MANILA, Philippines -- The premium on health has never been as high as it is today. Rightfully so, since there is nothing more important than keeping the body fit, even if it means paying a steep price to do so. Be it preventive measure or recovery procedure, people have been looking for ways to keep their body running at its optimum rate.

From simple methods such as improving one’s diet and adapting a fitness regimen all the way to complicated treatments that involve expensive procedures, some are willing to resort to great lengths just to find the answer to their physical complications.

While people get caught up in learning about new trends and breakthrough treatment available today, it’s easy to forget the traditional healing philosophies practiced long before the advent of modern medicine. One of these time tested methods is reflexology. Unlike the principles of contemporary healthcare, reflexology applies a holistic approach that encourages the body’s natural ability to heal itself.

For thousands of years, Chinese medicine has used reflexology in healthcare by focusing on specific reflex zones in the feet. By applying pressure, the organs, glands and systems that correspond to these specific points benefit as blockages and toxins are cleared and expelled from the body through excretion.

One technique that has adopted this same principle is the Rwo Shur Health Method. Developed by Father Josef Eugster, a Swiss Catholic missionary in Taiwan, the Rwo Shur technique is specifically aimed to rid the body of toxins by breaking down crystalline deposits of uric acid, calcium and lactic acid through pressure on the reflex points. The procedure also reinforces the function of the excretory organs like the kidney, urethra and bladder to facilitate the flushing of these impurities better.

Father Josef came across reflexology when it was introduced to him by a colleague as a way to treat the severe rheumatoid arthritis in his knees. Although he was skeptical at first because the method suggested that the reason for his condition was due to an imbalance in his internal organs, he diligently applied the procedure on himself.

When the treatment eventually cured his arthritis, he started sharing the method with others and has grown in popularity among other Asian countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Hong Kong and Japan as well as western countries like the US and in Europe.

Recently, the Rwo Shur Health Method has made its way to Philippine soil. The treatment is now offered at a natural therapy center in Makati called the Reflex Zone. Unlike massage centers which focus on relaxation, this facility provides treatment for recovering patients as well as preventive measures for health conscious clients. By working the body’s nervous system through the reflex points in the feet, the procedure offers beneficial effects for pain and stress relief, improved blood circulation, restoration of overall balance and prevention of many common diseases.

“The frequency of the treatment depends on the lifestyle and availability of the client. If they’re looking at the treatment for recovery, it should be done three times per week for the first two months. If they’re looking for preventive treatment, at least twice a week for the first two months is ideal. Just to get the body in-tune with the procedure,” explains Reflex Zone manager and therapist Edmar Reyes.

The treatment starts with a pleasant Peppermint Crystal Mud Foot Soak, a fun and invigorating way to sterilize the feet for the reflexology session. The relaxing ambience of the space also contributes to the therapeutic experience which is done by licensed physical therapists that have undergone extensive training in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia at the Rwo Shur Health Institute International.

Reflexology has also been found to have positive effects on children as young as five years old in terms of treating conditions such as allergies, digestive problems, sleep disruption, as well as emotional and behavioral problems.

Despite the advent of modern healthcare, traditional medicine still has the capacity to offer safe and effective healing methods. The practice of reflexology proves that the healing power of a human touch can never be underestimated because of its years of application and longstanding tradition.

The Reflex Zone natural therapy center is located at the Ground Floor of the Narra Building, 2276 Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati City. For inquiries and reservations, contact them through telephone number 812-0050 or visit their website at www.reflexzone.com.ph for more information.