Reflexology is considered an alternative medicine that focuses on the hands and feet to promote healing in different areas of the body. The theory behind the practice states that Qi, an incorporeal energy field, can become obstructed which in turn can interfere with the health of the patient. It involves specialized movements of the fingers and thumb over different segments of the hands and feet to unblock and promote the flow of Qi. The form is also widely used to encourage relaxation, alleviate pain and eliminate tension.

Typically, reflexology does not require the use of additional equipment or lubricants. Yet, the technique may integrate other traditional modes of massage to bring about greater levels of satisfaction. Hawaiian reflexology works in this way. Practitioners often combine indigenous forms like the Lomilomi with the therapeutic effect of reflexology. The results are potentially staggering especially when used as a method of stress relief. A Hawaiian reflexology session is further enhanced by the use of botanical oils as a means of aromatherapy and skin rejuvenation.

History of Reflexology
The practice is not Hawaiian in origin. It has been used in several places around the world at various time periods. The earliest records of reflexology are present in China. The ancient Chinese practiced this form of alternative medicine, then a mainstream mode of healing, some 5,000 years in the past.

The Egyptians practiced a similar form of reflexology, however, not much is known about its actual application. Additionally, because there have been other practices that involved using the feet to promote health that were not considered reflexology, scholars are not too quick to describe the ancient Egyptian practice as such.

Its use has and is still employed in the continents of Africa, Asia, North America and Europe. The practice first migrated to the nearby countries of India and Japan and then to Europe and North America. In Japan, the focus is primarily on the feet and is deemed Zoku Shin Do. Its spread to North America originated with the Cherokee Indians who passed down the form through generations.

Reflexology has evolved in the thousands of years that it has been utilized. The origin of acupuncture is clearly connected to the use of acupressure in reflexology. The transition resulted in the replacement of fingers and thumbs with needles that are inserted at various reflex points.

Reflexology as seen in modern times is attributed to research and work done by William H Fitzgerald and Dr Edwin Bowers. The two found a seemingly obvious connection between the application of pressure to the feet and the release of tension in the body. They observed patients becoming more relaxed as pressure was applied to different areas of the extremities.

By the mid 1930's to 1940's more research was being carried out into the practice. Eunice Ingham, a nurse and certified physiotherapist took on the ambitious task of mapping the human body into reflex points. Of all those displayed the hands and feet showed the greatest potential for effecting a change within the body. Ingham's theories are still used and studied in the field today.

At present, the International Council of Reflexologists has become the meeting ground for practitioners all over the world. New discoveries and modifications to these technique are shared among fellow practitioners. A bi-annual conference is held which typically attracts reflexologists from over 30 countries globally.

Advantages of Reflexology
The first and foremost advantage of this therapy is its ability to relax the subject almost immediately. Research done in this area has confirmed these results using brain scans that show a change in brain activity as pressure is applied on individual reflex points. This benefit is particularly worthwhile for persons prone to tension headaches and other stress related maladies.

It is also an effective pain reducer. Because the perception of pain is entirely controlled by signals sent along the nerve fibers the therapy is able to interrupt that flow resulting in instantaneous relief. Continued therapy may lead to a decrease in pain experienced in certain parts of the body and is sometimes recommended for people who suffer from occasional migraines.

Other benefits include improving circulation in the feet which is particularly advantageous to diabetics. It increases the rate at which recovery takes place after minor or major surgery. It reduces the symptoms experienced by cancer patients after rounds of chemotherapy. Lastly, it may also help pregnant women deliver their babies more quickly and shorten the healing time during the postpartum phase.

There are potentially more health benefits to be gained when using this alternative therapy. The greatest advantage is undeniably its ability to reduce stress which has the potential to trigger ailments of all kinds.

Creating a distinctly Hawaiian Experience
Reflexology does not traditionally require the use of essential oils, yet, applying these during the process can increase the feeling of relaxation and contentment. The practice may also be amalgamated with traditional Hawaiian massage techniques like Lomilomi to improve its effectiveness. A wide array of tropical oils and natural lotions can be used by the practitioner of this massage form with astounding results. A formulation may be chosen based on either its aroma and/or its skin healing properties.

There are specific oils that are generally utilized by practitioners. Coconut oil is a particular favorite because of its natural healing properties and light fruity scent. Kukui nut oil, which is indigenous to Hawaii, is another wonderful base for massage and reflexology therapy. It is an excellent choice for dry chapped skin and may also help reverse the effects of sun damage. The use of lotions may also play an integral role in the practice. These tend to be better for aroma-therapeutic purposes and come in a variety of botanical scents that will induce an overall feeling of serenity. Fragrances like gardenia, plumeria, pikake and white ginger are perfect additions to the process.

Reflexology shares one important common ideal with Hawaiian massage techniques and, that is, the manipulation of the body through forming a human connection by touch. It is this connection that ancient Hawaiians believed yielded the best therapeutic effect. The practitioner of either form must be in tune with his subject and willing to treat the body being molded as he would his own. The transferal of energy though seemingly intangible can be realized in the change felt by the subject once therapy has been completed. A Hawaiian reflexology session will be like no other as the culture of the people has the potential to deliver a splendidly unique experience.

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