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Sedona Reflexology
Reflexology is an ancient-healing art based on the principle there are points on the hands and feet that correspond to every part of the body, internal and external, and by applying pressure to these points, health, relaxation and homeostasis are achieved.
Reflexology was practiced by the ancient Chinese, Egyptian and Aztec cultures and was the domain of royalty until the turn of the 20th century when it was brought to America as under the auspices of zone therapy. Reflexology achieves the same results as acupuncture, but without the use of needles.
Sedona Reflexology
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Reflexologist Tommy Acosta
Master Reflexologist Tommy Acosta is the founder of the New Canaan Institute of Reflexology and Holistic Health. Achieving mastery under the tutelage of renowned Reflexologist Laura Norman, Mr. Acosta was known on the East Coast as the ‘Reflexologist of the Rich and Famous,” as well as a healer working with anyone, regardless of income or social stature, coming to him for help. Now living in Sedona, he has rekindled his practice and is once again working to help others achieve health and balance. He will see clients at his beautiful-home office in Sedona or travel, depending on need. Mr. Acosta can be contacted by e-mail at tommysedona@yahoo.com, or by phone at (480) 385-9923.
"The path to better health lies at your feet."
Tommy Acosta
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Reflexology (Sedona Reflexology) is the practice of massaging, squeezing, or pushing on parts of the feet, or sometimes the hands and ears, with the goal of encouraging a beneficial effect on other parts of the body, or to improve general health.
There is no consensus on how reflexology is supposed to work; a unifying theme is the idea that areas on the foot correspond to areas of the body, and that by manipulating these one can improve health through one's qi.
Concerns have been raised by medical professionals that treating potentially serious illnesses with reflexology, which has no proven efficacy, could delay the seeking of help from proven conventional medicine. There is no clinical or scientific evidence that reflexology has any beneficial effect.
Claimed mechanisms of operation - Sedona Reflexology
Reflexologists posit that the body contains an energy field, invisible life force, or Qi, the blockage of which can prevent healing.
Other reflexologists claim to be able to relieve stress and pain in other parts of the body through the manipulation of the feet.
These hypotheses are rejected by the general medical community, citing a lack of scientific evidence and the well-tested germ theory of disease.
History
The precursor of modern reflexology was introduced to the United States in 1913 by William H. Fitzgerald, M.D. (1872–1942), an ear, nose, and throat specialist, and Dr. Edwin Bowers. Fitzgerald claimed that applying pressure had an anesthetic effect on other areas of the body.
Reflexology was further developed in the 1930s and 1940s by Eunice D. Ingham (1899–1974), a nurse and physiotherapist. Ingham claimed that the feet and hands were especially sensitive, and mapped the entire body into "reflexes" on the feet. It was at this time that "zone therapy" was renamed reflexology.
Modern reflexologists in the United States and the United Kingdom often learn Ingham's method first, although there are other more recently developed methods.
Criticism - Sedona Reflexology
Common criticisms of reflexology are the lack of central regulation, accreditation and licensing, the lack of medical training provided to reflexologists, and the short duration of training programmes. Diplomas in reflexology can be attained with as little as six months of home study; and the lack of licensing and regulation allows anyone to practice as a reflexologist, with no qualifications. However, certain European countries, such as Switzerland, require reflexologists to be medical practitioners, due to the required understanding of anatomy and physiology.
Reflexology's claim to manipulate energy (Qi) has been called pseudoscientific, as there is no scientific evidence for the existence of life energy (Qi), 'crystalline structures,' or 'pathways' in the body.
Reflexology charts - Sedona Reflexology
A reflexology chart shows the "reflex zones" worked by reflexologists on the soles of the feet. Similar maps exist for the position of the reflexes on the hands and ears.
other charts:
http://www.passthetest.com/images/reflexology.gif
http://www.quest4arts.org/productions/tours/hongkong/media/reflexlology.gif
http://www.healthgoods.com/images/Medirub_Hand_Reflexlology.gif
Reflexology in the media - Sedona Reflexology
An episode of Penn & Teller: Bullshit! (1-02 Alternative Medicine) (February 7, 2003) focused on reflexology.
The Real Hustle (Season 4 Episode 2) mentioned reflexology as part of a weight loss scam.
Notes - Sedona Reflexology
- Norman, Laura; Thomas Cowan (1989). The Reflexology Handbook, A Complete Guide, Piatkus. pp. 22, 23. .
- "Reflexology" (html). National Council Against Health Fraud (1996). Retrieved on 2007-01-27.
- Wang MY, Tsai PS, Lee PH, Chang WY, Yang CM (June 2008). "The efficacy of reflexology: systematic review". J Adv Nurs 62 (5): 512–20. .
