Day 17 - Foot Reflexology

"Reflexology is the physical act of applying pressure to the feet and hand with specific thumb, finger and hand techniques. it is based on a system of zones and reflex areas that reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands with a premise that such work effects a physical change to the body.

Archeological evidence Egypt (2330 BCE), China (2704 BCE) and Japan (690 CE) points to ancient reflexology medical systems. In the West the concept of reflexology began to emerge in the 19th century, based on research into the nervous system and reflex.

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 to make possible wither eventuality. The sudden adrenal surge that enables a person to lift a car is an example of this reaction. Reflexology taps into this reflex network, providing an exercise of pressure sensors and thus the internal organs to which they are inextricably tied."*

*http://www.reflexology-research.com/whatis.htm

When travelling in China a few years ago, I treated myself to a foot massage nearly every day.

Although certain pressure points feel very tender or even sore, foot massage’s health benefits have long been known. Post massage, I myself feel a lot more relaxed, and at the same time also more energetic.

I decided to have foot reflexology today.

The usual reflexology points made me jump and cry out in pain: spleen, liver and kidney.

The pressure point that corresponds to the head (the big toe) did not hurt at all.

This leads me to think that the pain is related to my internal organs such as the gut, liver or kidney, as opposed to being caused by something in the head itself, such as an inflamed blood vessel.