The early Indian, Chinese and Egyptian people first practiced reflexology. It is based on the belief that massaging specific regions of the feet, and sometimes the hands, provides relief to corresponding organs, glands or body systems. It has been observed that tension or congestion in any part of the foot, mirrors congestion or tension in a corresponding part of the body. Pressure on a particular area of the foot or hand is said to relieve energy blockages that cause pain or disease in an associated part of the body. For example, reflexologists believe that treating the big toes will cause a related effect in the head, treating the whole foot can have a relaxing and healing effect on the whole body. Reflexology reduces stress, induces relaxation, improves circulation, and helps the body remove toxins.