symptoms, but also the root causes of symptoms.

Recent research has been carried out around the world which is verifying the performance of reflexology on a wide variety of afflictions.

Indeed, in China, reflexology is accepted by the central government as a way of eliminating and healing diseases and safeguarding health and in Japan and Denmark reflexology has been integrated into the employee health programs of several large corporations, saving each company a lot of money in sick pay.

Many of our health issues can be linked to stress. It is acknowledged by the medical community that a body trying to work under the influence of long term stress is less capable of organising its defences against illnesses and healing damage caused by injury.

Reflexology is primarily a relaxation technique and can quash the effects of stress while it helps the body relax. Through the relaxation process the body is more capable of dealing with the stresses put on it by daily living and those associated with illness.

Reflexology gently prods the body towards better functioning by improving lymphatic drainage and circulation, stimulating nerve pathways and relaxing muscle. Best of all it feels great. Therefore if there is an ailment nagging at you, a visit to a local practitioner would be well worth a try.