reflexoloy vs acupressure vs acupuncture

Reflexology: Benefits and Limitations

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Reflexology has many benefits as well as some limitations also. Here we will discuss about Reflexology Benefits and Limitations.

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is a very old Chinese Acupressure Technique that is helpful to heal various deceases. Reflexology works on energy pathways of Human Body to cure the problems. Reflexology works on several pressure points which are connected with some major organs of the body. Applying correct pressure on the exact Reflexology pressure points helps to reduce pains and aches from various parts of body. However Reflexology can be helpful only if the pressure points are stimulated on a regular basis. Reflexology is an easiest way to deal with so many problems which arise in Human Body in daily routine. Moreover, Reflexology does not have any side effects. The only thing we should keep in mind that the Reflexology pressure points must be stimulated in correct method.

Reflexology regulates the energy pathways of Human Body through some pressure points situated on feet and hands. Reflexology Therapy helps in reducing Physical and Mental Stress of Body. Reflexology Acupressure Points are very effective and necessary in present time. Reflexology pressure points heal various types of disorders like Sleeping Disorder, Eating Disorder, etc. The common pains and aches like Headache, Toothache, Neck pain, Back pain, Knee pain, etc. can be reduces by Reflexology. Reflexology Therapy is also proven working on some serious problems like Sinus Congestion, Nasal Problems, Anxiety and Stress, Depression, Insomnia, Indigestion problems, Migraine, Menstrual Disorders, Diarrhea etc.

Reflexology: Benefits and Limitations

Reflexology Method is useful in many ways. With help of Reflexology Points, any decease of Human Body can be controlled, healed and reduced. But like every other therapies, Reflexology also has pros and cons. The Reflexology benefits and limitations which can be explained as follows:

Benefits / Advantages of Reflexology:

Reflexology is helpful to

• Improve blood circulation and energy in body by stimulating pressure points.
• Give relief in Stress and helps in Stress Management.
• Relieve Back Pain, Neck Pain, Neck Stiffness, Shoulder Tension, Headache, Toothache, etc.
• Help improve digestion functioning and reduce Stomach problems such as Acidity, Ulcer, Chest burn, Gas.
• Remove craving for food and balance appetite and reduce amount of wastes.
• Relieve Depression, Nausea and other mental disorders.
• Heal Sinus Congestion and Nasal Problems.
• Reduce Nasal pain and to get rid of Runny or Stuffy Nose.
• Give relief in lung problems.
• Relieve Ankle Pain, Knee Pain, Elbow Pain, etc.
• Improve Skin tone and heal skin disorders.
• Improve Eye sight through massaging points.
• Reduce hair loss and hair fall.
• Give relief in cold, cough, constipation, Arthritis, Dizziness and Sore throat.
• Fight with Diabetes, Asthma, Thyroid problem etc.
• Improve memory power.
• Heal Menstrual Disorders in women.
• Reduce irritability, anger and frustration.
• Fight with addictions like tobacco, smoking, etc. by stimulating some pressure points.
• Heal some sexual problems also.
• Heal the injuries due to sports.
• Give Relaxation to the body.
• Reflexology can be applied to the person of any age.
• Reflexology is very easy and can be applied anywhere (irrelevant of place).
• Reflexology is useful for self-treatment, it does not ask for an Expert every time.
• Reflexology is not painful at all.
• Reflexology improves immune system of body.

Limitations / Disadvantages of Reflexology:

Even if Reflexology has lots of benefits as mentioned above, it also has some limitations. You must remember the Limitations of Reflexology before applying the Reflexology Technique. The Disadvantages / Limitations of Reflexology Therapy are as follows:

Reflexology cannot heal or may be harmful in following cases:

• Applying pressure at wrong pressure point will not give relief to the problem. But it may lead to rise of some other problem.
• Incorrect pressure may create more trouble in body and too much pressure may fracture the pressure spot part.
• When the pressure is higher that requirement, It creates pain near the pressure point or in that part of body.
• When a person having no experience tries to apply the Reflexology Technique, gets nothing but the pain in return.
• Reflexology is tough when a person does not know how to apply pressure and also not able to find an Expert of Reflexology.
• Reflexology has not proven as treatment for Cancer.
• Reflexology reduces the problems, heals the problem but cannot be used as conventional medicines / medications to cure the problem completely.
• Reflexology can cure the decease on short term, may be the signs of the decease rise again in near future.
• Reflexology does not guarantee to cure some serious problems or critical stage of illness.
• Reflexology Treatment may be very expensive if the Expert of Reflexology is required on a regular basis. The Reflexology Experts charge too much fees for one session.
• When the illness is at higher stage, Reflexology cannot cure it early, the patient will have to take conventional medicines.
• Sometimes it is risky to go for Reflexology when the decease is older.

