Reflexology Essays - Manual Therapy, Pseudoscience, Reflexology

Reflexology The origins of Reflexology evidently reach back to ancient Egypt as evidenced by inscriptions found in the physician's tomb at Saqqara in Egypt. The translation of the hieroglyphics are as follows: Don't hurt me. The practitioner's reply:- I shall act so you praise me. We cannot determine the exact relationship between the ancient art as practiced by the early Egyptians and Reflexology as we know it today. Different forms of working the feet to effect health have been used all over the ancient world. Dr. Riley maintained that this form of healing spread from Egypt via the Roman Empire. The Zone Theory was the precursor to modern Reflexology which began with Dr. William H. Fitzgerald, M.D. whom Dr. Edwin Bowers, M.D., encouraged to publish the many articles he had written on the subject of Zone Analgesia. In the forward to their combined book, Relieving Pain At Home published in, 1917, he wrote, Humanity is awakening to the fact that sickness, in a large percentage of cases, is an error - of body and mind. How true this has proved to be. Dr. Fitzgerald, was an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist working at the Boston City Hospital, as well as at St Francis Hospital in Connecticut. He called his work Zone Analgesia where pressure was applied to the corresponding bony eminence or to the zones corresponding to the location of the injury. He also used pressure points on the tongue, palate and the back of the pharynx wall in order to achieve the desired result of pain relief or analgesia. He made use of the following tools: elastic bands, clothes pegs and aluminum combs, on the hands, surgical clamps for the tongue, nasal probes and a regular palpebral retractor for the pharynx, He was responsible for formulating the first chart on the longitudinal zones of the body. Dr. Fitzgerald discovered a very interesting fact, that the application of pressure on the zones not only relieved pain but in the majority of cases also relieved the underlying cause as well. The same result is experienced through Reflexology today, which is based partially on the Zone Theory. Dr. Shelby Riley, M.D. worked closely with Dr. Fitzgerald and developed the Zone Theory further. It seems that he added horizontal zones across the hands and feet, together with the longitudinal zones and thus determining individual reflexes according to the Zone Theory. He, like Fitzgerald, espoused continual pressure on the reflex or point of contact. Eunice D. Ingham, a Physical Therapist, worked closely with Dr. Riley and was fascinated by the concept of Zone Therapy and started developing her foot reflex theory in the early 1930's. She had the opportunity to treat hundreds of patients where each reflex point of contact had been carefully and thoughtfully checked and rechecked until with all confidence she was able to determine that the reflexes on the feet were an exact mirror image of the organs of the body. Dr. Riley encouraged her to write her first book entitled Stories The Feet Can Tell where she documented her cases and carefully mapped out the reflexes on the feet as we know them today. This book was published in 1938 and was later translated into seven foreign languages which spread the benefits of Reflexology way beyond the borders of the States. The confusion between Reflexology and Zone Therapy started at this point because the foreign publisher changed the name of Eunice's book, The Stories The Feet Can Tell to Zone Therapy and in some parts of the world it is still thought of as Zone Therapy. However, there is a distinct difference between the two therapies. Zone Therapy relies solely on the zones to determine the area to be worked, whereas Reflexology takes the zones as well as the anatomical model to determine the area or areas to be worked. After the publication of her book Eunice Ingham found herself on the program at many health seminars. She traveled around the country giving book reviews. Only sick and dilapidated people attended these book reviews/ seminars where she would teach people by working on them and discuss their particular health problems. As these sick people, whom everyone else had given up on, got better the word

