Reflexology is a technique that manipulates reflex points on the feet and hands that correspond to specific organs and body parts. It aims to relieve energy blocks believed to affect health. Originating in ancient Egypt and Asia, reflexology massage is a holistic method focused on pressure points. Benefits include relaxation, detoxification, improved circulation, homeostasis, and prevention of health problems by targeting the body's 10 zones represented on the hands and feet. Reflexology is a simple, non-invasive, and efficient therapy that can aid various conditions.

1. Reflexology
By Melissa Joy Okeen

2. What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is the technique of manipulating reflex points that correspond to
specific organs and body parts found within the feet and hands.
The art of reflexology teaches that the energy, or life force of every individual
circulates between organs of the body and flows through every living cell
and tissue.
Many cultures believe that if this energy or life force is blocked, the organ or
part of the body that corresponds to that area becomes affected. These
energy blocks can be detected in zones located on the hands and feet.

3. The Origin of Reflexology
Reflexology has been traced back to ancient Egypt, as well as to China, Japan and
ancient Peru.
Once known as Reflex Zone Therapy, Reflexology is a holistic healing method that
focuses on pressure points and massage techniques.
The knowledge of reflexology has been known in India and China for over 5,000 years,
though Egyptian tombs that date back 2330 B.C. depict drawings of people being
treated with foot and hand massage techniques.
Traces of Incan knowledge of reflexology date back even further and are believed to have
been passed down to Native American tribes who still use this treatment today. Zone
Therapy was documented as being used by Italian Renaissance sculptor Benvenuto Cellini
in the 1500s.
The translation of the hieroglyphics are as follows:
"Don’t hurt me."
The practitioner’s reply: " I shall act so you praise
me. "

4. Benefits of Reflexology
The primary goal of any session is to offer relaxation.
When you relax, you release tension, which better enables your body to work to heal and detoxify itself.
Cleansing - Reflexology often results in helping your body eliminate toxins that build up within us.
Improved Circulation - By working with prominent reflex areas, you can improve the body's circulation of not only blood,
but also vital lymph fluids.
Improved Nerve Pathways – Increase in circulation improves not only blood flow to every cell in the body, but along nerve
pathways as well.
Homeostasis - Reflexology restores the body to a dynamic state of balance.
Increased Energy - By revitalizing your body's organs and glands, reflexology increases the body's available energy.
Prevention - By targeting the overall health of the body's 10 zones, reflexology serves to prevent blockages and congestion
that can lead to serious health problems.
It's non-invasive - Non-invasive therapies can prove quite helpful for chronic or acute conditions that may not be suited for
other therapies.
Efficiency - What could be more efficient than addressing all of the systems of the body via the hands and feet?
Simplicity - Unlike many other types of therapy, reflexology is a simple yet powerful system that just about anyone can learn
to use.

5. There are four main factors that Also Helpful For:
draw clients to a Constipation
Reflexologist: Depression
Hormonal problems Digestive Problems
Fatigue
Immune System Disorders
Fluid Retention
Stress
Glandular Imbalances
Muscle Aches and Pains Headaches
High Blood Pressure
Kidney Disorders
Menstrual Problems
Prostate Conditions
Respiratory Conditions
Sinusitis
Skin Problems
Sleep Disorders

6. Zones
The study of reflexology divides the body into energy zones, five of each located on
each side of the body. These zones incorporate the torso, legs, arms, fingers, and
feet. The 10 zones of the body and found on the palms of the hands and the soles
of the feet correspond in a linear or vertical pattern through every aspect of the body
Reflexology practitioners view the body as though it's been divided into ten different
vertical zones. Each of these zones corresponds to one of your fingers and one of
your toes. Within these zones, energy is moving through your body in much the
same way that electricity runs through the wiring in your house.

7. Full Hand Reflexology
Interactive Hand Charts
http://www.dk.co.uk/static/cs/uk/11/features/reflexology/handchart.html
Full Foot Reflexology
Interactive Foot Chart
http://www.dk.co.uk/static/cs/uk/11/features/reflexology/footchart.html

8. Reflexology Charts

9. Fun Stuff!

10. Sites
http://www.reflexology-usa.net/history.htm
http://www.dk.co.uk/static/cs/uk/11/features/reflexology/handchart.html
http://www.dk.co.uk/static/cs/uk/11/features/reflexology/footchart.html
http://reflexology101.onlineclasses.com
www.universalclass.com

11. My Certificate of Completion!