History of Reflexology - Report Example

Running Head: Alternative Therapies Name: University: Course: Tutor: Date of Submission: PART A Reflexology History of Reflexology Reflexology refers to the applying of appropriate pressures to the specific points or areas of the feet, or hands, and ears. Modern reflexology forms its basis on a particular form of therapy that has been practiced for hundreds of years. The Chinese have been documented as having practiced, from as early as 4,000 B.C. Particular forms of hand and foot massage. The tomb of ankmahor in Egypt also presents interesting forms of evidence regarding the same (Disher, 2008). As for Australia, the Aborigines also have a long history of practicing the same foot massage. The true origin of this powerful therapy is often confused. But throughout the many decades of its existence, the therapy has been consistent and has enabled many people from different cultures better, maintain and take charge of their lives as well as improve their health conditions. The oxford dictionary defines Reflex as some involuntary or even instinctive movements that come as a response to a certain stimulus, just as would be seen in a mirror or other form of reflection. The reflex achieved in our feet and or hand acts as a mirror image of our bodies. The benefits and persons who would benefit from Reflexology therapy Reflexology is beneficial to people of different age groups as it completely eliminates a number of ailments over duration of three to six weekly treatments (Disher, 2008). Moreover, it brings relief to various acute as well as chronic conditions through the promotion of self- healing. According to Disher (2008), argument reflexology helps in stress reduction by helping the human body to continuously regain balance as well as self-healing. Additionally, reflexology ensures effective blood circulation as well as flow from the feet, brain, intestines and kidneys since it stimulates relaxation of the body and all its systems including cardiovascular system. In turn the cardiovascular system pumps blood effectively and easily enhancing good blood and oxygen circulation within the body. Fourthly, reflexology stimulates effective nerve function within the body. According to Eriksen (2010), argument reflexology is perceived to stimulate the functioning of over 7,000 feet nerves as well as it encourages opening and neural pathways clearing which inturn reduces pain. Furthermore, reflexology ensures improved immune power as well as sense of well-being by removing toxins and inducing production of endorphins. Other benefits of reflexology comprise of; increases in the energy levels, eases pregnancy and delivery and lastly it results to quick recovery after surgery through pain reduction. Therefore, this therapy will important to children, young people, adults as well as elderly people. Training, Licensing, and Certification In Melbourne, The Australian School of Reflexology and Relaxation is one of the best places of study for the subject. The School offers a 200-hour course in Reflexology (Eriksen, 2010). And it is the only school in Australia that has been licensed to offer the original Ingram training of Reflexology, which, after a candidate completes satisfactorily, is awarded a certificate and a government backed license. PART B Deep Tissue Massage A Deep-tissue massage particularly points to a type of massage therapy which concentrates mostly on some deep layers of the muscle as well as fascia of the body. By applying deep fingering pressure then slow, firm stroking, deep tissue massages are used for the treatment of a number of physical illnesses. Most doctors make recommendations for deep-tissue massages to patients as one of treatment options they may regard for its benefits (Roberts, 2010). Among other important uses, Deep tissue massage has been found useful in reducing chronic pain, improving blood pressure, breaking up of scars in tissue as well as the rehabilitating of injured muscles. Reflexology Reflexology refers to the natural functionality of various body systems. Reflexologists are of the opinion that the feet, hands and ears are reflex points which corresponds to different organs of the body and its systems hence they believe that pressing them is beneficial in affecting not only the organ's but also the person's health in general (Eriksen, 2010). According to Reflexologists argument, for instance a particular spot found at the arch of a human being foot certainly corresponds to some other in the bladder such as the bladder point hence whenever a reflexologist uses the thumbs and fingers to apply appropriate pressure on the foot area, then the effect is also on the functioning of the bladder. Reflexology is usually not used for diagnosis of, or the cure of health disorders, but millions of individuals across the world use it for complementing other treatments after addressing such conditions as anxiety, asthmatic cases, cancer treatment, cardiovascular matters, diabetes, chronic headaches, kidney functions, as well as