Free Essays on Ancient Rome, Compared With Early Modern Europe

Ancient Rome, Compared With Early Modern Europe Throughout history, we have seen the rise and fall of incredible civilizations, societies and ideas. As the Romans prevailed over Europe for one thousand years (from roughly 500 BC to 500 AD), the early modern Europeans from about the 1400's to the 1800's put forward some ideas which were key in the development of our modern world. Had Europe progressed considerably one thousand years after the fall of the Roman Empire? This essay will examine this debated issue by establishing and comparing daily life in both societies. Due to the fact that marriage was an important political aspect in ancient Rome and that no religious beliefs prevented divorce, it was common for the marriage of aristocrats to be dissolved. Couples could separate for personal or political reasons. Augustus demanded that Tiberius divorce his wife and marry his widowed daughter Julia instead. "Among lower class people who had no political affiliation, the divorce rate was probably lower."1 Romans seemed to view marriage as more of an arrangement then a romantic fulfilment. Women were encouraged to stay married since strict laws would award the custody of the children to the husbands in case of divorce. Augustus was bothered by the marriage patterns of the aristocrats due to its effect on the birthrate and the image of Rome. Augustus therefore passed a series of laws which made divorce, adultery and bachelorhood extremely distasteful. These laws brought unhappiness to his own family when his daughter and granddaughter committed adul tery. Roman families were generally small. The aristocrats worried about the chance for their offspring to hold public office and the inheritance which they would receive. Even lower income families seemed to have few children. Low fertility, high infant mortality, 1. RichardGreaves et al. Civilizations of the West. (N.Y.:Addison-Wesley, 1997) p. 160. the exposure of unwan... Free Essays on Ancient Rome, Compared With Early Modern Europe Free Essays on Ancient Rome, Compared With Early Modern Europe Ancient Rome, Compared With Early Modern Europe Throughout history, we have seen the rise and fall of incredible civilizations, societies and ideas. As the Romans prevailed over Europe for one thousand years (from roughly 500 BC to 500 AD), the early modern Europeans from about the 1400's to the 1800's put forward some ideas which were key in the development of our modern world. Had Europe progressed considerably one thousand years after the fall of the Roman Empire? This essay will examine this debated issue by establishing and comparing daily life in both societies. Due to the fact that marriage was an important political aspect in ancient Rome and that no religious beliefs prevented divorce, it was common for the marriage of aristocrats to be dissolved. Couples could separate for personal or political reasons. Augustus demanded that Tiberius divorce his wife and marry his widowed daughter Julia instead. "Among lower class people who had no political affiliation, the divorce rate was probably lower."1 Romans seemed to view marriage as more of an arrangement then a romantic fulfilment. Women were encouraged to stay married since strict laws would award the custody of the children to the husbands in case of divorce. Augustus was bothered by the marriage patterns of the aristocrats due to its effect on the birthrate and the image of Rome. Augustus therefore passed a series of laws which made divorce, adultery and bachelorhood extremely distasteful. These laws brought unhappiness to his own family when his daughter and granddaughter committed adul tery. Roman families were generally small. The aristocrats worried about the chance for their offspring to hold public office and the inheritance which they would receive. Even lower income families seemed to have few children. Low fertility, high infant mortality, 1. RichardGreaves et al. Civilizations of the West. (N.Y.:Addison-Wesley, 1997) p. 160. the exposure of unwan...

Prescription Health Care Costs and its Effects on the Elderly Essay

Prescription Health Care Costs and its Effects on the Elderly - Essay Example ribed in case of the elderly and the price are these drugs are more compared to the older drugs thus adding additional burden on the elderly (Berndt et al, 1998). However, those who rely on a fixed income are vulnerable towards price inflation of prescription drugs due to which they either skip doses or at times even forgo the prescriptions which can have an adverse affect o their health (Berndt et al, 1998; Safran et al, 2005). According to a national survey report on prescription drug adherence by the elderly more than one-quarter of elderly did not adhere to the prescription due to the associated high costs. The non adherence was more prominent among those without drug coverage, low-income groups and those with complex chronic illnesses (Safran et al, 2005). The introduction of public health insurance programs such as Medicare and Medicaid and private-employer insurance programs has not seen a significant reduction in prescription drug adherence by the elderly. These programs cove r only partial medical services for the elderly and do not cover the costs of outpatient prescription drugs (Safran et al, 2005; U. S. Healthcare, 2010; The cost of Prescription Drugs, 2001; Shang & Goldman, 2007). This coupled with the rising inflation and global economic recession in the recent years has only laid excess strain on healthcare expenditure due to which the costs have outweighed the benefits (U. S. Healthcare, 2010). The increase in the costs of prescription drugs has been mainly associated with the emergence of expensive state-of-the-art technology in drug production and for the development of such high-end drugs the costs will have to be shared with the consumer. Factors such as larger prevalence of chronic and long-term illness coupled with longer life spans have increased the demand for such drugs. Additionally population ageing and administrative costs also add up to the health care costs (U. S. Healthcare, 2010). Public health insurance programs such as Medicare

