The Reflexology Association of Canada defines
reflexology as:
"A natural healing art based on the principle that there are reflexes in the feet, hands and ears and their
referral areas within zone related areas, which correspond to every part, gland and organ of the body. Through
application of pressure on these reflexes without the use of tools, crèmes or lotions, the feet being the
primary area of application, reflexology relieves tension, improves circulation and helps promote the natural
function of the related areas of the body."
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An example of a reflexology chart, demonstrating the areas of the feet that
practitioners believe correspond with organs in the "zones" of the body.
Reflexology works as the pressure techniques applied to the feet or hands interact as a part of
the body's nervous system creating: relaxation, improved circulation, exercise of the nervous system and the
benefits of touch.
Pressure sensors in the feet and hands are a part of the body's reflexive response that makes
possible the "fight or flight" reaction to danger. Feet ready to flee and hands ready to fight communicate
with the body"s internal organs-think adrenal glands and adrenal... to make possible either eventuality. The
sudden adrenal surge that enables a person to lift a car is an example of this coordinated activity. The
perception of pressure by the feet and hands taps into the reflex network that makes possible our every move.
Reflexology, consistently applied, provides an exercise of these pressure sensors and thus a conditioning of
the internal organs to which they are inextricably tied....excerts from http://www.reflexology-research.com
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