sinusitis (Eriksen, 2010). Reiki Japanese in origin, Reiki is a technique used to reduce stress, and is necessary in relaxation with an aim of promoting healing as well. The practitioners administer it by laying their own hands given that is based and founded on the notion that some unseen force energy in life is continually flowing through people and the same causes us live. If a person's life force energy is down, we then are likely to feel sick and or stressed (Roberts, 2010). However, if it remains high, a person is more able to not only be happy but also healthy. The treatment feels to be a wonderful or a glowing radiance which flows in and around the client. Reiki administers healing on the person's body, emotional balance, mind as well as spirit and therefore creates many positive effects which include relaxation as well as a peaceful feeling, security and or wellbeing. Reports have been reported of miracles. Cranial Sacral Therapy CranioSacral Therapy (CST) refers to a gentle as well as hands-on approach which is aimed at releasing tensions found deep inside the body for relieve of pain as well dysfunction and improving the performance of the body as a whole and its health (Upledger, 2010). It’s done by the use of soft touches which are generally less than 5 grams which is what a nickel weighs. The practitioner aims at releasing restrictions found in some soft tissues which may surround the nervous system (Upledger, 2010). CST has been used again and again as a health measure which is more preventive because it’s able to bolster some resistance for disease, and the fact that it’s effective in many medical problems which are associated with pains and dysfunctions. Balinese Massage A Balinese massage integrates the combining of gentle stretches, some acupressure as well as aromatherapy oils which stimulate the continuous flow of blood, of oxygen and the "qi" (lay man's for energy) around the body, and brings deep relaxation as well as wellness. Its ancient and the technique, the Balinese massage, has and still uses a number of techniques which include skin rolling, kneading or stroking, acupressure as well reflexology. There is also use of essential oils which relax as well as soothe the recipient (Born, 2009). Pilates Pilates refers to body conditioning routines that aims to build flexibility, endurance, strength, as well as coordination in a way that does not add muscle bulk. It’s been put to use mostly by gymnasts and dancers over the years but its original purpose was the rehabilitating of bedridden and or immobile patients over the time of the First World War (Meier, 2007). In a sense, it improves mental as well as physical well being, in addition to increasing flexibility, and the strength of muscles by applying controlled movements which are done as exercises in a mat and or with equipments for toning and strengthening the body (Meier, 2007). Hot Stones Hot stone massage refers to specialty massages in which the therapist applies the uses smooth stones which are heated, one as the extension of therapists own hands, or two by placing the stones on the client's body as they massage the other sections of the person's body (Trulock, 2009). The heat is deeply relaxing as well as helps to warm up the tight muscles which will then enable therapist to work even more deeply as they increase the pace. Hot stones when warmed on fire were initially used by the Native Americans for treating aching muscles, but using hot stones in the current age generally grants credit to Mary Nelson, who was a Tucson native, in Arizona. It was her who trademarked the style of using hot stone massage. Aryuvedic Treatments Aryurvedic refers to traditional medicine in India, and history has it that it originated there more than 5,000 years ago. It emphasizes the re-establishing of balance between body through proper diet, good lifestyle, enough exercise, as well as body cleansing (Sharma, 2008). It’s also about the health of mind, body, as well as spirit. In Australia, Aryurvedic is now considered as a form of the alternative medicine. Similar to traditional Chinese medicines, Aryurvedic is a complete medical system, which means that it forms its basis on theories of both health and illness without leaving out the methods for preventing and treatment of these health conditions. Acupressure Acupressure is the bodywork technique in medicine which was practiced among the traditional Chinese and formed its basis on similar ideas as the acupuncture (Cross, 2004). The practitioner places physical pressure, either by hand, the elbow, or by the aid of a number of devices, on different points of pressure on the body surface. By doing so, they relax the body as whole. Among the common ailments that are cured by this therapy are headaches, general body pains, and others. The practitioners take a considerable amount of time before they can perfect the techniques. Generally the technique involves a careful approach that makes the practitioner to able to involve the client as best as they