- "What is Reflexology?" (html). Retrieved on 2006-11-26.
- "Natural Standard". Harvard Medical SchoolRetrieved on January 27, 2007.
- Norman, Laura; Thomas Cowan (1989). The Reflexology Handbook, A Complete Guide, Piatkus. pp. 17. .
- Benjamin, Patricia (1989). "Eunice D. Ingham and the development of foot reflexology in the U.S". American Massage Therapy Journal.
- "Massagenerd.com Presents History of Massage, Therapies & Rules" (pdf). Retrieved on 2007-10-12.
- "The Open College reflexology diploma course" (html
). Retrieved on 2007-11-17.
- Barrett, Stephen (2004-09-25). "Reflexology: A close look". Quackwatch. Retrieved on 2007-10-12.
External links - Sedona Reflexology
Professional bodies and organisations - Sedona Reflexology
Critical websites - Sedona Reflexology
Review of scientific evidence - Sedona Reflexology
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Acupressure (a blend of "acupuncture" and "pressure") is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) technique derived from acupuncture. In acupressure physical pressure is applied to acupuncture points by the hand, elbow, or with various devices. Reviews of acupressure clinical trials have been conducted by the Cochrane Collaboration and Bandolier according to the protocols of evidence-based medicine; for most conditions they have concluded a lack of effectiveness or lack of well-conducted clinical trials.
Traditional Chinese medicine's (TCM) acupuncture theory predates use of the scientific method, and has received various criticisms based on scientific thinking. There is no known anatomical or histological basis for the existence of acupuncture points or meridians. Acupuncturists tend to perceive TCM concepts in functional rather than structural terms, i.e. as being useful in guiding evaluation and care of patients. Neuroimaging research suggests that certain acupuncture points have distinct effects that are not otherwise predictable anatomically.
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Contents - Sedona Reflexology
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Background - Sedona Reflexology
Acupoints used in treatment may or may not be in the same area of the body as the targeted symptom. The TCM theory for the selection of such points and their effectiveness is that they work by stimulating the meridian system to bring about relief by rebalancing yin, yang and qi (also spelled "chi"). This theory is based on the paradigm of TCM .
Many East Asian martial arts also make extensive study and use of acupressure for self-defense and health purposes (chin na, tui na). The points or combinations of points are said to be used to manipulate or incapacitate an opponent. Also, martial artists regularly massage their own acupressure points in routines to remove blockages from their own meridians, claiming to thereby enhance their circulation and flexibility and keeping the points "soft" or less vulnerable to an attack.
Research - Sedona Reflexology
A preliminary randomized trial of Tapas Acupressure Technique (TAT) found a possible weak correlation with weight loss maintenance using TAT versus Qigong or self-directed support, suggesting that TAT might outperform the other methods studied. The results were not statistically significant, but a separation test indicated that further study is warranted. A full randomized trial of TAT versus standard weightloss management intervention is currently being conducted, funded by the NCCAM.
An acupressure wristband that is claimed to relieve the symptoms of motion sickness and other forms of nausea is available. The band is designed to provide pressure to the P6 acupuncture point, a point that has been extensively investigated. The Cochrane Collaboration, a group of evidence-based medicine (EBM) reviewers, reviewed the use of P6 for nausea and vomiting, and found it to be effective for reducing post-operative nausea, but not vomiting . The Cochrane review included various means of stimulating P6, including acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, transcutaneous nerve stimulation, laser stimulation, acustimulation device and acupressure; it did not comment on whether one or more forms of stimulation were more effective. EBM reviewer Bandolier said that P6 acupressure in two studies showed 52% of patients with control having a success, compared with 75% with P6 acupressure. One author of an article published in the Scientific Review of Alternative Medicine disagreed .
A Cochrane Collaboration review found that massage provided some long-term benefit for low back pain, and said: It seems that acupressure or pressure point massage techniques provide more relief than classic (Swedish) massage, although more research is needed to confirm this.
Acupressure Work Theory - Sedona Reflexology
According to the principles of TCM, qi flows through the body via 14 primary meridians or channels. To strengthen the flow of qi,or remove blockages in the meridians, an acupuncturist inserts a number of tiny, sterile, flexible needles just under the skin at certain specific points (called acupoints) along the channels. There are four to five hundred named acupoints along the meridians, some of which are associated with specific internal organs or organ systems. If you are suffering from nausea, for example, needles might be inserted into acupoints on your wrist, while a vision problem might be treated with needles in the foot. (Additional ear, scalp, and hand points are also commonly used by some practitioners.) Acupuncture practitioners believe that the therapy stimulates the body’s internal regulatory system and nurtures a natural healing response.
