Reflexology has long been viewed by many Americans and medical professionals as little more than a foot massage. Recent scientific studies show that chronic pain, digestive disorders and other common health problems can be relieved through the use of reflexology. The science and study of today’s reflexology was developed by three medical doctors in the early 20th century and involves a unique pressure technique on “reflex maps”, which are three dimensional micro maps of the human body, found on the feet, hands and outer ears. In my practice I specialize in Integrated Foot Hand Ear Reflexology for achieving the best results of elimination of pain and discomfort in the related parts of the body. In addition to combining Somatic (body) reflexes from feet, hands, and ears, appropriate Master Points & Functional Points on the ears will be used as well.
How it Works: When a body part is not functioning properly, irritating chemicals accumulate in related nerve endings in the feet, hands and ears. Various studies have repeatedly shown that when certain parts of the feet, hands and ears are worked on with a specific pressure technique, relief results in corresponding parts of the body.
Health Benefits: Reflexology is deeply relaxing and helps reduce the effects of stress on body and emotions. There are many health benefits reported which include reduction and elimination of pain, improved circulation, strengthening the body’s immune system, and detoxification. Over 380 Reflexology Research Studies listed by categories like Abdominal Pain, Diabetes, Lupus, Sciatica and many more can be found at www.reflexologyresearch.net
Difference between Reflexology and Massage: There is still a lot of confusion and misconception about what reflexology is and what makes it different from massage. Massage deals with touch all over the body with major emphasis on muscular, circulatory and lymphatic systems. In reflexology, we only work on the feet, hands and ears, and with reflex points corresponding to distant parts of the body. Reflexology not only helps the muscular, circular and lymphatic systems, it also has a profound effect on the inside of the body, such as the head, neck, chest, abdomen and so forth. In reflexology, only shoes and socks are removed with the client otherwise staying fully clothed. Whereas a foot massage certainly feels good it has little to do with the study, art and science of reflexology.
How to find a Qualified Reflexology Practitioner: A professional certified reflexologist has at least 200 hours of reflexology training from an approved school and is preferable nationally certified. Referrals to a professional reflexologist in your area can be found through the American Reflexology Certification Board (ARCB), the Reflexology Association of California (RAC), and the Reflexology Association of America (RAA).
Stefanie Sabounchian is an AAR and ARCB certified reflexologist with a private practice in La Verne. She teaches Integrated Foot Hand Ear Reflexology for the American Academy of Reflexology (AAR). For more detailed information please visit her website at www.Reflex2Relax.com. You can reach Stefanie at 909-896-3610 or email her at Reflex2Relax@yahoo.com.
Stefanie Sabounchian, AAR & ARCB Certified Reflexologist
Stefanie studied and practiced Reflexology for many years in her home country of Germany before she came to the United States in 2000. She earned her Professional Reflexology Certificate in Integrated Foot Hand Ear Reflexology from the American Academy of Reflexology in 2002, is Nationally Certified with the American Reflexology Certification Board. She has a thriving Reflexology practice in Southern California, is Past-President of the Reflexology Association of California, and Stefanie teaches Foot Hand Ear Reflexology at several schools where her knowledge, professionalism, and sincerity endear her to her students.