Reflexology, also called Reflexology Massage, Reflex Zone Therapy or Zone Therapy, works with certain points, zones or areas on or in our body, such as locations on our ears, feet, and hands.
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These points are usually called reflex points, acupressure points, or acupoints. It’s thought that manipulating these points or zones with pressure can stimulate the healthy function of connected, related or corresponding organs or other parts, functions and systems of our body.
These therapeutic reflex points can be found all over the body, not only on the feet or hands, but also in the abdominal area, on the back, in the groin, on the head and in the face, and so on. Yet, the best known reflexology treatment is undoubtedly Foot Reflexology, which is the most popular type of reflexology used for both adults and babies.
It’s thought that Baby Reflexology (or Infant Reflexology) can alleviate colic, constipation, stomach and intestinal pains, reduce excessive crying, relieve from gas, promote the blood circulatory and immune system, and stimulate better sleep patterns, among other benefits.
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Some other popular reflexology therapies are, for example: Hand Reflexology, Facial Reflexology, Finger Reflexology and Ear Reflexology. In addition, a distinction is also made according to function and as such you will also find terms such as Pregnancy Reflexology, Fertility Reflexology, and, of course, Baby Reflexology.
A reflexology treatment is applied with acupressure techniques, primarily performed with the fingers and thumbs, but sometimes also with other objects, such as small wooden sticks or gemstones to exert pressure on well-defined reflex points. For babies usually only gentle finger pressure will be applied as the baby’s feet and hands are still very soft and vulnerable.
Reflexology massages have been in use for centuries, if not millennia, in a range of ancient civilizations, such as in China, Japan, Greece, India and Egypt. However, as for reflexology charts or “zone maps” describing the various pressure points on the feet, hands, ears, abdomen, and so on, you will encounter a great variety of versions that often seem to contradict each other.