A variant system known as two point acupressure attempts to bypass a blockage of vital flow by using one acupoint to create a link with one of the collateral meridians, and then using one additional acupoint to stimulate or reduce the flow around the obstruction.
Criticism of TCM theory - Sedona Reflexology
Clinical use of acupressure frequently relies on the conceptual framework of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which some scholars have characterized as pseudoscientific. There is no physically verifiable anatomical or histological basis for the existence of acupuncture points or meridians. Proponents reply that TCM is a prescientific system that continues to have practical relevance. Acupuncturists tend to perceive TCM concepts in functional rather than structural terms (e.g., as being useful in guiding evaluation and care of patients).
Instruments - Sedona Reflexology
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This section relies largely or entirely upon a single source. Please help improve this article by introducing appropriate citations of additional sources. (January 2009) |
There are several different instruments for applying acupressure by rubbing or rolling against the body.
Acu ball - Sedona Reflexology
The acuball is a small ball made of rubber with protuberances that is heatable. It is used to apply acupressure and relieve muscle and joint pain.
Energy roller - Sedona Reflexology
The energy roller is a small cylinder with protuberances. It is held between the hands and rolled back and forth to apply acupressure.
Foot roller - Sedona Reflexology
The foot roller (also "krupa chakra") is a round, cylindrical roller with protuberances. It is placed on the floor and the foot is rolled back and forth over it.
Power mat - Sedona Reflexology
The power mat (also pyramid mat) is a mat with small pyramid-shaped bumps that you walk on.
Spine roller - Sedona Reflexology
The spine roller is a bumpy roller containing magnets that is rolled up and down the spine.
See also - Sedona Reflexology
- Acupoint therapy
- Auriculotherapy
- Fire cupping
- Jing
- Luo Points
- Manipulative therapy
- Massage
- Moxibustion
- Pressure Points
- Pushing hands
- Qigong
- Reflexology
- Shiatsu
- Two point acupressure
References - Sedona Reflexology
- Cochrane library search
- Felix Mann: "...acupuncture points are no more real than the black spots that a drunkard sees in front of his eyes." (Mann F. Reinventing Acupuncture: A New Concept of Ancient Medicine. Butterworth Heinemann, London, 1996,14.) Quoted by Matthew Bauer in Chinese Medicine Times, Vol 1 Issue 4 - Aug 2006, "The Final Days of Traditional Beliefs? - Part One"
- Kaptchuk, 1983, pp. 34-35
- "Despite considerable efforts to understand the anatomy and physiology of the "acupuncture points", the definition and characterization of these points remains controversial. Even more elusive is the basis of some of the key traditional Eastern medical concepts such as the circulation of Qi, the meridian system, and the five phases theory, which are difficult to reconcile with contemporary biomedical information but continue to play an important role in the evaluation of patients and the formulation of treatment in acupuncture." Acupuncture. National Institutes of Health: Consensus Development Conference Statement, November 3-5, 1997. Available online at consensus.nih.gov/1997/1997Acupuncture107html.htm. Retrieved 30 January 2007.
- Pariente J, Lewith GT; White PJ (September 2005). "[http://ecam.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/2/3/315 Investigating acupuncture using brain imaging techniques: the current state of play.]". Evid Based Complement Alternat Med - Oxford University Press 2 (3): 315. http://ecam.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/2/3/315. Retrieved on 2007-03-06.
- Mist, S.; C. Elder, M. Aikin, C Ritenbaugh (2005). "Phase I/II randomized trial of Tapas Acupressure for weightloss maintenance". Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies 10: 38–9. http://www.medicinescomplete.com/journals/fact/current/fact1005a13a60.htm. Retrieved on 2008-02-09.
- Elder, Charles R.. "Randomized Trial of Tapas Acupressure Technique for Weightloss Maintenance". http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/CRISP_LIB.getdoc?textkey=7316164&p_grant_num=1R01AT003928-01A1&p_query=&ticket=54364940&p_audit_session_id=285837869&p_keywords=. Retrieved on 2008-02-11.
- Dent HE, Dewhurst NG, Mills SY, Willoughby M. Continuous PC6 wristband acupressure for relief of nausea and vomiting associated with acute myocardial infarction: a partially randomised, placebo-controlled trial. Complement Ther Med. 2003 Jun ;11 (2):72-7 http://lib.bioinfo.pl/pmid:12801491
- Sharma, Rajeev (2003). Medicina Alternativa. Alpha Science Int'l Ltd. p. 196-200. http://books.google.com/books?id=iyl2XMxr6iAC&pg=PA198&dq=acuball#PPA196,M1. Retrieved on 2009-01-05.
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