Department of state Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Department of state - Essay Example The first display that I would like to take the time to speak about concerned the efforts of the Peace Corp as a function of the work they have accomplished in different parts of Southeast Asia. The exhibit showed the harsh conditions coupled with the difficult work that the Peace Corps volunteers have performed as a means of providing fresh drinking water and means of sanitation to some of the more remote districts in places such as Burma and Bangladesh. The exhibit was eye opening because although it is common to hear about the Peace Corps working to better the lives of people in remote corners of the world, it is rare to actually see or hear information that directly relates to the methods by which they do this. Additionally, since news stories are almost always concentric upon the negative with relation to what is going on in the world, it was necessary to visit the museum in order to see first hand some of the things that are being done. Secondly, I spent some time at an exhibit of Joseph E. Davies personal correspondence. To those that are not familiar with him, Joseph E. Davies is the US Ambassador who was responsible for meeting with Joseph Stalin during World War II. As such, the personal correspondence helped to reveal a side of Soviet Russia and the interactions that he had with Joseph Stalin that would otherwise be unknown to history. Furthermore, even though Joseph E. Davies presented an optimistic view of the Soviet Union to the president (FDR), he held a bit of resentment towards the Soviet Union as a result of the show trials that were currently being carried out upon the instructions of Joseph Stalin. With relation to how each of these related to the overall class them, it should be noted that each display helps to show the spirit of integration and involvement with which US diplomacy and foreign

Development of a Mathematical Model Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Development of a Mathematical Model - Essay Example Major immediate concerns are the possibility of underground movement of the gasoline, pollution of ground water and sewage systems and contamination of housing by toxic and flammable fumes. The effects of this spillage is mainly on water pollution and air pollution, the sewage pollution is not likely to have any effect on the people, the pollution of underground water as a result of this spillage and air pollution due to the effects of flammable flames are likely to affect the people and therefore we will develop a mathematical model as follows that explains this effects. Petroleum products are hydrocarbons and have the chemical formula CnH2n+2; Trimethylpentane is used as gasoline and has the chemical formula C8H18, in this scenario therefore the contact of petroleum with oxygen takes the following reaction: This reaction with oxygen produces carbon dioxide, water and heat; however the incomplete combustion of gasoline is harmful in that it causes the formation of carbon monoxide, and nitric oxide as shown below in the chemical reaction: Therefore this will result to the formation of gases that once they are inhaled endanger health, carbon monoxide reacts with red blood cells which carry oxygen from the lungs to the other pats of the body to form an irreversible compound therefore a person who inhales this gas could die due to insufficient oxygen in the body. Petroleum is insoluble in water and therefore does not react with water, it is less dense than water and therefore will float in water, therefore to its causes to underground water will only affect the availability of clean underground water. We will not consider the effect on land because there are no major direct effects as a result of the spillage, we shall not also consider the effect of the spillage on sewage lines because the contents are not of use to human beings. Our major concern therefore is the production of carbon monoxide and nitric oxide, we can form the following mathematical model that analysis the effect of one litre of fuel: One mole of gas occupies 26.5 litres volume at standard temperature and pressure, therefore one mole of C8H18 will produce 2 moles of carbon monoxide and two moles of nitric oxide, therefore if 1,000 litres of petroleum was spilt then this will produce 37.74 litres of carbon monoxide and 37.74 moles of nitric oxide.3 The model can therefore be specified as follows E= 2 litres carbon monoxide + two litres nitric oxide, and this is per litre of petroleum spilt, Where E is the total effect. Scenario two (b) There has been a spillage of gasoline from a road tanker in a town (population, 5500). Most of the gasoline

