Reflexology, the act of applying pressure to the feet and hands with specific thumb, finger and hand techniques, has been around for nearly 3,000 years. Although it is not as common in the West as other forms of alternative medicine, many people have found it to be effective. It is also still frequently used in the East for a variety of ills, including eczema and other skin conditions.

How reflexology works is somewhat in question. Some say that reflexology techniques manipulate specific areas of the hands and feet that correspond to parts of the body and that these techniques, in turn, manipulate “qi” – translated from the Chinese as “life force” or “spiritual energy.” Western medicine doesn’t generally acknowlege the existence of life force or spiritual energy, but it is the essence of medicine in many parts of the East.

Others explain reflexology in more physical terms – massaging the hands and feet with reflexology techniques affects the pressure sensors connected to glands, organs and other parts of the body so they become relaxed and restored to normal function. It also improves circulation.

Whatever the explanation, thousands of people in the West and, no doubt, millions in the East tout its benefits.

Diagnostics in reflexology incorporate the condition of the skin texture, color, pallor, temperature and humidity, among others and it is also said to be an effective treatment method for a variety of skin conditions, including eczema.

In reflexology, as in other practices, it is believed that eczema is often caused by internal toxicity resulting from improper function of the organs. The body attempts to eliminate the toxins through the skin, which manifests as eczema or other skin conditions such as dryness, boils, and so on.

In traditional Chinese medicine, of which reflexology is a part, the skin is related to the lungs a theory borne out by the fact that many people with eczema also have asthma or other breathing problems. Eczema treatment within reflexology might consist of working on the adrenal glands which, in turn, release cortisone one of the body’s natural and powerful anti-inflammatory properties. The cortisone would reduce the inflammation in the lungs and mucous membranes, help those areas relax, open up the airways and thereby get rid of congestion and get mucous flowing out of the body and, with it, the toxins causing the breathing problems, and the eczema.

As some of the toxins we’re accumulating come directly from polluted air and chemicals in household and personal products, it is always wise to apply a shielding lotion for eczema treatment regardless of whether you’re using other treatment methods: A good shielding lotion bonds with the outer layer of the skin to form a protective layer that keeps out chemicals. However, to help the body with internal problems that may be causing your skin problems, you might want to give reflexology a try. Check it out online – there are many sites that teach you the basic techniques at home. However, if you have internal health problems do check with your medical or health practitioner to make sure you get all the attention