Reflexology

Reflexology treatments are typically gentle and are aimed at restoring systems for better functionality. Reflexologists believe that reflexology can be safely used when it is not possible to treat body parts directly. Reflexology can be a relaxing therapy that may work on different levels, soothing, calming, and re-energising the entire body.

Other claimed benefits of reflexology include the release of endorphins and the promotion of lymphatic flow in the body along with the dissolving of uric acid crystals. However, it should be added that the general western health community, citing a lack of scientific evidence typically rejects these hypotheses.

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History of Reflexology
The precursor of reflexology was introduced in the early 20th century by William H. Fitzgerald who was an ear, nose, and throat specialist, and Dr. Edwin Bowers. Fitzgerald believed that applying pressure had an anaesthetic reaction on other areas of the body. Eunice Ingham, a nurse and physiotherapist, in the middle of the last century further developed reflexology. She started that the feet and hands were especially sensitive, and mapped the entire body into "reflexes" on the feet. It was at this time that "zone therapy" was renamed reflexology.

Modern reflexologists tend to study the Ingham reflexology method first, although there are other more recently developed methods.

Reflexology Treatment
A typical treatment is around an hour long and should commence with a consultation about your health and lifestyle.

You are then asked to remove your shoes and socks and sit or lie in a chair or on a massage table. There is no need to remove any other clothing. The practitioner may then assess your feet and then stimulate various reflex points to identify areas of tenderness, congestion or tension.

Pressure is then applied from the toes to the heel, the pressure should be comfortable and no excessively painful.

How Reflex Area Maps are Organised
The body organs and systems are reflected on the feet or hands. Left foot/hand reflects the left side of the body and the right foot/hand the right side. The toes and fingers mirror head and neck reflex areas along with the internal parts of the body in that area. The ball of the foot reflects the upper back and chest along with heart and lungs.

The spine reflex runs down the inside of the foot and hand with reflex areas for the arm and shoulder located at the outside of the foot or hand. Portions of the body above its waistline are mirrored towards the toes or fingers and those below the waistline are located close to the heels.

Reflexology Discussion
There is no agreement on how reflexology works in practice; the common theme of reflexologists is that areas on the foot correspond to areas of the body, and that by manipulating these one can provide health benefits through qi.

There have been concerns raised by general western health professionals that treating potentially serious illnesses with reflexology, which has no proven efficacy, could prevent patients from seeking of help from proven conventional medicine. (However, registered reflexologists operate according to a code of conduct and must not diagnose a serious medical condition or treat one without medical consent.)

There is a discussion on 'Quackwatch' about the merits of reflexology. The conclusion drawn there is that reflexology is based on an ' absurd theory' and has not been proven to affect the course of any illness or condition.

'Done gently reflexology is a form of foot massage that may help people relax temporarily...Claims that reflexology is effective for diagnosing or treating disease should be ignored. Such claims could lead to delay of necessary medical care or to unnecessary medical testing of people who are worried about reflexology findings.'

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