Reflexology, also called zone therapy, is the practice of massage or pushing parts of the body in order to effect change in other parts. Reflexologist believe that this particular type of massage is based on the theory that there are points in the feet, hands and head that are connected to every other part of the body. This is a form of complementary medicine which involves the stimulation of those points in the belief that there will be a beneficial effect and an improvement in overall health. Complementary medicine practices are those practices which are adjunctive to other medical practices and not standalone practices on their own.
Facial reflexology has its roots in the Vietnamese culture. The main objective of this facial acupressure system is to prevent health problems and relieve existing troubles before they become chronic. Practitioners of facial reflexology believe that there are zones in the face which will relieve backache or prevent a migraine. They also believe it is possible to stop the common cold from further development.
Facial reflexology was developed in 1980 by Vietnamese doctors using it as a less invasive alternative to facial acupuncture. Acupuncture has been an established medical treatment protocol in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. The treatment of acupuncture uses extremely fine sterile needles which are strategically placed along meridian lines in order to encourage the flow of energy through the body. The Chinese medical practitioners believe that this flow of energy controls helps and when it is interrupted the individual experiences illness and disease.
The use of facial reflexology incorporates the use of acupressure (a less invasive form of acupuncture) in order to affect a change in the energy flow throughout the body. Although it sounds simple enough, beginners will require some degree of instruction before beginning to see immediate results in themselves.
Using documentation found in a variety of sources, most notably in a publication “Facial Reflexology: a Self-Care Manual”, beginners can learn easy techniques of applying pressure over their face to effect a change in their overall health. Proponents believe that facial reflexology can help to benefit over 150 common ailments including indigestion, asthma, fatigue, pulled muscles, high blood pressure, migraines and menstrual cramps.
In traditional reflexology the therapists will assess the problems an individual is experiencing and also address those areas in the corresponding points on the face. It is designed to create a feeling of well-being and to improve specific conditions. Most therapists who use facial reflexology are familiar with acupressure points.
The Vietnamese system of facial reflexology incorporates more than 500 different points on the face. The face is divided into grids to help locate specific areas and an instrument which appears like the rounded end of a ballpoint pen is used to massage those points.
Through the use of these grids and basic construction, beginners can initiate a treatment plan for themselves at home. There are little to no side effects using facial reflexology, when done correctly. However, if it is done too vigorously the individual may suffer from bruising or sore muscles on the face.
Although facial reflexology has its roots in traditional Chinese medicine it remains a complementary medicine practice that should be adjunctive to any other traditional Western medicine treatments that your primary care physician would recommend. It is important to realize that facial reflexology is not a panacea, or cure-all, for all diseases and is rather a treatment that can be added to improve the results of other treatments.
Resources:
Facial Reflexology: What is it
http://www.facialreflexologyusa.com/facial%20reflexology.htm
Facial Reflexology
http://www.facialreflexology.com/home.html
How to do Reflexology
http://www.how-to-do-reflexology.com/facereflexologychart.html
Reflexology Association of Australia: Facial Reflexology
http://www.reflexology.org.au/home2/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=55:facial-reflexology&Itemid=36
Lifespan Reflexology: Facial reflexology
http://lifespanreflexology.co.uk/facial-reflexology-sorensensistem%E2%84%A2/
Leave a Reply