Reflexology explained

Definition of Reflexology: Reflexology (or Zone Therapy) is a natural non invasive healing art, based on the principle that stimulating reflex points on the feet, hands, or ears (termed reflex zones), can have a beneficial effect on some other part(s) of the body, or will improve general health. The most common form is foot Reflexology. The foot reflexologist applies pressure to points on a person’s foot. The foot is believed by participants to be divided into a number of reflex zones corresponding to all parts of the body.

The origins of modern Reflexology evidently reach back to ancient Egypt as evidenced by inscriptions found in the physician’s tomb at Ankmahor at Saqqara in Egypt.

The translation of the hieroglyphics are as follows: Don’t hurt me. The practitioner’s reply:- I shall act so you praise me.

We cannot determine the exact relationship between the ancient art as practiced by the early Egyptians and Reflexology as we know it today. Different forms of working the feet to effect health have been used all over the ancient world.

Modern Reflexology

It was, however, a Dr. William H. Fitzgerald who advanced and developed the initial popular practice of reflexology in our contemporary Western society. Dr. Fitzgerald studied at the University of Vermont and graduated in 1895. For two and a half years he practiced medicine in Boston City Hospital before transferring to the Central London Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, England. He also practiced under the famous Professors Politzer and Chiari at an ear, nose and throat clinic in Vienna.

How Dr. Fitzgerald originated his research in this area remains a mystery. Conjecture has been made that he discovered his ideas in Europe and brought them to North America. Alternatively, it is suggested that, in his desire to develop a method of anaesthesia and analgesia for minor surgery, he noted the instinctive tight gripping of a chair arm by patients in their response to pain, and began to explore that phenomenon. In 1913 he brought his initial findings to the attention of the medical profession while he was head of the Nose and Throat Department of St. Francis Hospital in Hartford, Connecticut. He had discovered that pressure, when applied to certain points on the body could relieve pain and improve the functions of certain organs of the body. In his research Dr. Fitzgerald developed a new system of ten zones running from the top of the head to the tips of the toes and hands. Dr. Edwin Bowers, medical critic and writer, investigated Dr. Fitzgerald’s claims, appeased his scepticism, and jointly authored with Dr. Fitzgerald the book “Zone Therapy” – the name by which reflexology was known until the early 1960′s.

Mother of modern Reflexology

Eunice D. Ingham, a Physical Therapist, worked closely with Dr. Riley and was fascinated by the concept of Zone Therapy and started developing her foot reflex theory in the early 1930′s. She had the opportunity to treat hundreds of patients where each reflex point of contact had been carefully and thoughtfully checked and rechecked until with all confidence she was able to determine that the reflexes on the feet were an exact mirror image of the organs of the body. Dr. Riley encouraged her to write her first book entitled Stories The Feet Can Tell where she documented her cases and carefully mapped out the reflexes on the feet as we know them today.

This book was published in 1938 and was later translated into seven foreign languages which spread the benefits of Reflexology way beyond the borders of the States. The confusion between Reflexology and Zone Therapy started at this point because the foreign publisher changed the name of Eunice’s book, The Stories The Feet Can Tell to Zone Therapy and in some parts of the world it is still thought of as Zone Therapy. However, there is a distinct difference between the two therapies.

Zone Therapy relies solely on the zones to determine the area to be worked, whereas Reflexology takes the zones as well as the anatomical model to determine the area or areas to be worked. After the publication of her book Eunice Ingham found herself on the program at many health seminars. She traveled around the country giving book reviews. Only sick and dilapidated people attended these book reviews/ seminars where she would teach people by working on them and discuss their particular health problems. As these sick people, whom everyone else had given up on, got better, the word spread and Reflexology became better known amongst the medical fraternity as well as lay people.

In the late 50′s Dwight Byers started helping Eunice Ingham at her seminars. In 1961 Dwight Byers and his sister Eusebia Messenger, RN, joined their Aunt Eunice, teaching at seminars on a full time basis. Seven years later they became responsible for the continued teaching of Reflexology under the banner of The National Institute of Reflexology.

