REFLEXOLOGY

Just as the Universe is made up of constellations, we also are a constellation of energy systems. The body has numerous systems including immune, endocrine, and cardiovascular, and likewise, we have numerous energy systems. They include the meridians, the chakras, the aura, and other subtle energy fields. Each is a distinct form of energy, and have been used by various ancient cultures in their healing approaches. We who have been practicing Reiki, have been primarily concerned with the chakras and the aura. We have learned that these two primary energy systems are not simply affected, but entirely altered by Reiki energy. What I have learned as well, is that with a complete understanding of the chakras and the aura, and how they flow, spin, and otherwise move through us, we are even better able to affect them. The healing work that we facilitate becomes even more powerful when we have a complete and total knowledge of the energy systems.

In the practice of reflexology, it is necessary to understand the meridian system. There are fourteen meridians, six on each side of the spinal column, and two making up the spinal column. There has been much scientific data recorded that proves the existence of the energy meridians. Radioactive isotopes injected into the acupressure points have demonstrated the existence of a system of fine ductlike tubules approximately .5--1.5 microns in diameter that follow the ancient descriptions of the meridian pathways. Trails of light revealed by infrared photography also show that the maps described in the ancient texts were accurate. I mention this here because so often when I am teaching energy medicine, people ask me, "But how do you know? What evidence is there that these energy meridians really exist?" Let me just explain here, when it comes to matters of life and all of its aspects, I study and research, and literally obsess over finding the answers. I've done this for myself, and I've done this for you. As usual, I digress.

So, to continue, each of these meridians come to points on the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet, and the outer ear. Meridians are energy pathways that "connect the dots". Known in Chinese medicine as acupressure points, these energy "dots" can be stimulated with physical pressure to release or redistribute energy. The points themselves are on the surface of the skin, but the meridians they open into travel deep into the body and through each of the organs and muscle groups. Your meridians are your body's energy bloodstream.

Meridians affect every organ and every physiological system, including the immune, nervous, endocrine, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, skeletal, muscular, and lymphatic systems. In the way an artery carries blood, a meridian carries energy. As the body's "energy bloodstream", the meridians bring vitality and balance, remove blockages, adjust metabolism, even determine the speed and form of cellular change. Their flow is as critical as the flow of blood.

To balance the meridians is to get them running smoothly and efficiently. This can be accomplished in a number of ways, including reflexology. Holistic healers as far back as 2500 BC, chose reflexology to evaluate a patient, as it is now expected of physicians to take blood pressure readings or listen to the heart with a stethoscope.

Reflexology works to discover how the organs and the skeletal system are functioning. The reflexologist is trained to detect early warning signs that the body is struggling and can then help restore the internal system to better balance. By being aware of the precise location of the meridian points in the hands, feet, and ears, the reflexologist performs acupressure massage to those areas enabling the energy to flow unobstructed once again, facilitating healing where it is needed, or maintaining balance and a consistent state of health.

Although reflexology was never designed for the beauty industry, over time and as technologies have changed, the ancient ways have come into their own again. Within the beauty industry, there has been a renewed interest in all areas of holistic health. Reflexology is simply one of the best.

The current trend is for estheticians as well as cosmetologists, nail techs, and pedicurists to incorporate the reflexology treatment into their services. We are gaining position within the medical community too. In 1998, the New England Journal of Medicine stated that the most successful treatment for chronic upper and lower respiratory problems, bar none, is reflexology.

As with all energy therapy, reflexology can be learned so as to treat oneself for various physical problems.