The developmental stages of adolescence and adulthood

The developmental stages of adolescence and adulthood As a growth stage, adolescence is characterized by exponential and dramatic physical milestones which enable an individual develop from childhood to adulthood. It is during this stage that secondary sexual characteristics emerge due to a surge in production of testosterone in boys as well as estrogen in case of girls (Slee, 2002). These hormones continue being produced until total maturation is achieved. Onset of adolescence and puberty begins early in girls than in boys though individual differences exist due to hereditary and environmental factors like diet or exercise. Rapid increase in weight and height is achieved from as early as 9 years and peaks at around 14 years. Girls develop breast buds during early adolescence with full breast development being achieved at around 12 to 18 years. Hair growth in the pubic area and the armpits begins while the onset of menstrual periods (menarche) begins after two years of breast development. Girls assume a curvier body caused by development of more prominent hips. In males, hair development begins at the onset of adolescence with hair growth being exhibited on the face, pubic area, chest, armpits and on the legs (Slee, 2002). Rapid increase in height and weight is also witnessed in adolescent boys. Appearance of nocturnal emissions also known as wet dreams at the ages of 13 and 17 years primarily marks the adolescence period in boys. The boys notice a considerable enlargement of their sexual organs (i.e. testicles and scrotum). The lengthening of the penis closely follows this development. Deepening of the voice occurs almost along the same time as penile growth. A larger Adams apple then develops. Q2: Adolescences and cognitive development: Key Milestones Adolescence is marked with the development of formal logical operations which are more complex. This is unlike the concrete operations witnessed in childhood. During late childhood, the kind of concrete development achieved, enables the children to think in concrete ways since the actions and events performed during this stage can be evidenced or presented (Berger, 2004). A significant change is achieved during adolescence as the person is now able to undertake abstract thinking whereby he/she thinks about possibilities. The adolescence is also able to think about the occurrence of thinking (i.e. why does a person think?). The ability to derive reasoning from already known principles and ideas characterizes this stage. Considerable amount of time is used to make the transition from concrete thinking to logical operations in a teenager. During adolescence, an individual is able to think systematically and derive logical solutions to a problem. Every developing teenager progresses at a personal pace thereby developing personal view of the world. Here logical application of information especially when undertaking schoolwork is effected. Adolescents are largely emotional, thus when an emotional turmoil occurs, the teenager is unable to think in a complex manner. Before making decisions regarding a particular issue, the adolescent largely question authority as well as pre-existing societal standards. Adolescents form and verbalize their thoughts and forge their taste and preferences on such activities as the sports to play or the personal appearances to adopt. In middle adolescence, the persons cognitive development is geared towards philosophical and futuristic concerns (Berger, 2004). Instances of extensive thinking and questioning are exhibited with the individual establishing their own identity. Individuals begin to systematically think about their future goals and make plans to make the realization of the goals possible. During late adolescence, the individuals complex thinking is geared towards more global issues like pol itical views, history or justice. Thoughts of the role they will play as adults as well as career choices are exhibited during this period. Q3: Physical development: Key Milestones in Early, Middle and late adulthood Adulthood is not marked with physical and exceptional growth spurts. During early adulthood, the individual is transiting into adulthood from adolescence and continued physical growth is exhibited especially in shoulder width and chest width being exhibited. Early adulthood is a mark of adult life as body degradation has not started to occur (Kail Cavanaugh, 2008). The body experiences hormonal changes which may result to increased body build. Middle adulthood is characterized by slow physical changes. A considerable loss of sensory sharpness is exhibited. For instance, there are some level of hearing and sight impairment. Sensitivity to light as well as far sightedness begins to emerge a condition which can be corrected by wearing glasses. Gaining of weight in the abdominal region occurs in men while womens hips and thighs increase considerably. During late adulthood, noticeable impairment is seen. The bone mass dwindles while fertility levels decline. Graying of hair as well as sk in wrinkling is also evidenced. During late 40s and early 50s, women experience menopause whereby the ability to give birth again ends. Hormonal levels also drop considerable. Due to thinning of cartilage bones located at the spinal vertebrae, the posture may change (Kail Cavanaugh, 2008). It is estimated that womens height shrinks by about 5cm while that of men by 2cm. Illnesses like heart diseases result due to build up of cholesterol level on the blood capillaries, The brain shrinks due to the diminishing blood supply. Q4: Cognitive development: Key Milestones in Early, middle and late adulthood Cognitive development continues even during adulthood despite the continued brain aging. During early adulthood, alert old people continue to think and act rationally with a lot of alertness. While acting in situations requiring memory and learning prowess, their output is better than that of younger people. This is largely because of experience acquired while accumulating and organizing information (Howe Brainerd, 2009). During middle adulthood, cognitive abilities continue to improve. More adaptive and concrete thought line is exhibited within the adult, making possible several rational decisions procedures regarding personal relationships, emotions as well as social issues. Late adulthood which occurs at about 65 years is marked with considerable decline in intellectual abilities. The ability to execute unfamiliar tasks or finding a solution to a complex problem becomes troublesome to the aging adult. Slowed response to situations and information is exhibited during this period. This is because of considerable reduction in mental as well as physical activity. Emotional crises like depression and stress also play a major role in cognitive decline in late adulthood (Howe Brainerd, 2009). Brain weight reduces thus casing considerable loss in speed and memory losses. This ultimately increases the reasoning and understanding levels of older people causing them to exhibit wisdom. Q5: Adolescence and Socioemotional development: Key Milestones Brain segment which controls emotions is developed and matured during adolescence. Adolescents exhibit spontaneous emotional outbursts especially when dealing with peers as well as parents. This possesses a challenge especially to parents and teachers who may be overwhelmed on the manner in which to respond to such outbursts. A gradual process is undertaken in enabling the adolescents to learn how to replace the improper thoughts as well as actions with behaviors which are goal oriented (Pulkkinen, et al 2006). A major conflict which exists in adolescents development is the eminent desire to obtain more freedom than that allowed by parents and/ or guardians. According to Socioemotional development theory by Erikson, this phase is marked by the improvement on a sense of identity when in a relationship. Adolescents also desire to have independent thoughts regarding their desires especially when focusing of their abilities and goals. Peer relationships are emphasized by the adolescents since they are primarily looking for freedom from parental authoritativeness. Such behaviors as drug and substance abuse and risky sexual behaviors are developed during this period. Adolescent association with deviant peers is common hence the reason why parents need maintain open communication with their adolescent children so as to know when their children risk being involved with such peers (Pulkkinen, et al 2006). Bibliotherapy especially in social groups where literature is used to arm the adolescents with information regarding the changes occurring in their bodies, is vital in helping the adolescent cope with emotional turmoil. Q6: Socioemotional development: Key Milestones in Early, middle and late adulthood Massive Socioemotional changes milestones are exhibited during adulthood characterized by forging newer social relationships as well as positions. Depending on personal experiences, the Socioemotional sentiment differs from one person to the other. Such emotional activities as marrying, death, getting or losing a job, going to school or being abandoned by a spouse contribute to social development of individuals. During early adulthood, individuals decide on the career path to follow and they devote considerable a lot of their time in following their career path. Issues of love feature prominently during this period making many people want to establish their families. The thought of being parents is made evident during this period thus changes in personal and social orientation emerges (Berk, 2004). Middle adulthood is characterized by a midlife crises phase. This period is characterized by individuals trying to modify or even reappraising their lives as well as the relationships alre ady formed. The level of satisfaction and contentment upheld during this period is highly dependent on the type of accomplishments achieved. For instance the kind of job, finances, family and sex life upheld determine whether the individual will be happy or not. During the late adulthood phase, the emotional maturity is evident in many adults. Active participation in political and social scenes is common. Majority of the people who were in formal employment retire during this period. Life satisfaction and esteem is high during this period owing the achievements acquired. People adopt an inward looking and conforming lifestyle and enjoy interactions with other family members. Relationships become increasingly satisfying and fulfilling than any other period (Berk, 2004). According to Erikson, the Generativity vs. Stagnation stage is characterized by an increased interest in an individual to guide the development of the next generation. Through genuine care and productive social involvement individuals desires to produce something of real value which will positively impact on the society thereby achieving Generativity. On the contrary, individuals who are self-centered and do not engage in activities beneficial to society suffer from stagnation contributed by their lack of productivity.

