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And many experts consider those that do exist to be of low quality. There aren’t many studies about reflexology.
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Practitioners of the zone theory believe that touching these fingers and toes allows them to access every body part in a particular zone. Each zone contains different body parts and corresponds to specific fingers and toes. This theory holds that the body contains 10 vertical zones. Zone theory is another belief that some use to explain how reflexology works. Some believe that reflexology can reduce pain through calming touch, which may help to improve someone’s mood and reduce stress. But in other cases, it may create pain in response to emotional or mental distress. Sometimes, the brain reacts to physical pain.
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Others believe that the brain creates pain as a subjective experience. They also found that the body’s entire nervous system tends to adjust to outside factors, including touch.Ī reflexologist’s touch may help to calm the central nervous system, promoting relaxation and other benefits just like any form of massage. In the 1890s, British scientists found that nerves connect the skin and internal organs. They believe their touch sends energy flowing through a person’s body until it reaches the area in need of healing. Reflexologists use maps of these points in the feet, hands, and ears to determine where they should apply pressure. In Chinese medicine, different body parts correspond with different pressure points on the body. Reflexology aims to keep qi flowing through the body, keeping it balanced and disease free. This can cause an imbalance in the body that leads to illness. When a person feels stressed, their body blocks qi. Reflexology rests on the ancient Chinese belief in qi (pronounced “chee”), or “vital energy.” According to this belief, qi flows through each person. There are a few different theories about how reflexology works.
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