Ayurvedic Reflexology: A Fusion Of Western And Indian Healing Methods

Reflexology goes back thousands of years ago to no particular culture or continent. Historical accounts of the Egyptians, Chinese, Japanese and Indians show that they were practicing healing methods similar to the principle of reflexology. It is possible that the principle of applying pressure of the body's extremities and nerve endings to induce relaxation is a shared discovery by these ancient cultures.

In India their version of reflexology is called the Ayurvedic Reflexology. Although those in practice do not refer to it as another type of reflexology but an entirely different method borne out of a fusion of two principles, reflexology and Ayurveda, the traditional Indian health system.

Ayurveda is of two Indian words; 'Ayur' or life and 'veda' or knowledge. The term roughly means the knowledge of life. Its basic concept states that health is holistic; it must be a fusion of a health mind, body and spirit. A healthy body cannot be achieved unless one is of a happy mind. A happy mind is also achieved through spirituality. Ayurveda also encourages the use of herbal medicines as a result of our harmonious coexistence with nature. It focuses on the prevention of illnesses rather than cure.

Daily massage is an inherent part of the Ayurvedic healing. A full body and hand massage is recommended each day before breakfast. If a full body massage can be undertaken, then vital energy parts can be massaged such as the head, temples, face and ears to maintain good health.

In reflexology, hand and foot massages are important, though in Ayurvedic, hand massages are for morning rituals and foot massages are for bedtime rituals to prepare the mind for a calm sleep.

Ayurvedic reflexology utilizes sesame oil as lubricant between the massager's hand and the patient's skin and Kasa bowl to press against the arch of the patient's foot. These instruments allow better movement for the massager's hands and prevent sprain and injury. Some reflexologists have reluctantly quit their clinical sessions due to the injuries caused by repeated arm and wrist movements.

Marma points are widely used in the Indian concept of reflexology. Much like the acupuncture and pressure points in Chinese and Western reflexology, marma points pertain to the vulnerable energy spots in one's body that is pressed to detoxify and rejuvenate. The marma points located on opposing limbs are massaged one after the other in a circular motion. The difference between the Western reflexology and Ayurvedic reflexology is that the Western practice follows a map with several pressure points for each body part and internal organ whereas the Ayurvedic practice only has five major areas that cover the basic human anatomy.

Both traditional reflexology principles warn against improper use of reflexology. Generally, it is good for everyone, although there are a few exceptions. People who have abnormal skin conditions, acute trauma on the foot or hand, circulatory disorders such as severe varicose veins must refrain from getting reflexology treatments as it could worsen or have adverse effects on their health conditions.