Reflexology

Reflexology is a science based on the fact that there are maps on the soles of the feet and palms of hands which represent the human body. it is very a ancient science and goes back to the old pharaohs after which it was developed and spread all over the world.
By stimulating and applying pressure to the feet or hands, you are increasing circulation and promoting specific bodily and muscular functions.
It is proven that when applying pressure to a painful area pain begins to release after a time and in reflexology the approach is to use certain types of pressures on the printed body map on the feet/hands and by that pressure a stimulation process begins to take place allowing pains to be less.
Generally, it is said that treating the feet is more effective than treating the hands due to the fact that feet have 6 main meridians. On the other hand, the hands have also six meridians which are not as important as the feet. for that reason working the feet will also stimulate the meridians which usually results in an overall quicker balancing effect for the whole body.

Integrating Reflexology and Color:

The history of color also goes back to many years. Without color life would not be the same as it is now. We need light in every aspect of our lives and it enables us to see the different colors which all have a balancing effect on our bodies and our vital energies.

Color therapy, is also known for hundreds of years but an advanced and modern trend now is to combine both color and reflexology in one session. When I started applying that during the clinical sessions and found the great benefits for the patient, I did not think that this is a common trend nowadays. To my surprise I Found Schools actually teaching how to combine these two therapies together and getting the optimal results for patients.
During a color- reflexology session, the patient gets the maximum benefit of both balancing his energy via the reflexology technique of pressing and doing the known circular movements and getting the energy needed from the various colors used either on his chakras or on different parts of his body according to what is seen needed.
There are many ways in which you can use color therapy, it can be simply through the clothes you choose to wear, accessories, decoration you use around you, lighting or even food you cook and eat.
The most important thing is trying to get as many colors as possible to get the benefit of each color without getting an excess or a deficiency of a certain color which will have its negative impact on the vital energy of the body.
The way I integrate both therapies is usually when I'm done with the regular reflexology session. I start with measuring the chakras' levels to find out if there is any imbalance present, after which I decide on the corresponding or the complementary color to be applied to allow the balance to take place. I usually use either light or a silk scarf to fulfill that aim.
Another way of integrating both therapies is by applying colors during the same time I’m doing reflexology in case I feel a certain deficiency in either one of the chakras, one of the systems, one of the organs or if the patient complaints of certain emotions during the session.
Combining the two therapies together not only allows balanced state of mind, body and soul but also allows the patient usually leaving in an optimal state of relaxation.

Pauline Wills , is one of the practitioners I had the chance to meet myself who applies this technique in the UK and is the founder of Oracle School of Color that teaches how to implement it in a professional way. She has published several books about that even under the titles of ‘Color Reflexology’, Reflexology & Color Therapy Workbook’.

Integrating Reflexology with Meridians:

Integrating Reflexology with Meridians is always having a more effective way of balancing the body. The meridians are a network of energy pathways. There are 12 major meridians where each one has a mirror image on the other side of the body resulting in 24 meridians. There are acupuncture/acupressure points located along the different meridians.
Chi/vital energy provides life to every body organ via the meridians, hence, if there is any congested meridian it has an immediate effect on the body.
Stimulation of the different acupuncture/ acupressure points allows energy to flow freely and results in an overall balance. Same applies when a meridian has excess energy, stimulation results in releasing this excess energy and leads to a balanced state. When working on a congested area, either on reflexes or on meridians, chemical reactions are triggered through the stimulation. The chemical reaction is either a contraction (which is usually in a pain form) or an expansion ( which is relaxation).
Both reflexology and acupuncture are based on the fact that disease is caused by blockages in the energy channels. However, to balance out the human system, different techniques are applied in both sciences. Acupuncture is by using needles on the specific points out of balance requiring treatment whereas reflexology concentrates mainly on feet, hands or ears and applies specific pressure on these organs to release pains and congestions. Yet, by doing reflexology you are stimulating the meridian sections present in the feet , hands and ears as well. As mentioned earlier, there are six main meridians present in the feet especially on the toes. During a reflexology session and through feet stimulation congestions in these meridians are helped to be cleared.
Having enough knowledge of the meridians is very useful for reflexologists to provide a more efficient session for the patients especially if in certain cases pain or irritation does not improve enough via the reflex area and therefore, working the meridians usually results in a more satisfactory result.
Speaking about reflexology and acupuncture principle and what both can offer together, it is important to know that there are organ conditions’ and ‘energy condition’. An organ condition is more related to specific system and organ deficiency where an organ does not function properly, examples are: digestive tract problems, hormonal imbalances ..etc. While energy conditions are more related to things like headaches, hip pains, facial nerve pains which are all more difficult to identify reasons for and to define.
These conditions are usually found along a meridian and the related organ will tend to be sensitive during the treatment. Energy related conditions require good attention and if not treated early they can consequently influence the related organ and result in a chronic problem for the patient.

At the end, reflexology is one the sciences and CAM branches that has its effective way of balancing the body and enhancing the Chi flow. One of the beauties of reflexology, in my opinion, is its ability to be integrated with other forms of CAM as well as being equally effective when applying it independently.