- See more at: http://acupressurepointsguide.com/reflexology-benefits-and-limitations/#sthash.NQi7UaYS.dpuf

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shared http://finefettle.org/acupuncture-vs-acupressure-vs-massage/#.Vv8fhvl95II

Acupuncture vs Acupressure vs Massage

An interesting article written by Julia Bletcher our expert Acupuncturist

Acupuncture, Acupressure and Massage may be beneficial for a wide variety of conditions and have been shown to complement each other and enhance treatment when combined. This is not surprising when you consider their historic similarities and therapeutic effects.
Acupressure and Acupuncture are two therapies based in the practice ofTraditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Therefore both recognise that symptoms and diseases are caused by an imbalance or blockage of energy flow in the body, and by stimulating specific points they aim to restore the body’s energy flow to improve health and emotional well-being. In particular they have been shown to improve blood flow, increase release of endorphins, relax muscle spasm and trigger specific receptors in the brain. Whilst acupuncture uses needles to stimulate the points and is generally more powerful than acupressure, acupressure is more gentle involving applying pressure to the points. Never-the-less, for children and people who are nervous of needles, acupressure can provide an effective alternative. Both therapies are considered relatively safe as long as the practitioner is appropriately trained and licensed.
Whilst many people are aware of the connections between acupunctureand acupressure many do not realise that massage is also rooted in Chinese medicine with the earliest record of its benefits mentioned in the ‘NeiJing’, a book of early Traditional Chinese Medicine. Like Acupunctureand acupressure, massage can be applied to aid relaxation, relieve muscle tension, and improve blood flow and emotional well-being. In fact manyacupuncturist use massage in combination with acupuncture to help identify points that need treating and to enhance relaxation and healing. In the same way as acupressure, some forms of massage, such as reflexology, also recognise specific points to identify areas of the body that require healing, and apply massage pressure to those areas to enhance health. Interestingly the benefits of massage have be recognised in the West for much longer than acupuncture and acupressure and therefore it is more frequently requested. This may be in part because it is relatively easy to learn. However massage should be only be practiced by a fully trained practitioner to be considered safe.
Despite massage being more popular there are various similarities between acupuncture, acupressure and massage and numerous people find they are beneficial to their health and well-being. Therefore either as individual treatments or combined they can be, and often are, used to complement each other.

JULIA BLETCHER  BSc (Hons) Julia is a fully qualified acupuncturist and member of the British Acupuncture Council who are the UK’s main Acupuncture regulatory body for acupuncturists. For more information about Julia click here
For more information on the benefits of acupuncture, acupressure and massage visit the following sites:
www.acupuncture.org.uk

www.massagetherapy.co.uk

www.the-cma.org.uk

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shared http://www.how-to-do-reflexology.com/howtodoreflexology.html

#1

When doing reflexology always do the whole treatment - all of both feet or hands

Try to avoid doing bits and pieces for specific organs or symptoms

This is the same for doing reflexology on the hand, face and ears

Even when doing reflexology with a specific relief in mind it is so important to do the entire area, then, go back over the "Reflexology Helper Areas"

Helper Areas are pointed out through the website to help you target specific areas for mild pain relief

#2

People that are ill have lower pain tolerances and can be very sensitive to touch

All the time when you are learning how to do reflexology, ask frequently if the pressure you are using is ok

And if they have been in bed for more than 24 to 48 hours don't do reflexology at all

#3

Creams and Oils are only used in reflexology for massage relaxation techniques

They make it too slippery to use techniques properly

Oils are great for doing relaxation exercises on hands at the end of a treatment as a massage, or at the end of a foot reflexology session

