Reflexology is a specific body work technique which involves stroking or applying pressure to one part of the body in order to effect changes in another part of the body. It also helps to relax muscles and stimulate the body’s own natural ability to heal itself.

Development of Techniques

Reflexology traces its roots to Chinese medical philosophy and the theory of energy meridians.

This system was first introduced in the USA by Dr William H. Fitzgerald, an ENT specialist. Fitzgerald taught that the body was divided vertically into 10 zones corresponding to particular organs. He taught that the body’s bioelectrical energy flowed through these zones to reflex points in the feet and hands. In the 1940s, Eunice D. Ingham, another American, improved on Fitzgerald’s ideas, concentrating on the feet. Most reflexologists follow Ingham’s methods today. These include several techniques such as hand reflexology, foot reflexology, zone reflexology, body reflexology.

How Reflexology Works

Reflexologists see a map of the body on the soles of the feet and palms of the hands. Massaging these parts sends energy signals to specific areas of the body reflexively. Other parts such as the head, ears, torso, and back also contain reflex points corresponding to the body.

Massaging certain points on the body loosens tension or blockages that stop universal life energy from circulating freely in the body. Free-flowing energy helps the body regain its natural balance, harmony, and health. Reflexology stimulates blood circulation to nourish the body and stimulates the lymph system to cleanse it.

One scientific explanation for how reflexology works is that compressing the skin and tissue just below the skin stimulates sensory receptors. This stimulus sends a message along the afferent (conducting inward) fibres of the peripheral (outer) nervous system to the spinal cord. This stimulation may then disperse through the central and automatic nervous system, producing various effects in any area or zone connected via the spinal cord.

Regardless of the exact method, reflex massage does dilate or constrict the blood vessels, relax or stimulate voluntary muscle contraction, and possibly sedate or stimulate pain in areas remote from the part that is being touched. Relaxing and stimulating the body can help sluggish glands and organs to regain normal functioning.

Treatment: Feet First

The practitioner first touches the different parts of the feet, judging the severity of the ailment by the degree of tenderness. Then he uses his fingers and thumbs to massage the appropriate areas of the feet to relieve tension and stimulate blood circulation. Although the feet might be sensitive during treatment, the relief obtained afterwards can be dramatic.

Precautions and Prospects

Reflexology should not be tried out in acute conditions or emergencies. It cannot be used to repair fractures.

The other contraindication to bear in mind is that stimulating energy may hasten the pace of infection and other conditions due to increased circulation.

Like acupressure and acupuncture, reflexology is more successful with functional disorders. Its regular use has a general toning effect which enhances one’s vitality and feeling of well-being as well as the effect of other treatments. It is advised for asthma, sinus, headaches and migraines, stress, and constipation.

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Based on the Chinese principles of acupuncture and acupressure, reflexology divides the body vertically into 10 zones. It works on the principle that the entire body is mapped in the feet. The tenderness in different parts of the feet indicates the severity of the ailment in the corresponding part of the body. Deep massage of the appropriate areas brings relief to the corresponding organs and systems by relieving tension and stimulating blood circulation. When the feet cannot be massaged for any reason, the hands are massaged in the same way.

Effective as a supplement to other types of treatment, its toning effect prevents ill health.