Reflexology and Thai foot massage are both popular complimentary therapies enjoyed by many for their stress busting benefits. Although these treatments both use massage of the feet they have very different origins. Reflexology and Thai foot massage use different techniques to reach their goals of increasing the sense of well being.
Modern reflexology practice was developed in the early 20th century by the American doctor William Fitzgerald. This doctor worked out a system of pressure points on the feet and hands that he could use for anaesthesia all over the body. He called this system zone therapy. One of his assistants demonstrated the theory by sticking a pin in a volunteer's face without causing pain, while applying pressure to a specific spot of their hand. Fitzgerald's work was taken up by doctors and surgeons but did not become popular in the developing mainstream western medical practises.
The techniques were developed further by an American physiotherapist and the foot maps used in today's reflexology were produced. Reflexology, therefore, works on the theory that applying pressure and massage to the reflex zones on the feet, hands, face or ears benefits the corresponding areas of the body.
Reflexologists use their hands; especially their thumbs to provide the reflexology massage and pressure can be adapted to the client's preference. Most commonly the treatment is applied to the feet and ankles only and the legs are not necessarily massaged at all.
Reflexology is not therefore an eastern therapy and is in fact very popular in the northern hemisphere. In Denmark reflexology is by far the most popular form of complimentary therapy.
Thai foot massage is a massage of the feet and lower legs which incorporates the use of a Thai massage stick to stimulate points in the feet to promote well being. Thai foot massage is a form of Thai medicine. Thai medicine is believed to have been developed by an Indian Ayurvedic doctor known as Jivaka Kumarabhacca around 500bc. Foot massage is an integral part of the traditional medicine of India, China and Thailand. This treatment is practised not only in temples but also in homes, hospitals, shops and street bazaars.
Although specific points are stimulated in Thai foot massage this does not mean it is the same as reflexology. Thai massage works along Sen Energy lines in the lower feet and legs to balance and harmonise the flow of energy in the body. In Thai medicine there are ten main energy lines within the body, six of which are massaged during the foot massage.
Reflexology and Thia foot massage are both very relaxing treatments, promoting calm and reducing tension. If you enjoy foot massage then both treatments would be great for you and certainly ideal for anyone aiming to manage stress. Reflexology aims to address the systems of the body more directly in a way familiar to western beliefs. This enables the therapist and client to identify possible areas of imbalance in anatomical terms. Although not diagnostic this can give the client insight into possible lifestyle choices to optimise well being. If, therefore, you want a therapy to help you address specific well being concerns then reflexology could be the best choice for you.
Whichever treatment you opt for they will both be enjoyable and relaxing. Neither treatment is a replacement for medical care and if you have health concerns it is advisable to visit you medical care giver.
Modern reflexology practice was developed in the early 20th century by the American doctor William Fitzgerald. This doctor worked out a system of pressure points on the feet and hands that he could use for anaesthesia all over the body. He called this system zone therapy. One of his assistants demonstrated the theory by sticking a pin in a volunteer's face without causing pain, while applying pressure to a specific spot of their hand. Fitzgerald's work was taken up by doctors and surgeons but did not become popular in the developing mainstream western medical practises.
The techniques were developed further by an American physiotherapist and the foot maps used in today's reflexology were produced. Reflexology, therefore, works on the theory that applying pressure and massage to the reflex zones on the feet, hands, face or ears benefits the corresponding areas of the body.
Reflexologists use their hands; especially their thumbs to provide the reflexology massage and pressure can be adapted to the client's preference. Most commonly the treatment is applied to the feet and ankles only and the legs are not necessarily massaged at all.
Reflexology is not therefore an eastern therapy and is in fact very popular in the northern hemisphere. In Denmark reflexology is by far the most popular form of complimentary therapy.
Thai foot massage is a massage of the feet and lower legs which incorporates the use of a Thai massage stick to stimulate points in the feet to promote well being. Thai foot massage is a form of Thai medicine. Thai medicine is believed to have been developed by an Indian Ayurvedic doctor known as Jivaka Kumarabhacca around 500bc. Foot massage is an integral part of the traditional medicine of India, China and Thailand. This treatment is practised not only in temples but also in homes, hospitals, shops and street bazaars.
Although specific points are stimulated in Thai foot massage this does not mean it is the same as reflexology. Thai massage works along Sen Energy lines in the lower feet and legs to balance and harmonise the flow of energy in the body. In Thai medicine there are ten main energy lines within the body, six of which are massaged during the foot massage.
Reflexology and Thia foot massage are both very relaxing treatments, promoting calm and reducing tension. If you enjoy foot massage then both treatments would be great for you and certainly ideal for anyone aiming to manage stress. Reflexology aims to address the systems of the body more directly in a way familiar to western beliefs. This enables the therapist and client to identify possible areas of imbalance in anatomical terms. Although not diagnostic this can give the client insight into possible lifestyle choices to optimise well being. If, therefore, you want a therapy to help you address specific well being concerns then reflexology could be the best choice for you.
Whichever treatment you opt for they will both be enjoyable and relaxing. Neither treatment is a replacement for medical care and if you have health concerns it is advisable to visit you medical care giver.
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