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The Merits of Reflexology by Linda Joyce Forristal, CCP, MTA
Reflexology is an ancient art based on meridians, the energy lines in our bodies. Reflexologists believe that all these energy lines come together in the feet--and I believe them. In addition to my “gall” warning, reflexology sessions over the past decade have revealed other weaknesses and/or tendencies in my body. How do you know if you are getting a good reflexology session or not? Here are some things to look, (or feel) for. The practitioner's hands should be strong and the if you are not experiencing some kind of discomfort, especially when they attack the toes, they are not educated properly. Most sessions start with the toes and then move down the foot toward the heel. The toes relate to the sinuses, head and neck. The arch of the foot represents the intestines. There are many resources that can guide you through the aches and pains in your feet. If your reflexologist puts on a pair of plastic gloves, ask her to take them off or end the session. You will NOT get what you are paying for. There are many schools of reflexology--and I personally do not believe they are equal. The two best sessions I had were both from people who had attended the International Institute of Reflexology in St. Petersburg, Florida--http://www.reflexology-usa.net/index.htm. Click on Reflexology Referrals to see if their is a practitioner in your area. I occasionally go to a Korean woman who does a good job, but I have had a lot of mediocre sessions that I wish I didn’t have to pay for. Frankly, I think there should be some kind of national-level star rating of reflexologists akin to book ratings on Amazon.com. Lastly, there are many who believe that reflexology can not only identify problems in the body, but also help to cure them. By putting the right pressure on the painful spots on your foot, the energy flowing along the meridians stimulates the organ or area to heal itself. I think this principle applies more to small problems in the system than to chronic conditions.
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The
first reflexology session I ever had has turned out to be the best one I’ve ever
had. This was a great misfortune, or fortune, depending on how you look at it, because I have judged all other sessions
against it since. The practitioner was amazing. She gave me a running, but
non-intrusive, commentary on each spot of my foot and what body part or organ it
was related to. About half way through the session, she asked me if I had ever
had a gall problem. “No,” I responded. “You will,” she confidently replied. Two
years later, after an unwise choice of an evening meal, I was bent over in
excruciating pain from a gall attack—and remembering her providential
predictions. Thank goodness I have a network of holistically-minded friends who quided through how to cleanse my gall with an apple juice fast.