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Dear Steemian,..
Maintaining health is something that we should not ignore. We must maintain a healthy lifestyle. Starting from eating, drinking, exercising and taking regular and quality rest to be the best way to take care of your health.
In addition we can do it by doing reflexology. Reflexology is a massage technique that is performed on the nerve points in our body.
If regular massage uses pressure, squeezing and massaging the body, reflexology is different from regular massage or massage. Reflexology is done by focusing more on certain nerve points in the body, especially on the feet and hands.
These nerve points will be connected directly to the nerves of the organ when receiving stimulation in the form of pressure or massage. As a result, when massaged will affect organ function and of course it is hoped that it will improve the freshness and health of the body.

Benefits of Reflexology

Reflexology benefits us both physically and psychologically. Some of the benefits we can see are as follows:

1. Improve blood circulation

Pressure on the nerve points on the soles of the feet is directly related to the heart. There are also nerve points that connect blood vessels in the body. Proper massage both intensity and frequency will provide a stimulant to the organ being massaged. Therefore, when doing reflexology will affect the function of the heart. This is the impact of the pressure received when reflexology is the same as the baroreceptor reflex that the body produces to control heart function. The literature mentions baroreceptors are sensororeceptors (sensory receptors that detect mechanical pressure, associated with the sense of touch) located at various points of blood circulation. It can be said that this massage can contribute to controlling heart rate so that blood circulation is smoother.

2. Gives a sense of relaxation

Massage at the point of reflection will provide a sense of calm and relaxation. This is caused by the relaxation of the disturbed nerves so that the organs can function better. After being massaged for some time at the reflex point will give muscle flexibility so that the body is fresher. in some cases reflexology can cause sleep because it relaxes.

3. Relax muscles

When our bodies feel sore and stiff, massage is an alternative that we can do. When massaged the muscles will relax. Aches, stiffness and pain will be much reduced until you can recover completely.

4. Heal pain

Some diseases can be reduced considerably or even cured after getting a reflexology massage. Based on my experience, some diseases that can be cured immediately are:

• headache
• Nauseous
• back pain
• out of breath

Massage Technique

Reflexology can use acupressure techniques both with hands and tools.

Using hands

The massage technique by hand is more recommended because our skin is much more sensitive so we can feel what the patient feels. We can measure how strong the pressure is. We can also measure how much pain the patient feels.
The part of the hand that we can use starts from the thumb, index, and other fingers. We can also use the palms of the hands, the backs of the hands, up to the elbows, the palms of the hands can be used to press, with the fingers squeezing the parts needed. The thumb and forefinger can be effective to press the nerve points that are more hidden or deeper.

Using tools

When massaging we can use tools. We can choose the appropriate tool. However, if you don't find a special massage tool, you can also use a pencil, marker or pen. We can use marker tips to press deep nerve points that cannot be reached with our fingertips because of our lack of strength. If the tip of the marker is too large, then we can use a pen tip that is not sharp. We use it on the end that has a cap. To stimulate the nerves of the back we can use a marker or pencil by rolling the pencil plus a little force of palm pressure.
What must be remembered from using the tool is that we must be able to feel how much effective pressure is. Do not let the patient feel pain and suffering.

What not to massage

Although massage is effective for health, we must also know certain conditions that cause us to avoid massage. Some of the following conditions should be avoided for massage.

1. Pregnant woman

Massage in pregnant women has risks. If we are forced to have a massage then we must choose an expert therapist, the gestational age is no longer at risk of miscarriage, At some point it can cause the uterus to contract. There are points around the toes, heels, and tips of the big toes that can stimulate the hormone oxytocin to react so that the uterus contracts.

2. Injury to the leg

Reflexology massage on the injured foot has a risk of making the injury worse. If you are not an expert, it is recommended not to massage it.

3. Certain diseases

There are several diseases that if massaged will cause bad effects. Gout, osteoporosis, and diseases related to blood clotting problems are some of the diseases that should not be massaged. Massage in patients with gout will cause pain that spreads to other parts.

Therefore, every therapist must know the effectiveness and risks involved in massaging so that the body will be fitter and healthier.

Thus my writing this time may be useful for all of us.
Best regard from Indonesia
@rokhani

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