Reflexology
Reflexology (or zone therapy) is the practice of stimulating points on the feet, hands or ears (termed reflex zones), in the hopes that will have a beneficial effect on some parts of the body or improving general health. And the most common one is foot reflexology. The foot reflexologist applies some pressures on one's foot which is believed to be divided into a number of reflex zones which correspond to all parts of the body.
Definition
According to Bill Flocco, Director of the Academy of Reflexology, "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 maintainance of good health".
The term reflexology is used to mean reflection rather than reflex. The idea is that in reflexology, the reflex zones found on the soles of feet, palms of the hands and ear will act as small 'mirrors', reflecting the whole body structure. It is different from acupuncture, where tiny needles (instead of hands of the reflexologists) are used to stimulate the reflex zones over the whole body. It is a hand-on treatment for vitality and well-being.
In reflexology, it is believed that there is a vital energy that is circulating between organs of the human body, which penetrates into every living cell. Whenever this energy is blocked, the zone of blockage will be affected. The reflex zones can reflect the blockage of energy in different organs. Therefore, if someone has a problem in a particular organ, when a reflexologist presses on the corresponding reflex zone(s), the person will experience pain.
The pain is believed to originate from the deposition of crystals in the reflex zone. With proper massaging techniques, these crystalline structures could be broken down and the pain will be gone. Simultaneously, the pressure applied to the reflex zones by the reflexologist is thought to pass through the nerves to dissipate energy blocks. It is therefore believed that reflexology can help heal organ sickness.
Introduction
It has become a common practice for people to go for a massage session in order to relax themselves. Reflexology is one of the massage techniques being used for this purpose. However, one should bear in mind, reflexology is totally different from any simple massage session. There are different types of charts to show the relationship between the foot and the entire body. (Chart to be added, the original one is too small to be seen)
The History
The ancient Indian, Chinese, and Egyptian were the first to practice it. It is presumed that reflexology originated in ancient Egypt.
The above image shows that there are ancient people who are treating their counterparts with foot massage and hand massage. In fact, this is an image found in an Egyptian tomb dating back to 2330 B.C. The translation of the hieroglyphics in the wall painting, according to the Internation Institute of Reflexology, are:
"Don't hurt me." the patient said.
The practitioner replied, "I shall act so you praise me."
Therefore this provides some solid evidence that by that time, the ancient Egyptians had already adapted the principle of reflexology to help treating people, regardless the fact that they may not have fully understood the theory behind it.
In 1913, Dr William Fitzgerald noted that specific parts of the body could have an anaesthetic effect on a related area. Developing this theory, he divided the body into ten equal and vertical zones, ending in the fingers and toes. He concluded that pressure on one part of the zone could affect everything else within that zone.
In the 1930s, Eunice Ingham, a therapist, further developed and refined the zone therapy into what is now known as reflexology.
How can reflexology help?
The body has the ability to heal itself. Following illness, stress, injury or disease, it is in a state of imbalance, and vital energy pathways are blocked, preventing the body from functioning effectively. Reflexology can be used to restore and maintain the body's natural equilibrium and encourage healing.
A reflexologist uses hands only to apply gentle pressure to the reflex zones on the feet, palm of hands or the ears. For each person the application and the effect of the therapy is unique. Sensitive, trained hands can detect tiny deposits and imbalances in the feet, and by working on these points the reflexologist can release blockages and restore the free flow of energy to the whole body. Tensions are eased, and circulation and elimination is improved. This gentle therapy encourages the body to heal itself at its own pace, often counteracting a lifetime of misuse.
Practice
Reflexologists apply pressure to "reflex zones" found on the feet, hands and the ears, which are said to correspond to the different parts of the body. Application is done through thumb, finger and hand technique.
Reflexology treatment
On the first visit there is a preliminary talk with the practitioner. The reflexologist then begins to work on the client's feet, or hands if necessary, noting problem areas. There may be discomfort in some places, but it is fleeting, and is an indication of congestion or imbalance in a corresponding part of the body. For the most of the part, the sensation is pleasant and soothing. Reflexology can help relaxing the client while stimulating the body's own healing mechanisms. Usually a treatment session lasts for about one hour. A course of treatment varies in length depending on the need of the client body. The reflexologist will discuss this with the patient at the first session.
Possible Reactions During Treatment
- A sense of well-being
- A sense of relaxation
- Client may sigh, breathe deeply or yawn
- Fall asleep
- Client may feel like laughing or crying
- Experience a tingling sensation in the feet or through the body
- Pin stick type feelings in the feet over congested areas
- Temperature change either hot or cold
- Nausea
- A sense of unease due to emotional problems
- A sense of comfort
- A sense of lethargic, nauseous or tearful
Possible Reactions to Treatment
- Cold-like symptoms such as a running nose as catarrh and sinus congestion are cleared.
- A cough as mucus is cleared from the lungs and respiratory passages
- More frequent urination
- More frequent bowel movements
- Flatulence
- Headaches
- Increased sweating
- Skin rash
- Yawning and tiredness
- Energizable
Basic Principle
Dr. William Fitzgerald, who introduced the reflexology treatment to the West, found that pressure on particular parts of the body would have a special effect on a related area in 1913. For developing his theory, he divided the body into ten equal and vertical zones. Under his conclusion, the pressure on one part of a zone would affect everything else within that zone and the reflexive areas on the feet and hands have the linkage to other organs of the body within the same zone.
Current Status
Reflexology is a widespread practice in Asia, where foot reflexology (also known as foot massage) is quite popular. Although many people are skeptical about the concepts underlying this practice, its use is spreading, perhaps because it is being taken simply as a relaxing massage therapy. It is not the practice that reflexologists use foot reflexology only, they prefer to use a combination of foot, hand and ear reflexology to obtain a much better result.
Aggressive promotion of healthy lifestyles among people with high income in places like Hong Kong is probably another success factor. Sales of foot reflexology equipment, such as rollers, are increasing rapidly. In addition, many new instruments using the same principles are being marketed, such as whole body vacuum cans. Inexpensive how-to books are also available, enabling people to perform the exercises by themselves. Reflexologists advise caution in applying the techniques to oneself, and recommend people to consult an expert before using them if they are pregnant or have a chronic disease.
Effects
Reflexology is claimed to help maintain general good health. It can also help to reduces stress and tension. It is also thought to increase energy levels and improve mental alertness. Last but not least, it is said to stimulate creativity and productivity and helps improve inter-relationships between body systems.
Benefits
Reflexology advocates say that foot reflexology not only relieves symptoms, but also acts on improvements of our body as a whole. Some conditions are very much benefited from reflexology therapy. Examples are:
- Acute and chronic conditions
- Stress related conditions
- Sleep disorders
- Sports injuries
- Preventative therapy
Skeptics Views
Skeptics point out that there are no scientific studies proving that reflexology actually works. What is more, there is no plausible scientific basis for it to work. On the other hand everyone agrees that foot massage is relaxing and pleasurable. Robert Todd Carroll from "the skeptics dictionary" speculates:
"One reason foot massage may be so pleasurable and is associated with significant improvement in mood is that the area of the brain that connects to the foot is adjacent to the area that connects to the genitals. There may be some neuronal overlapping."
Reflexology used on Children
Reflexology is just as effective when used on children as any adult. It is possibly more effective especially because they have had less experience of the trials and tribulations of life. It acts a lovely way to communicate with a child right from the beginning. Reflexology can also help child to create an awareness of "self".