can. Acupuncture Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicinal methodology which originated from ancient China and treats patients whilst manipulating thin, yet solid needles which have just been inserted in acupuncture points of the skin. Sourcing from Traditional Chinese medicines, the stimulation of these points does also correct imbalances found in the flowing energy or of qi through the channels which are known as the meridians. Scientific researchers have not found there to be histological and or physiological correlates in qi, meridians as well as acupuncture points. However, contemporary practitioners have been found to needle the client's body without the use of traditional theoretical frameworks (Cross, 2004). Color Therapy For hundreds of years it's been noted that color can significantly affect a person's health, their inner harmony as well their emotions (Amber, 2012). By using color for this purpose a medical effect could be achieved that the conventional West medicines may not receive by the application of traditional approaches. In the current world color has become so significant that a person becomes very specific about what goes into their homes. As for the sick, they are apt to be put in rooms that make it possible for them to relax. If the color is dull, there is a possibility that the person may get depressed. If the color is bright, the client could get excited or blinded. Feldenkrais Feldenkrais is a dynamic 21st century approach dealing with both professional and personal development, an individual's optimal health as well as their well being. Feldenkrais brings together the body and the mind towards achieving greater coordination, balance, agility and performance via acts of movement (Rywerant, 2012). Feldenkrais helps one understand to access as well as alter the stressing and unconscious movements habits. The practice has to be consistent if it is going to work. The practitioner emphasizes on the client to make sure that the things they do as a part of therapy are from within, not just a physical exercise to entertain them. Bowen Technique A Bowen Technique is a form of therapeutic technique which is named after the Australian Tom Bowen who lived between 1916-1982. Bowen did not train as therapist, even though he named himself an osteopath as well as attempted joining the register of the osteopaths in the year 1981 but got subsequently rejected (Wilks, 2005). His technique consisted of a practitioner's use of the thumb or the forefingers in making rolling type movements across tendons, body ligaments as well as superficial fascia. Two minute pauses after every move determines the character of the technique, and in doing so the therapist leaves the room. The break is necessary because then the work takes effect. Ear Candling Also known as ear coning and or thermal-auricular therapy, ear candling is a form of alternative medical practice which claims to improve the general health and the well-being of a person by the lighting of one end of an hollowed candle and then placing the extreme end on the ear canals. According to Medical research, this is both dangerous and ineffective added on to the fact that it does not help in the removal of earwax or the so-called toxins (Dalgleish, 2007). As has been noted, the problem is that the ear is sensitive to infections. It is possible that doing this therapy wrong could be more damaging than it could be helpful. Cupping Cupping therapy is Arabic in origins and is another form of alternative medical practice in which practitioners create local suction on the skin believing this mobilizes the blood flow which inadvertently promotes healing (Cross, 2004). The suction is achieved by the use of heat from fire or some mechanical devices. To perform cupping, the air inside a cup gets heated and then the rim is carefully applied on the skin, which then forms an airtight seal. There is no chance that the practitioner could be careless with this. Given that the therapy so much depends on heat, and the cup, then they have to ensure that they get the conditions quite right. Crystal Healing Crystal healing is another pseudoscientific alternative medical technique which employs the use of stones and some crystals as the healing tools. The practitioners place a crystal on some different part of the client's body, which may correspond to chakras, and or places the crystals around body parts with the aim of constructing the energy grid that is purported as surrounding the client's body with healing power and energy (Sharma, 2008). Whenever the stones get arranged in the perimeter of chakras, then the colour of the individual stones could correspond to some color that is supposed to be representative of the corresponding chakra. Manual Lymphatic Drainage Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) refers to a type of very gentle massage that is meant by practitioner to encourage a natural drainage system of the body lymph from all tissue space body (Roberts, 2010). The lymph system is depended on the intrinsic contraction to be found