REFLEXOLOGY:
A term that refers to the stimulation of the microsystems of the hands, feet, ears, and other specific parts of the body (i.e face, scalp, tongue, teeth, lower leg), to have an effect on all the glands, organs, and other parts of the body. A microsystem is one part of the body that contains a reflection of the whole body. It is believed that there are more than fifteen microsystems in the human body.
FOOT REFLEXOLOGY:
Foot reflexology is a method of stimulating reflex areas of the feet that relax and rejuvenate each and every part of the body including the glands and organs.
By relaxing the body, tension is relieved and the circulation of blood and lymph is restored to their natural flow and all of the body's processes function more efficiently. Simultaneously, awareness of one's body is heightened.
These effects have been observed to facilitate the natural healing processes of the body and enhance a person's general health.
HAND REFLEXOLOGY:
Hand reflexology employs the same techniques as foot reflexology.
In the past, it was used primarily when working on the hand was more convenient: i.e. if the feet were injured or amputated, or, as an alternative to working on the feet.
One of the reasons for this is because it was believed that the reflexes in the hands were not as easily stimulated as those in the feet, and hence, that a less effective result would be obtained.
Recently, however, it is being realized that working on the hands can be just as effective as working on the feet and as a result a new interest in hand reflexology is developing. Because there has been less work with the hands in the past the location of the reflexes in the hands are not as well established. This will change with time and experience.
EAR REFLEXOLOGY:
Ear reflexology is the most recent development in reflexology, and it has evolved out of "Auricular Therapy" or acupuncture of the ears.
Ear reflexology refers to physical stimulation of the reflex areas of the ears without the use of needles. The techniques used in ear reflexology are different to those used with the feet and hands, primarily because of the different sizes of the ears.