The Writings of Zora Neale Hurston Examine the Relationships Between th

The Writings of Zora Neale Hurston Examine the Relationships Between the Sexes African-American literature is the voice of a race and a people who have a very passionate existence. They have existed in harsh conditions in this country for many, many generations. Their stories told orally, and those that were eventually written down, describe life as members of African tribes forced to adapt their cultural beliefs to a new way of life, slaves with almost no rights or respect, finally free men and women, and as American citizens who are also black. In their writings the reader comes to understand the African-American history and community. By far, one of the most wonderful, fascinating aspects of the African-American community is the emphasis on the relationships between the sexes. Authors such as Alice Walker, Lorraine Hansberry, Toni Morrison and many other wonderful female writers give their readers an understanding of the beauty, pain, ecstasy, and confusion that exist in the relationships of African American men and women. All of the authors mentioned are female because à ¬their literature is about black women; it takes the trouble to record the thoughts, words, feelings, and deeds of black women, experiences that make the realities of being black in America look very different from what men have writtenà ®(Washington 35). Zora Neale Hurston, one of the most famous and passionate black writers of the twentieth century, wrote many stories about women and their relationships. à ¬The Guilded Six-bits,à ® and à ¬Magnolia Flowerà ® are two examples by Hurston in which the female characters play a large role in the dynamics of the story and the relationship. In these stories, the men and women find their roles as lovers, her... ...lack, Reading Feminist: A Critical Anthology. Ed. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. New York: Meridian, 1990. 307-317. Hurston, Zora Neale. The Complete Stories of Zora Neale Hurston. New York: Harper, 1995. Lionnet, Francoise. à ¬Autoethnography: The An-Archic Style of Dust Tracks on a Road.à ® Reading Black, Reading Feminist: A Critical Anthology. Ed. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. New York: Meridian, 1990. 382-394. Saidi, Pouria. à ¬Individualism and the Issue of Race in the Works of Zora Neale Hurston.à ® Brighton High School, English Department Webpage. (1997): Online. Available: http://www.bcsd.org/BHS/english/mag97/papers/hurston.htm Washington, Mary Helen. à ¬The Darkened Eye Restored: Notes Toward a Literary History of Black Women.à ® Reading Black, Reading Feminist: A Critical Anthology. Ed. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. New York: Meridian, 1990. 30-43.