in smooth muscles' cells of the internal walls of the lymph vessels otherwise known as peristalsis as well as the moving of skeletal muscle in order to propel the lymph through vessels for lymph nodes after which the lymph nodes lead to lymph ducts and then return lymph into the cardiovascular systems. Any manual drainage of lymph uses a specified amount of exercisable pressure which is usually less than nine ounce per each square inch and the rhythmic circular movement aimed at stimulating lymph flow Meditation Meditation is arguably universal. It goes past all divides which include religion, countries and or culture. Its proponents prefer to see it as a gift which has been given to humanity for the accessing of the infinite within, a spirit not under limitations of any identity. They argue it is a great tool that can effectively return one to their innocence (Hugh, 2006). Modernity highly exposes men to anger, to hate, to fear and many negative emotions. These are human emotions which have great tendency to replicate, duplicate as well as spread. For instance, if a person gets lied to, he begins suspecting everything or everyone around them. The impact on the people surrounding such a person is undeniable. However, with a more silent, meditative world, then the world becomes a better, more healed placed. Hypnotherapy The word hypnosis originates from a Greek word Hypnos, which means sleep. Hypnotherapists, or practitioners, conduct exercises which bring some deep relaxation as well as a altered state of the consciousness, papillary called trance (Elamn, 2004). The client goes into an intensely focused state and becomes unusually responsive to ideas or images, but it does not therefore mean that the practitioner can control a clients mind and or their free will. In fact, hypnosis does teach a person the mastering of their individual state of awareness. In so doing the person can affect his own physical functions and or psychological responses. In the process of hypnosis, a person's body relaxes and their thoughts also become sharp and focused. It is done in stages. First re-frame the problems (Elamn, 2004). Then relax, get absorbed, dissociate, respond, return self to your usual awareness and final reflect on the experience. Shiatsu Shiatsu in Japanese means finger pressure and it is alternative medicine which consists of finger as well as palm pressure, their stretches, and several massage techniques. Scientific evidence has not been gathered for there being some medical efficacy in the field of shiatsu (Dave, 2004). The practitioners of shiatsu promote the act as a form of helping people relax as well as cope with such issues as stress, muscles pain, anxiety, nausea as well as depression. Like all ancient methods, the working of Shiatsu demands that both the practitioner and the client both understand the way the concept works. This is the only way to make it effective. Indian Head Massage The Indian head massage has several other names like champissage and has been trademarked as a term which gives credence to the consequent practice of alternative medicine and massage therapy. For champissage, all three; the head, the neck and the face get massaged for the purposes of manipulating the energy channels (Roberts, 2010). The goal herein is the clearing of blocks in the energy channel that could cause the building up of some negative energy which are purported as the cause illnesses. It is believed that if the energy is not flowing properly, then negative energy consequently builds up, and then causes common ailments, which include stress, body pain and aches, and the baldness or some hair loss. Champissage is now practiced in almost all countries in Europe. Thai massage Thai massage is a kind of massage done Thai style which involves the stretching of body as well as some deep massage (Roberts, 2010). This bodywork normally performed on a floor, and all clients wear comfortable clothes which allow the unhampered movement. Thai massage does not involve the usage of oils in any way. This kind of massage is also best recommended to people who are not comfortable displaying their bodies. And this may be because of a number of reasons, ranging from to physical size to skin infections of cultural taboos. In the event that a person best wants to attend a Thai massage, then the person would be best attended to by professionals. Kinesiology This is also called human kinetics, and involves the study of all human movement in a scientific manner. The practice addresses all physiological, as well as mechanical, and or psychological mechanisms (Elamn, 2004). The applications of the technique to human health includes not only biomechanics but also orthopedics, and strength and conditioning, without leaving out sport psychology, the rehabilitation of persons issues, that may include physical and or occupational therapy. There is no alternative to physical exercise, and the proponents of kinesiology demand that the rehabilitation of people that may have fallen into physical main would be best