Reflexology

[carolaa]

I tried to post this on one of the Health forums, but apparently I don't have permission to do that. Anyway, I'm wondering if anyone knows about foot reflexology. Pros/cons? Does it really work? Any personal experiences? Etc.

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

Quack medicine, imho

In the same realm as reiki, craniosacral therapy, crystals, etc.

Best to use eye of newt and mirrors. Better results.

[Liz]

Yes, it really works. I am not sure what you are looking for exactly, there are some great books out there about it. Also, if you are just having it done to you, you still need to read up on it so that you know if your person is trained and knowledgable.

Done right it can get rid of headaches, cramps, and some other stuff like allergy relief. Done wrong and it can cause just as many problems.

Like any medicine alternative and otherwise, some things will work for you while others things won't.

[Neil D]

I tried to post this on one of the Health forums, but apparently I don't have permission to do that. Anyway, I'm wondering if anyone knows about foot reflexology. Pros/cons? Does it really work? Any personal experiences? Etc.

Well, I know this much...when you message the foot, it feels really really really good.....and relaxes you nicely, provided you aren't too ticklish...Almost as good as a hottub bath...

[Dr. Shane]

I really like the toes to be massaged individually too. Of course, if we discuss this too much it might need to be moved to our mature subject section.

[Guest charis]

okay. You all sit there having specific areas of your dorsal lower extremity massaged to relieve your infirmities. I'll bring the runes and candles.

[Neil D]

okay. You all sit there having specific areas of your dorsal lower extremity massaged to relieve your infirmities. I'll bring the runes and candles.

Hey, none of that sissy stuff, ya hear? If you gonna bring any high powered magical thingys in here, make sure it's gonna work on this skeptic....

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

[Woody]

I have a Massage Therapist work on me every two weeks. It is a matter of survival.

[Guest charis]

Massage therapy is NOT reflexology.

[Neil D]

Massage therapy is NOT reflexology.

Oooh, I dunno...Some of thos massage therapist can do some very magical things.... ROFL

[Guest charis]

Originally Posted By: charis

Massage therapy is NOT reflexology.

Oooh, I dunno...Some of thos massage therapist can do some very magical things.... ROFL

[carolaa]

Yes, it really works. I am not sure what you are looking for exactly, there are some great books out there about it. Also, if you are just having it done to you, you still need to read up on it so that you know if your person is trained and knowledgable.

Done right it can get rid of headaches, cramps, and some other stuff like allergy relief. Done wrong and it can cause just as many problems.

Like any medicine alternative and otherwise, some things will work for you while others things won't.

Thank you. I was wondering about the training and if a person can do it "wrong."

Well, I had to be out of town for a few days so couldn't respond sooner, but here's why I was asking. A long, long time ago (20+ years), I worked with a lady who was a believer in it, and she actually did a few massages on the side, and she would occasionally invite me to her home over lunch hour and give me a foot massage. I can't say it was that enjoyable because it was actually quite painful sometimes. I would swear she was digging in with her fingernails, and she would show me that her fingernails were clipped down to nothing. She explained that working out the deposits could be painful. Anyway, at the time, I thought it was all quite interesting but wasn't sure how much stock to put into it.

So that was my introduction to the subject, and in the meantime, I somehow acquired a small book that explained more about it, but it has basically sat on the shelf for many years, and I've hardly given it any thought in a very long time.

Fast forward to a couple months ago when I started having symptoms that turned out to be gall bladder problems. The symptoms come and go, and taking a proton inhibitor has reduced them quite a bit. However, all of a sudden, I noticed last week that my right foot had a REALLY tender spot that would even throb at times. After about 3 days, I remembered my little reflexology book, and I was curious what part of the body it would indicate that there was trouble. So just for fun, I dug out the book to see.

Imagine my shock to discover that the spot where I was tender is exactly the very small area, located *only* on the right foot, that is associated with gall bladder! I can't believe that is just a coincidence. So I immediately read the book cover to cover and then got a family member to give me a thorough massage on that foot, and particularly that one spot (not pleasant). Then I got online and started this thread! I didn't notice any relief right away, but now, a few days later, the tenderness in my foot is mostly gone.

So we'll see what happens next, but I thought that was incredibly interesting and wanted to know about anyone else's experiences.

[carolaa]

Massage therapy is NOT reflexology.

Maybe not, but a lot of massage therapists offer reflexology.

[Woody]

Carolaa. You are right. I have had some aspects of it and got some relief. They would touch this and that spot and do some voodoo over it and WaLaa ... I felt better. I don't claim to understand it. But I've seen some results. I suppose it is not much more different than a good massage though.

[carolaa]

Right now I'm thinking it is more along the lines of acupuncture, which we in the West used to ridicule but now are finding out is more scientific than we thought.

[Woody]

My first expeience with acupuncture was not the best. They stuck all these needles in me and when I got home I discovered a big long needle in my head.Apparently he thought my head needed extra attention.

I am sure that some here would agree with him.