Reflexology is a natural healing art. It is seeks to be safe in its practice and its intentions. It is natural because it works with the natural functions of the body and can be beneficial to a person's well being.
The purpose of reflexology is to reduce the emotional, physical and psychological stress and tension felt in the body. When the body is relaxed, reflexology can revitalize and rejuvenate the body's functions. Reflexology can also be used to facilitate becoming more aware of one's body. It is seen as a healing art because it combines self-awareness with therapeutic relaxation in order to gain optimal bodily function.
Reflexology, and the relaxed state that it brings to those who experience it, has been associated with gaining deeper sleep, as well as relief from different aches and pains. It also provides relief from headaches and sinus congestion. Reflexology is not a cure-all, but a therapy to go along with your other medical care.
The usual place that reflexology is performed on is a person's feet. It is believed by those who practice this art, that there are areas of the feet, hand and even the ears that correspond to other body parts and when a reflexology therapist applies pressure or massage to certain areas they stimulate the corresponding body part area, which will remove blockages that exist in the "energy area" of that body part.
This is not a diagnostic art. Reflexology cannot cure all medical conditions in the body. One should consult a doctor if there is a more serious ailment. Practitioners of the art of reflexology believe that the therapy they do restores imbalances of the "life energy" or what is referred to as "Qi" of the body.
Although this is an art form that is not based in scientific fact, it has been time-tested. There is evidence that as far back as the times of the ancient Egyptians demonstrating that reflexology was practiced. One has to wonder at something that has held the interest of many individuals over many, many centuries.
There has been case studies conducted that list the following benefits to reflexology:
That client's feel relaxed, comforted and a sense of well-being during treatment
While undergoing reflexology treatment clients often experience a tingling or tiredness and may even fall asleep. These are all explained as "what is expected to happen when there is a clearing away of the blockage areas from the body allowing the release of energy.
Clients report feeling reduced stress levels, feeling deeply relaxed, they have improved circulations and a more energized outlook on life and a renewed energy.
In reflexology circles it is said that if the client experiences sinus congestion, nausea or headache that these are symptoms of the process of the body getting rid of the toxins it had been harboring. These feelings should last no longer than 24 hours from treatment time. To experience this is actually a good thing as it means that the therapy has been successful.
The first time I picked up a paintbrush. I knew I was holding my holy grail. That moment was one of the few I remember from my days as a toddler. and would influence the rest of my life. I was painting on a daily basis before I even started school. and continued my studies of art and its many facets clear into adulthood. As a middle school art teacher by day and a freelance artist in all other hours. my life is dedicated to art. I see children's faces light up with wonder and excitement when they paint their first masterpieces. and I see the confidence and delight it inspires. When schools began cutting art programs. it broke my heart. Artistic expression of any kind is crucial to a child's development. and should never be overlooked. Here are just a few of the many. many benefits art brings to a child's life:
1. Counteracts boredom and stress. If your child is full of energy and has trouble sitting still or listening. encouraging the child to take up art is an excellent solution. If old enough. enroll your child in a local art program. Otherwise. set up a space in your home and fill it with easels and supplies. Painting and exploring various media (paints. sculpting clay. oils. pottery. crayons. markers. tile carvings. pencils. etc.) channels thought and concentration by teaching the child to develop a concept and stick with it. On the other hand. if your child is a little on the energetic side. sit him or her down with a ball of sculpting clay. Sculpting clay is a little harder than generic child's putty. thereby requiring more energy. By keeping the activity fun. they will never know that you have simply taught them to refocus this excess of energy into a project. Reinforce the behavior by praising them and displaying the work. In addition. if you join them in these artistic endeavors. you will experience a fun way to bond with your child.
2. Promotes a healthy mentality. Child development experts often ask children to draw or sculpt during therapy. allowing them to analyze the child's subconscious. Children tend to use art to vent their feelings. so by encouraging them to pursue this talent. your child will learn to identify and appropriately manage feelings and emotions. In addition. by pinpointing various emotions. pressures. and problems. they will be better equipped for effective and healthy problem-solving.
3. Develops critical thinking skills. To make art. a child must take a concept or look at an object. decide how they see it. and recreate it in that image. Whether they decide to take a unique and abstract approach or a classical. traditional one. they learn to focus on a goal and slowly work towards it. They must decide which methods work and which do not when matching the image to their reality. This not only breeds creativity. but pinpoints skills in life necessary for success like attention to detail. focus. patience. hard work. motivation. discipline. determination. and tolerance.
4. Enhances dexterity. Whether teaching to stay between the lines of a coloring book or sculpt a detailed face from clay. a child must learn to use their hand-eye coordination and the movements of their fingers and hands to yield desired results. As a multisensory experience. children are able to link both sides of their brains for an engaging activity that fosters logic and creativity. which must be completed through improved dexterity.
5. Improves self-esteem. All of these qualities combine into one that plays. perhaps. one of the most crucial roles in success: self-esteem. With a heightened sense of self and confidence in that self image. your child will grow into a successful adult. Confident adults take more risks. and therefore reap more rewards. Some studies have concluded that children consistently enrolled in comprehensive art programs are four times more likely to be elected to class office. four times more likely to participate in math and science fairs. and four times more likely to win awards for writing. In addition. students who take a few art classes tend to perform significantly better on standardized tests. like the SAT.
Hopefully you have begun to understand the importance of art. Enroll your child in an art program. or set up a studio for them at home. Even if your children claim to have no artistic inclination. take them to museums to bring that cultural influence into their lives. Make sure to nurture this talent; never force it or they may rebel. Always reinforce through praise and celebration. and the child will never see it as a chore. The lifelong benefits will speak for themselves and contribute to a more focused. disciplined. creative. productive. and confident individual bound for success.
Both Scott Meyers & Carolyn Welch are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Scott Meyers has sinced written about articles on various topics from Diabetes Treatment, Health and Skin Care. Scott Meyers is a staff writer for , a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers. Scott Meyers's top article generates over 22200 views. to your Favourites.
Carolyn Welch has sinced written about articles on various topics from Alternative Medicine. Carolyn Welch is a lifelong art enthusiast and teacher. She built up the art program at her school with and. Carolyn Welch's top article generates over 720 views. to your Favourites.