HEALTH MATTERS
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OrangeObserver.com
MARCH 2018
More than massage Janice Robinson, a Winter Parkbased reflexologist with 16 years of experience, explains the merits of reflexology treatment. GABBY BAQUERO NEWS EDITOR
Some people think of reflexology treatment as fancy foot massages, but licensed practitioners of reflexology know it is much more. Janice Robinson — a certified full-time reflexologist in Winter Park with more than 16 years of experience in the practice — said reflexology allows the body to initiate a process of self-recovery and helps relieve painful symptoms. Reflexology involves the application of pressure to areas on the feet and hands that correspond to certain organs and systems of the body. Licensed practitioners use foot and hand charts as guides to know where to apply pressure
using thumb and finger techniques. “You have 7,000 nerve endings in the feet, and when you hit these points that are mapped out that match organs in your body, it sends a message to the brain down to the body part,” Robinson said. Reflexologists such as Robinson do not make the claim that the treatment can fully cure illnesses but emphasize its ability relieve certain symptoms connected to the nervous system. Although there are no scientific studies that prove reflexology’s ability to heal medical conditions, there is evidence it is an effective way of reducing physical pain and treating psychological symptoms, such as anxiety and depression. “It’s like a massage on steroids — it’s way stronger than a massage,” Robinson said. “It’s much more medical. Some people who come to me have migraines, fertility problems or irritable bowel syndrome. I have a lot of people
HISTORY OF REFLEXOLOGY
Reflexology has its roots in an old form of therapy from ancient Egypt. It is unknown just how similar the form of reflexology practiced in those times is to modernday methods, but the idea behind how it works and affects health seems to have remained consistent. The Zone Theory, which has its origins from a doctor who lived in the early 1900s, is the precursor to modern reflexology. The practice has since stood the test of time and alleviated symptoms for thousands of people.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?
Massages are defined as the manipulation of soft tissue and muscles. However, reflexology aims to apply pressure to reflex zones in the hands, feet and ears, which are areas said to have a connection to other parts of one’s body because of its concentration of nerve endings. Applying pressure to a reflex zone affects the nerves that carry signals to that body part.
who have multiple sclerosis or fibromyalgia, so it’s not about this pleasurable touching the feet. That would just be a foot massage.” Robinson emphasized the difference between standard massage therapy and reflexology treatment. Massages focus on the musculoskeletal system. “Massages work with injuries and pain too, but it’s not working with body systems and organs,” she said. “I compare reflexology to acupuncture. Massages heal mainly structural problems, such as spinal or muscular problems. So any injuries connected to that.” According to Robinson, Reflexology has historically been able to alleviate conditions such as back pain, migraines and headaches, sleep disorders, digestive disorders, restless leg syndrome, traumatic brain injury, sinus problems, arthritis and more. “It can be miraculous,” she said. “Fifteen percent of people don’t see the exact change they need, but 90% feel different after the treatment. You’re doing these micro-point movements with your hands on their foot, which is all mapped out. Every organ in the body is perfectly matched on the feet.”
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