Principles Of Reflexology
Reflexology is the pratice of applying pressure to specific points on the feet and hands to influence
the health of corresponding parts of the body.
"pressure sensors" on the hands and feet connect with different pats of the body,
and as reflexology techniques stimulate these sensors, waves of relaxtion are sent throughout the body.
In this section we outline the principles and history of reflexology, and reveal how it is used to aid health
and encourage relaxation, prevent disease, reduce pain and improve quality of life.
Theory and Practice
Generally speaking, practitioners of modern Thai massage operate on the theory that the body is permeated with "lom," or "air," which is inhaled into the lungs and which subsequently travels throughout the body along 72,000 pathways called "sen," or "vessels." Typically, massage therapists manipulate a handful of major sen lines by pressing certain points along the lines. In most models, the sen originate at the navel and spread throughout the body to terminate at the orifices. A significant part of the practice of Thai massage also includes yoga-like stretches which are intended to stimulate the sen and move lom through the body via a pumping action which is connected with the patient's breathing.
The theory of sen and lom is often translated into English as "meridians" and "energy." While there are some superficial similarities to Chinese meridian theory, the Thai system is markedly different as the sen are unconnected from the internal organs.