Reflexology Massage in Massage Chairs
Reflexology massage can trace its roots back to ancient Egypt. In fact traces of reflexology were found as far back as 2030 B. C. Humans have known about reflexology and its corresponding relationships. Today, many of these traditional methods have been replicated in massage chairs. Massage chairs use advanced functions and incorporate many desirable features for potential users.
Reflexology massage is an interesting field of study. The idea behind this type of therapy is that the hands and feet have special relationships with the major organs in the body. Certain areas of the hands and feet can be massaged and their corresponding organ releases tension.
Reflexology or zone therapy is the study of certain areas of the hands and feet and their corresponding relationship to other parts of the body. Reflexology uses zone maps to identify the regions in the hands and feet. Massage is provided to the areas of the feet or hands which then releases tension to its corresponding organ.
When we come under stress, our bodies release adrenaline. This is a reaction for the body to protect itself. This diverts blood to the major organs and mobilizes the hands and feet for action. Unfortunately, most types of stress we have our mental and do not provide a physical release.
So when you come under stress the body goes into a defensive reaction. This is a self protect mode. Your body mobilizes itself for action. Your breathing will increase, blood circulation speeds up and your hands and feet are ready.
Reflexology in a sense reverses the process of the body preparing itself for defense. Reflexology stimulates the hands and feet in order to relieve tension. Stimulating the reflexology points also relieves the tension and the major organs. This is thought to calm and soothe the body into relaxation.
Reflexology massage programs are being integrated into massage chairs. The feet are targeted utilizing small nodes contained under the feet. As the program provides massage to the feet the nodes are gently pushed to the reflexology points. This provides a soothing relief to tired and aching feet.
Normally the reflexology nodes are activated with the use of an air bag. Many massage chairs contain air compressors for delivering massage therapy to different parts of the chair. The reflexology nodes are used in conjunction with the other airbags providing massage to the foot.
Other things you should look for to complement your reflexology massage are leg rest heaters. Heaters are a great way to soothe your feet while getting massage. Heat is typically applied to reduce swelling and to help facilitate greater blood flow.
Some massage chairs have removable reflexology plates. The user can remove these plates when the reflexology massage is not desired. When the reflexology points are removed then the main massage for the foot will be over the top of the foot for compression massage.
The ancient Egyptians would marvel at the advanced technology being integrated into massage chairs. They clearly understood many complex relationships of the body. Reflexology was part of the treatments to help induce healing and restore balance in the body. They would be happy to see their work integrated into a massage chair.
The goal of a reflexology and this massage is to relieve tension in the body. The built up tension is normally caused by stress. Stress causes the body to be prepared to defend itself. This keeps the muscles tensed for long periods of time leading to fatigue. Reflexology massage helps to reverse this process of tension build up. It releases tension by relaxing the body. Massage chairs have reflexology capabilities.