The Basics of a Reflexology Treatment

Reflexology practitioners work towards helping patients feel better by performing a specialized type of massage to areas of the feet and hands. The art has been shown to be helpful in eliminating numerous symptoms that occur in other places throughout the body, and reflexology is beginning to be more and more popular of a choice for those seeking a type of alternative or complementary treatment. The basis of reflexology is that there are thousands of nerve endings located in the feet that connect to organs found throughout the body.

The exam consists of three hundred multiple choice or true and false questions, and you need to successfully answer two hundred and forty of them correctly in order to pass the exam. Hopefully, the following information will help give you a good point to start on when it comes to studying for the exam.
- In addition to learning about the actual methods of performing reflexology on a patient, there are many other aspects of the business that you will need to learn in order to successfully pass the certification exam. The study guide created by the American Reflexology Certification Board stresses that candidates should learn the history of reflexology as one of their principle studies so that they can see where the practice came from and where it is going.

- Additionally, candidates are required to learn about the different theories on why reflexology works the way that it does. There are several theories that are being propagated regarding reflexology, including the 'Qi' hypothesis which states that there is an invisible energy that flows through the body. When this energy flow is disrupted, illness occurs. Reflexologists who believe this theory state that blockages in the energy flow system often originate in the feet, and by performing reflexology, the blockages can be removed so that the energy can flow more freely and the body can begin to heal itself to the best of its abilities.
- You will also need to familiarize yourself with contraindications.

Contraindications are health problems that may result in a person being unable to receive benefits from reflexology treatment. If you work on someone who has contraindications that should prevent them from receiving the treatment, you may actually be doing them more harm then good. Some common contraindications that might prevent an individual from receiving reflexology treatment include recent fractures, open wounds, or an active case of gout.

The reflexologist should work within your comfort level and if not, find another one. Reactions, which may occur between sessions, are usually mild and last only a day or two. In actuality, this is a good thing, as it indicates the body is returning to a state of balance and is eliminating the toxins the therapy released. Overall, clients usually feel energized and naturally more positive after a reflexology session.
Success with reflexology depends on the level of commitment you are willing to contribute. The more often you go for therapy, the more energized you will feel and longer lasting results you will have. David Parmer