#4

Talcum/ baby powder is best for doing reflexology on the feet and hands

Sprinkle all over the feet and hands

• to absorb body oil (stop your hands from getting slippery)
• to make it easier to move your fingers and thumbs over the body

It is hard to comfortably thumb walk (reflexology technique) for a complete foot reflexology session without talcum powder or something similar

We recommend a talcum powder with a nice fragrance because it will uplift your mood through the session

#5

When learning how to do reflexology, its best to start on the foot because it provides the quickest results and has the most written about it throughout the world

Ear and face reflexology are great to give to someone that is stressed, that can't sleep or is generally in need of a bit of love

- it is a brilliant gift idea to give someone an ear or face reflexology session!

You can follow the simple steps on this website, click here for instructions on how to do Reflexology on the Face

#6

Reflexology sessions last about 45 minutes, depending on the size of the hands or feet

It is recommended that for ill people, the elderly or very young, that reflexology sessions go for no longer than 30 minutes

#7

Some people have a physical response to reflexology, during or after a session

Physical responses include burps, coughs, unintentional farts, small unexpected spasms, and can happen anytime during the treatment

Crying, an increase or decrease in energy, feeling extremely tired, flu-like symptoms or exhaustion can occur up to 24 hours following reflexology treatment

(this is even more only likely if the person does not drink enough water or its their first reflexology session) 

These reactions are short term and should be accommodated by drinking large amounts of water.

The body reacts like this because it is now working harder to create balance within its systems and to get rid of waste

Plenty of water and the person will be back to normal within 24 hours at the most

While learning how to do reflexology keep an eye out for reactions to reflexology sessions (in yourself and the people you give it to) so you can monitor how they get less and less with every session

#8

It is always recommended that diabetics check their blood sugar before and after a session

Blood sugar levels can severely rise or drop during reflexology

#9

When giving or receiving reflexology make sure both people are sitting or lying down comfortably

The person receiving reflexology should be relaxed and sitting on on a comfortable seat or lying on a soft bed

The person doing reflexology should be comfortable also, because it will come across in the treatment if they are not

For good practice, never do reflexology bending over, or at an awkward angle and make sure there is no pressure on your knees

#10

You can use the relaxation or massage techniques anytime during reflexology 

You might use it to break up the treatment, to change between areas you are working on and to keep excited while learning how to do reflexology

#11

There are different techniques for doing reflexology on different parts of the body

• Thumb walking is great for the feet as the reflexes on the foot are close to the surface
• The reflexes in the hands are deeper so firm pressure applied with the index finger in a circular motion is more effective
• Massage techniques are great for relaxation during a session too

If you'd prefer to find a Professional Reflexologist first why not visit our other site Local Reflexologist to find one near you!

Reflexology does 3 amazing things!

 1: is Relaxing

 2: Promotes harmony & balance in your body & its systems

 3: Slightly increases blood circulation 

Be sure to visit Reflexology Caution for full list of who can/ can't have reflexology

Reflexology cannot cure anything and information on this website is followed at your own risk, for more read the Disclaimer here

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Effect of acupressure vs reflexology

shared http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25924421

Premenstrual syndrome is the most common of gynaecologic complaints. It affects half of all female adolescents today and represents the leading cause of college/school absenteeism among that population. It was sought to assess the effectiveness of acupressure Vs reflexology on premenstrual syndrome among adolescents. Two-group pre-test and post-test true experimental design was adopted for the study. Forty adolescent girls from Government Girls Secondary School, Erode with pre- menstrual syndrome fulfilling the inclusion criteria were selected by simple random sampling. A pre-test was conducted by using premenstrual symptoms assessment scale. Immediately after pre-test acupressure Vs reflexology was given once a week for 6 weeks and again post-test was conducted to assess the effectiveness of treatment. Collected data was analysed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. In post-test, the mean score of the experimental group I sample was 97.3 (SD = 2.5) and the group II mean score was 70:8 (SD = 10.71) with paired 't' value of 19.2 and 31.9. This showed that the reflexology was more effective than acupressure in enhancing the practice of the sample regarding pre-menstrual syndrome. Statistically no significant association was found between the post-test scores of the sample with their demographic variables. The findings imply the need for educating adolescent girls on effective management of pre-menstrual syndrome.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25924421