served this way. Iridology Another of these alternative medicine techniques in which the practitioners claim patterns, color as well as other characteristics of the eye's iris could be examined for the determination of information about the patient’s entire systematic health. The practitioner makes their matches against observations done on iris charts after the iris have been divided into zones which correspond to some specific parts in the human body. Proponents, otherwise known as iridologists are of the opinion that eyes are windows into the human body's condition of health (Elamn, 2004). Homeopathy This is a system through which a person gets treated of disease or ailments by the use of minute doses coming from natural substances which in a healthy individual would otherwise produce some symptoms of a disease (Eriksen, 2010). The doses have to be in proper measures, and the event that they are delivered wrong, they could be damaging. The practitioner could also come into it with a proper rate or training. Failure to adhere could be detrimental not only to the client but also to the practitioner. A proper knowledge for natural substances is a prerequisite. Any mix up could be deadly, and therefore a careful study in the part of the practitioner is encouraged. Alexander Technique The Alexander technique is supposed to train people on standing, how to hold themselves as well as move in different ways that would help eliminate some unnecessary tension which could be found in their bodies (Alexsander, 2006). It is primarily a kind of educational process, which is not a some relaxation technique and or a form of exercising. The way a person stands could determine how well relaxed they will be. The Alexander technique was developed primarily to prevent a person from habits that may expose their torso, or other parts of their bodies to be affected wrongfully. The practitioner gets to instruct the client. But the client is the one who goes on to put the instructions to use. Osteopathy Osteopathy emphasizes on the interrelationship occurring between the structure and the function of the client’s body as well as recognizes that the body's ability for self healing is inherent (Alexsander, 2006). It is therefore the role of an osteopath to engage and facilitate that kind of process, which principally is a skilled practice for manual as well as manipulative therapy. The bone structure and the skeleton are given credence here. And this means that the client needs to ensure that the therapy helps them in their general strength. And in the end the whole body is better straightened, and the strength is improved meaning that the body is able to deal with external pressures. Chiropractic As an alternative process, this involves the musculoskeletal system and the effects that may attack either the nervous system or the general health as a whole (Elamn, 2004). Doctors and practitioners commonly perform a procedure called chiropractic adjustment, which is also referred to as spinal manipulation. After this has been done, then joint mobility is restored by the manual application of a force that is controlled on the joint which have otherwise become hypo mobile. These could also have been restrained in movement and also could mean that there has been some form of tissue injury. The practitioners seek to address this. References Amber, R., B. 2012. Color Therapy: Healing With Color. 1st ed. New York: Aurora Press. Born, B., A. 2009. The Essential Massage Companion: Everything You Need to Know to Navigate. 1st ed. London: Concepts Born, llc. Cross, J., R. 2004. Acupressure: Clinical Applications in Musculo-Skeletal Conditions. 2nd ed. Perth: Elservier Health Services. Dalgleish, M. 2007. Ear Candling in Essence. 1st ed. Indiana: Indiana University. Disher, G., 2008. Reflexology: History and Training: Journal of Cosmetic and Alternative Therapy in Australia, AU 1, 28 Elman, D. 2004. Hypnotherapy. 1st ed. Sydney: Westwood Publishing Company. Eriksen, L. 2010. Municipal Reflexology. Zoneterapeuten: Journal of the Danish Reflexologists Association, FDZ, 1, 6. Meier, R. 2007. Pilates: Improve your Well Being. 2nd ed. Melbourne: Meyer & Meyer Verlag Sport. Roberts , H. L. 2010. Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage. Live Strong, 3, 22. Rywerant, Y. 2012. The Feldenkrais Method: Teaching by Handling. 1st ed. Online: ReadHowYouWant.com. Sharma, H., M. 2008. Ayurvedic Healing: Contemporary Maharishi Ayurvedic Medicine and Science. 1st ed. New Delhi: Singing Dragon. Stockfield, B. 2006. Massage Therapy: An Introduction. National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine. Sydney: University Printers, pp. 12-14. Trulock, A. 2009. Hot Stone Massage: The Essential Guide to Hot Stone and Aromatherapy Massage. 1st ed. Arizona: Sterling Publishing Company, Inc.. Upledger, J., E. 2010. Working Wonders: Changing Lives with CranioSacral Therapy. 1st ed. Atlanta: North Atlantic Books. Wilks, J. 2005. Understanding the Bowen Technique. 1st ed. Adelaide: Corpus Publishing Limited. Read More