Reflexology and You: An Interview With Njideka N. Olatunde, ND, PhD

Today, we’re talking to reflexology expert Njideka N. Olatunde, ND, PhD (pictured at right), author of Reflexology Today: A Family Affair, about the benefits of reflexology.

Lively Women: What exactly is reflexology?

Njiideka Olatunde: Reflexology is the art and science of working specific reflex points on the hands, feet and ears to relieve stress, pain and relax the body.

LW: How does it work?

NO: Reflexology works by stimulating the nerve endings in the hands, feet or ears that causes an involuntary contraction and allows energy to pass through a specific organ in the body to promote relaxation,circulation and improve elimination which brings balance and normal rhythm to the body.

LW: In recent years, we’ve been hearing a lot about reflexology. But this isn’t a new practice, is it? When and where did reflexology come about?

NO: Reflexology is over 5000 years old. The first recorded history of reflexology is 2330 BC in Egypt. Reflexology is the oldest of all the body work therapies. Reflexology doing this time period was used as a diagnostic tool. When a reflexologist found a stressful area in the hands, feet or ears it helped the physician to treat the health problem.

LW: So reflexology isn’t exactly the new kid on the block. What types of ailments can reflexology help?

NO: Digestive and urinary problems such as constipation, fluid retention, and indigestion; nervous and emotional issues such as addictions, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and headaches; muscular and skeletal issues such as arthritis, back pain, and fibrosis; reproductive diseases and problems such as pregnancy issues, labor and delivery, menstrual problems, menopause, and infertility; respiratory and cardiovascular issues such as asthma, hypertension, bronchitis, hay fever, sinusitis, and colds; and skin disorders such as acne, eczeme, psoriasis, and cold sores.

LW: What are the benefits of using reflexology over traditional medical interventions?

NO: The benefits of using reflexology over conventional [medicine] begin with the fact in reflexology the focus is on addressing the cause of the health issue and its relationship to whole body. In conventional medicine, the emphasis is on the area of pain or discomfort, which results in medication to stop the pain and not the cause of the pain. In reflexology the focus is on all the body systems working in harmony one with each other. Reflexology is known as the chemical free approach to relieving pain and restoring balance to body. Reflexology is the bridge that can connect alternative/complementary therapies with conventional medicine. It does not matter what approach you choose to use in becoming well. The body can not heal itself until it is in a state of rest and relaxation. This is what reflexology can do.

LW: That sounds pretty appealing. What are some reflexology techniques I can do at home?

NO: In reflexology, you do not focus on an area of discomfort to do a technique. Your objective is to work the whole body to achieve relief. By this I mean you activate every nerve ending connected to the organs, cells, and body sytems located on the hands. A basic technique you can do to relieve pain is to do reflexology on the hands. You begin by using your thumb in a walking motion on the palm of you hand from fingers to wrist. Using this technique sends a message to the brain to release endorphines, which are the body’s natural pain killers.

LW: Okay, now when should I see a professional for reflexology, and how do I find one?

NO: Reflexology is a therapy that should be used as a wellness maintenance approach, as a preventive health care tool. Reflexology therapy should begin with a series of 4 to 5 session once a week or biweekly. Upon the completion of the session, reflexology should be included as prevention wellness tool on a biweekly or monthly basis. A good place to begin your search for a reflexologist is through reflexology schools, associations, health spas and referrals of friends and family. When seraching for a reflexologist they should be certified with at least 100 to 200 hours certified training. A certified reflexologist should be able to provide certificate of training, belong to an association [like the Reflexology Association of America], and have insurance.

LW: Thank you, Dr. Olatunde!

ABOUT DR. OLATUNDE

Njideka N. Olatunde, ND, PhD, is founder and director of Focus On Healing, Inc. She is a Health and Wealth Empowerment Strategist, professional speaker; publisher and author of Reflexology Today: A Family Affair; reflexology consultant to Health Quest, Essence; Sister2Sister; and Heart & Soul magazines; a host of The Wellness Experience on BlogTalk Radio; a former AM radio host; a former host and producer of Health Focus on local cable television; a recipient of numerous awards, several published writings and is a member of several health and financial related associations. Dr. Olatunde has an extensive 28-year background in consultation, counseling, public speaking and training in the areas of health care and financial wellness. Her book is available through the Focus On Healing website.

Contents © Copyright 2008 Kristen King

Tags: womens health blog, womens, health, women, woman, health, reflexology, njideka olatunde, reflexology today, reflexology association of america, alternative medicine, lively women, kristen king