Foot Reflexology & Growth
Foot reflexology and growth refers to the ancient practice of applying pressure on certain points on the feet to stimulate pressure points that correlate with specific organs, physical structure and other parts of the body. Besides being touted as a healing modality for relaxation and stress relief, there are also claims that reflexology can help minimize the effects of certain illnesses and diseases. It is also promoted as a way to stimulate growth and development of the body.
History
Foot reflexology is believed to have begun in ancient China about 5000 years ago. It was used as a system for healing the entire body. Drawings that have been uncovered in other parts of Asia depicting diagrams of various healing techniques by working the various pressure points in the hands and feet. Carvings on an Egyptian tomb illustrate an individual, who was believed to be a physician, messaging the hands and feet of a patient.
The Russian researcher and scientist Ivan Palov won the Nobel Prize for his research into reflex therapy. The term "reflexology" was first used by Russian researcher and psychiatrist Vladimir Bekterev to describe reflex responses. The physical therapist, Eunice Ingham is credited with making reflexology popular in the United States.
Features
Reflexology is also called zone therapy. The practitioners, who are called reflexologists, are taught to divide the body into 10 longitudinal zones. Each zone runs the length of the entire body, five on each side. Every part of the body, as well as its organs, are characterized by different flex points. The flex points are located on the hands and the feet. The practitioner uses his fingers and thumbs in a caterpillar-like motion applying pressure as they move along areas of the foot. This stimulates certain reflex points that are located in the foot. To promote growth, the treatment focuses on the flex points for the pituitary gland and the spine.
Identification
The area that is believed to be connected to foot reflexology and growth is the pituitary gland. This "master" gland is located at the base of the brain. This is the gland that controls the secretion of hormones for fever, fainting, pregnancy and growth. The reflex point for this gland is located on the center of the big toe on both feet. The reflex points for the spine follows the inner contour of the feet leading to each of the big toes.
Theories/Speculation
Typically, our pituitary gland ceases hormone production by the time we reach puberty. Reflexology is suppose to help re-activate the gland due to the stimulation of the corresponding flex points This causes an increase in the amount of hormones secreted by the pituitary gland. Another claim is that reflexology can help lengthen the spine. Since 24 of the 33 bones of the vertebrae are movable, in theory, the 25 cartilaginous pads or disks located between the movable vertebrae will thicken because of the increase in hormone growth. The stimulation of the pituitary gland is suppose to ultimately result in more cartilaginous growth or the pads becoming thicker. This correlates to additional height. It could also help extend the bones situated in the lower body.
Warning
There is no scientific evidence that reflexology can help increase growth. The products that are advertised to be inserted in your shoe so that they message your feet, and thereby stimulate your pituitary gland, also are not proven. Most of the research into the health benefits of reflexology has been small studies conducted in Denmark, England and China. The law regarding the practice of reflexology varies from state to state. In some jurisdictions there are no formal training requirements.
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