Introduction to Reflexology

By Anika Logan

My grandmother first introduced the rest of the family to reflexology in the early 1980’s. I wasn’t buying it then but little did I know she was ahead of her time with this form of complementary therapy …

Reflexology (which was once known as zone therapy or zone theory) is not a new branch of alternative medicine at all but has only in recent years begun to become a part of our western culture. Reflexology is thought to have gotten its start over 4,000 years ago when it was practiced by the ancient Greeks as a method of healing they called “pressure treatment.” Soon after the ancient Chinese and Indians also adopted it.

The United States was first introduced to zone theory in 1913 by a doctor named William H. Fitzgerald who divided the entire human body into ten vertical zones and noted the relevant fact that all organs in the body corresponded to reflex areas on the hands and feet. This zone theory gained popularity in the 1930’s and 40’s when Eunice D. Ingram built on it even further although her emphasis was completely on the feet. It was due to her work that it came to be known as what we refer to it today- “reflexology.”

What Does Reflexology Do?

Reflexology is not used to treat specific illnesses or diseases but instead is geared towards relieving excess tension and stress levels in the body in order to promote a greater degree of relaxation. Most doctors believe that over three quarters of the health issues that plague each and every one of us can be in one way or another, traced back to a stress or tension overload in the body. Reflexology seeks to release this stress and promote healing by improving how the immune system works, aiding in proper digestion, improving the Circulation of blood and lymph and finally, by eliminating harmful toxins in the body.

Reflexology provides a tool for the body to begin its own healing and strengthening and get on the path to recovery by enabling it to heal itself as much as it can. Reflexology is based on the notion that our hands and feet provide mirrors into the condition of our glands and organs and that by applying a variety of massage and pressure point techniques to them we can loosen muscles and provide better functioning of our internal organs. In this way, reflexology is based on the word “reflection” and not as many assume, “reflex.” Reflexology can be performed on the hands, feet and ears. Foot reflexology is the most common while ear reflexology, which is the newest form of this therapy, is derived from the concept of Acupuncture of the ears (or auricular therapy).

Some people confuse foot reflexology with a foot massage. It is not merely a foot massage but rather a direct method of stimulation that affects the internal functioning of the body. Many symptoms of health problems can be greatly reduced by using this complementary therapy.

Definition of Reflexology

According to the Director of the American Academy of Reflexology in California, Bill Flocco, “Reflexology is a powerful natural health science that studies the relationship of the reflex areas in the feet, hands and the ears to the rest of the body so that these areas can be worked on with the fingers and thumbs in a manner that will lead to improved health and the maintenance of good health.”

The Reflexology Association of Canada defines reflexology as, “A natural healing art, based on the principle that there are reflexes in the feet and hands which correspond to every part of the body.”

Statistics

In 1996 the China Reflexology Symposium published a report that stated that foot reflexology is 93.63 percent effective in treating an average of sixty-three disorders. Dr. Wang Liang analyzed a total of 8,096 clinical cases and reported that reflexology was extremely effective (practically a cure for ailments) in approximately 48.68 of the cases and benefited treatment in an average of 44.95 percent.

Who Can it Help and What Can it Help?

Reflexology can be useful for people of all ages, from the very young to the very old. It can provide relief from a number of acute as well as chronic health conditions and of course it’s most widely used attribute, the ability to relax the mind and body and counteract the detrimental effects of stress.

The aim of reflexology is to perfect the status quo of the body or put another way, to maintain the natural equilibrium. It also seeks to improve the quality of life of those who engage in it.

Reflexology has shown itself to be effective in treating a number of ailments including headaches (Migraine and stress headaches), stomach disorders, stress-related conditions (such as anxiety and panic attacks), Back Pain and Sleep problems. Other conditions that have benefited from reflexology include Arthritis, infertility, imbalances related to hormones, and sports related injuries. It is important however to bear in mind that reflexology in no way stakes a claim to provide a diagnosis, a cure or a prescription for any particular health concern. It does not take the place of a medical doctor.

Practitioners trained in this form of alternative therapy are known as reflexologists. Before beginning treatments a qualified reflexologist will start with an initial consultation to gain pertinent information about his/her patient, including past health problems, any medications the person is currently taking and what the type of lifestyle the person subscribes to.  

Precautions to Bear in Mind

Although reflexology is not deemed harmful, there are certain precautions that patients of it should bear in mind before beginning treatments. First of all always wait at least an hour after a meal before having a treatment and never apply any degree of heavy pressure to the bones of hands or feet. After a reflexology treatment you should drink a big glass of water, preferably at least 500 cubic centimeters (cc’s) and preferably warm water. This allows toxins that were released during the treatment to be flushed out of the system. However for those with heart or kidney disease, limit the amount of water you drink to no more than 150 cubic centimeters. If you have a heart condition, Diabetes or kidney problems of any kind, treatments should always be limited to less than ten minutes. If you suffer from any of these medical problems- high Blood pressure, a heart condition or epilepsy- you should talk with your doctor before beginning reflexology treatments.

Reflexology is slowly but steadily making its way into mainstream medical practices throughout the world and is becoming respected as an effective form of alternative therapy. In China, Denmark and the United Kingdom it has been recognized by the national government and is presently being integrated into the health care systems for those countries. 

To learn more about the practice of reflexology visit

http://www.pacificreflexology.com/pacrflx2004/faq.htm

http://www.reflexologynow.com/what_is_reflexology.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reflexology