Find
a Reflexology Practitioner
Reflexology
What Is It?
How Does It Work?
What Happens During Treatment?
What Is It Used For?
Side Effects/Cautions
Recommended Books
What Is It?
Reflexology is the technique of applying pressure to specific areas
on the soles of the feet (reflex points), to relieve ailments in
other parts of the body. According to reflexologists, the body
is divided into zones which are mirrored in the feet and hands.
Massaging specific zones on the feet promotes healing in corresponding
zones of the body.
Massaging of the feet as a health treatment can be
traced back to the ancient Egyptians, Chinese, Japanese
and Indians. However, the modern form of reflexology
grew out of a system called “zone therapy”,
which was developed by American physician and surgeon
William Fitzgerald in the early 20th century. Zone
therapy was used mainly to treat pain, and involved
massaging the feet, hands and tongue. An early practitioner
of zone therapy, Eunice Ingham, found that the feet
were the most effective areas to manipulate, and that
this treatment could relieve other ailments besides
pain. Ingham created maps of the feet that showed how
certain “reflex points” related to other
parts of the body. For example, the toes correspond
to the head and neck, the ball of the foot mirrors
the chest and lungs, and the heel corresponds to the
sciatic nerve and pelvic area.
How Does It Work?
Several theories exist to explain how reflexology works, although
none have been scientifically verified. One theory holds that
a vital energy flows along channels from the feet to the organs
of the body, and that diseases are caused by blockages to this
energy flow. By stimulating reflex points on the feet, these
blockages are removed. This is similar to the theory behind traditional
Chinese medicine, where acupoints are stimulated to improve the
flow of qi (energy) to distant parts of the body. Another theory
is that stimulation of reflex points on the feet triggers the
release of natural painkilling chemicals in the brain (endorphins
and monoamines). Some suggest that the relaxing effect of reflexology
opens the blood vessels and improves circulation.
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What Happens During
Treatment?
On the first visit to a reflexologist you will be asked about your
general health and any specific problems you have. You will then
be asked to remove your shoes and socks and recline on a padded
table or chair. Your practitioner will examine your feet and gently
massage them with talcum powder or lotion to prepare the feet for
treatment. Your reflexologist will note any areas of tension in
the foot which indicate problems in corresponding parts of the
body. S/he will then apply pressure to those parts of the foot,
treating one foot, then the other. Most reflexologists only work
with the feet, a few also work with the hands. Your practitioner
may teach you how to perform reflexology on yourself, showing you
the appropriate reflex points to manipulate.
Sessions usually last for 30-60 minutes, and are scheduled
once a week initially, then are spaced more widely
to once every two weeks or once a month until the condition
has cleared up.
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What Is It Used
For?
Reflexology, as a complementary therapy, has been used to treat
stress related ailments, as well as premenstrual tension, headaches,
asthma, acne, eczema, irritable bowel syndrome, digestive disorders,
and chronic pain caused by conditions such as arthritis and sciatica.
The relaxing effects of reflexology can also be beneficial for
people suffering from major diseases such as cancer, multiple sclerosis
and Parkinson’s disease.
Side Effects/Cautions
If you have a foot injury, or ulcers, blood clots, thrombosis,
phlebitis, or other vascular problems in your lower legs, check
with your doctor before you have reflexology.
If you are pregnant, discuss treatment with your obstetrician
and your reflexologist. Vigorous stimulation of the
feet may cause uterine contractions.
Let the reflexologist know if you have a pacemaker,
gallstones or kidney stones so s/he can avoid stimulating
related parts of the feet.
Some short term side effects may include more frequent
urination or bowel movements, and increased perspiration
and secretions of mucus. These are related to the removal
of toxins from the body and are nothing to worry about.
References
Find
a Reflexology Practitioner
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Recommended
Books
Prices are in US Dollars
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Better Health With Foot
Reflexology (10th ed)
Dwight C. Byers
Excellent training guide to conduct the Ingham
Method of Foot Reflexology on yourself and
others. This is a newly revised and expanded
edition with large colour photos, much more
educational material and there have been more
foot reflexology techniques added. This book
is an amazing source for one to learn about
the body's functions and how all of the organs
and glands can be manipulated through reflexology
on the feet. Better Health With Foot Reflexology
is a best-seller in the alternative health
care industry today.
Learn
more...
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HANDS ON FEET The New System That
Makes Reflexology a Snap
Michelle R. Kluck
Understanding reflexology doesn't have to
be difficult! In Hands on Feet, you'll find
a complete history of reflexology, along with
a list of the top 10 benefits of reflexology
and descriptions of different reflexology techniques,
such as kneading, thumb-walking, and finger-crossing.
Also included is a pair of Reflexology Sox ™,
the new revolutionary tool designed by massage
therapist Michelle R. Kluck. These silky ultra-thin
socks offer a map of the human body on the
soles of your feet—and indicate exactly
where you should press to affect certain parts
of the body and alleviate ailments due to allergies,
anxiety, depression, hangovers, headaches,
migraines, PMS, and more!
Learn
more...
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The Reflexology Manual: An Easy-To-Use
Illustrated Guide to the Healing Zones of the
Hands and Feet
Pauline Wills
Full-colour illustrations throughout. Detailed
diagrams of pressure-point zones on the hands
and feet. Clear explanations of how to work
with the energy meridians. Ideal for beginners
as well as experienced students of reflexology.
An ancient therapy used in China, Egypt, and India, reflexology
provides effective, holistic treatment for both common and
more serious disorders. According to reflexology, the hands
and feet are microcosms of the body, containing points or
zones that relate to individual glands, nerves, muscles,
and organs. Reflexology harnesses the body's healing energy
by stimulating specific pressure points on the hands and
feet, alleviating the energy blocks that can cause pain or
disability and restoring optimum health. In The Reflexology
Manual, the practical text guides the reader in mastering
these self-help techniques, and colour photographs illustrate
a full reflexology treatment step by step.
Learn
more...
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More
Reflexology Books
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