The healing power of touch

MANILA, Philippines - The healing power of touch has been known through the ages, and has come to play an important role in many therapeutic methods. Reflexology, which applies this holistic philosophy, has been proven to be effective in treating a wide variety of ailments and is recognized for its emphasis on encouraging the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Now, The Reflex Zone natural therapy center introduces the renowned Rwo Shur Health Method of Reflexology to the country, offering Filipinos a new way of improving their health naturally.

Reflexology is a natural form of therapy that uses the application of pressure to specific reflex points on the feet, which correspond to all the different glands, organs, and systems of the body. Applying pressure to these points breaks up crystalline deposits of uric acid, calcium, and lactic acid on different areas of the feet, and clears blockages and toxins from the corresponding body parts. Unlike massage, which is mainly intended for relaxation and whereby benefits are limited to the areas of the body actually manipulated, reflexology works through the nervous system to heal all parts of the body. Its beneficial effects include pain and stress relief, improved blood circulation, restoration of overall balance, and prevention of many common diseases.

The internationally acclaimed Rwo Shur Health Method of Reflexology, which has been in existence for over 30 years now, is distinctive for its use of very firm pressure, thus taking its focus beyond relaxation to detoxification and revitalization. It was developed by Fr. Josef Eugster, a Swiss Catholic priest and a missionary in Taiwan.

Fr. Josef got into reflexology because of his own need to be healed. In 1977, at only 37 years old, he was suffering from a debilitating severe rheumatoid arthritis in his knees. After consulting with physicians, he was told that the disease was incurable, and a cross he had to bear perpetually. Upon learning the physicians’ prognosis, a colleague begged to differ, and encouraged Fr. Josef to learn reflexology, which can easily rid of his problem. He also suggested that an imbalance in the internal organs, especially the adrenal glands and the kidneys, both of which could be addressed by reflexology done on the feet, were the root cause of his knee condition.

Initially, Fr. Josef didn’t understand how a method used on the feet could help his knees, but nevertheless, he began studying reflexology. When he first used reflexology on himself, he could barely stand the pain, but he diligently treated himself every day. Within two weeks, to his amazement, the arthritis disappeared.

Reflexology applies pressure to specific reflex points on the feet.

Becoming a self-taught reflexologist, Fr. Josef first cured himself, and then began to share the knowledge with his friends and parishioners with great success. Since then, he has gradually developed his own variations on the known techniques judging their value solely by the results that were obtained. He has likewise promoted the healing benefits of reflexology in Taiwan, China, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, the US and Europe.

Fr. Josef’s reflexology technique has healed many people. One of his very first clients was one of his parishioners, 73-year-old Mr. Chen, who suffered from severe back pain due to an accident. Mr. Chen visited seven physicians but received no relief, and he ended up using all his money. Feeling that he had no more hope, he decided to tell his priest — Fr. Josef — that he was ready to die. Fr. Josef offered to treat him and showed up at his home for the reflexology sessions. The first three sessions proved to be painful for Mr. Chen and thus, he hid from the priest before the fourth treatment.   However, Mr. Chen’s neighbor revealed his whereabouts and Fr. Josef convinced him to undergo one more session. That night, Fr. Josef received a joyful call from the man’s family informing him that his treatment had worked on Mr. Chen and asked him to come back the next day. Within two weeks, Mr. Chen, who had been ready to die, had fully recovered. By working on very tough cases like this from the onset, Fr. Josef gradually developed his technique.

Deciding that the future of reflexology in Taiwan would be best served by placing his work into the hands of others, the Rwo Shur Institute International was founded (Rwo Shur is Fr. Josef’s Chinese name) in 1982. Fr. Josef’s technique, known as the Rwo Shur Health Method, gained a worldwide following, renowned for the dedication, sincerity, and humility of its founder, which are likewise reflected in the skill and commitment of its practitioners.

All of The Reflex Zone’s therapists are male licensed physical therapists who have undergone extensive training in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in the Rwo Shur Health Institute International. The Reflex Zone experience lasts for 80 minutes and starts with an invigorating signature peppermint crystal mud foot soak, which prepares the feet for the reflexology session. The treatment takes place in the serene, relaxing sanctuary of The Reflex Zone’s flagship branch in Makati. This therapy has proven to be helpful in treating a wide range of health conditions in various parts of the body, as well as easing health complaints such as headaches, sinus problems, insomnia, obesity, lack of concentration, and hormonal imbalances.

The Reflex Zone also offers reflexology services especially suited to the needs of children aged five to eight years old. Reflexology has been found to have positive effects in the treatment of various conditions common in children, such as allergies, digestive problems, sleep disruption, and emotional or behavioral problems.

The pioneer branch of The Reflex Zone natural therapy center is located at the ground floor of the Narra Building, 2276 Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati City. It is open on Tuesdays to Sundays, 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Appointments and queries may be made through 812-0050 or info@reflexzone.com.ph.  You can also log onto www.reflexzone.com.ph for more information.