In the mid 70′s Eusebia retired and Dwight Byers formed The International Institute of Reflexology®, where the theories and techniques of Reflexology were further refined. Eunice Ingham died in 1974 at the age of 85 still thoroughly convinced that Reflexology could aid in easing the suffering of mankind. She was on the road with that message until the age of 80.

Eunice Ingham made a unique contribution to the world of Reflexology. Some of the questions she answered now follow:

What is reflexology

Reflexology is the application of pressure, stretch and movement to the feet and hands to effect corresponding parts of the body. Reflexologist views the feet and hands as a mirror image of the body. By applying technique a reflexologist can break up patterns of stress in other parts of the body. Stress is a barrier to the body’s return to a normal state of equilibrium.

How does reflexology work?

There are many theories but in our approach we look at the nervous system as the explanation of Reflexology’s working. Pressure applied to the feet generates a signal through the peripheral nervous system. From there it enters the central nervous system where it is processed in various parts of the brain. It is then relayed to the internal organs to allocate the necessary adjustments in fuel and oxygen, finally a response is fashioned that is sent onto the motor system. This message is feed forward to adjust the body’s tone or overall tension level. If applied properly the tone will reset itself to a lower operating tempo. A lower operating tempo means a lessening of stress and less wear and tear on the body’s systems.

Where do you apply technique?

We apply techniques to the feet and hands. There is a school of thought that also applies it to the ear, arguing it is also Reflexology. The techniques, however, are modified from auricular therapy, an acupuncture technique. It could be argued that all bodywork is reflexive therefore Reflexology. We find that the extremities have a powerful influence because of locomotion. While we acknowledge that repeated patterns exist throughout the body we find our most effective focus to be the feet and hands.

What are the benefits of reflexology?

In general terms the benefits of Reflexology have to do with the reduction of stress. Because the feet and hands help set the tension level for the rest of the body they are an easy way to interrupt the stress signal and reset homeostasis, the body’s equilibrium. Whether Reflexology can benefit certain conditions and diseases in still under investigation. Further scientific study need to be done in order to come to some definite benefits of Reflexology in regard to illness and disease. Reflexology is a complement to standard medical care. It should not be construed as medical advice. It should not be a replacement to medical help. Please use it wisely. We care about your safety.

When should I do reflexology?

Reflexology can be done practically anytime and anywhere. The trick is consistency. The results from China look impressive. Their secret seems to be that they do Reflexology once a day for six days in two week segments. Then they review the results and do more segments as necessary. This requires self help and family help as well as the guidance of practitioners. The practitioner can give you a quality signal to break up the pattern of stress but you and your family can provide the quantity to help break it up. Build Reflexology into your life. It is easy to do Reflexology well doing other activities. Put a foot roller under your desk or work your hands while waiting for the kids at school. Be creative but be consistent. Five minutes a day is worth more than an hour once in awhile.

Who does reflexology

There are a variety of people doing reflexology from concerned parents to doctors in China. It is a useful tool for a variety of situations. Many professions have taken up reflexology from cosmetologists to nurses. Reflexology is now being introduced into hospitals and Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO’s). It is even being considered for insurance reimbursement. There are full time professionals doing reflexology. I think the future looks bright for reflexology and the profession of reflexology.

What should I expect from a reflexology session?

Reflexology sessions in general last from 30 minutes to an hour. It is a clothed session with only the removal of shoes and socks as a requirement. (Some massage therapists add it as a part of an overall massage session so they will require the removal of additional clothing.) Reflexologist will use a chair and at times a table. Some do use oil. However, this is a tool that is debated within the profession. Dry technique is common. Reflexologist use pressure, stretch and movement to work through the foot methodically. The whole foot should be worked in most circumstances. Both feet should be covered as well.

The reflexologist should work within your comfort zone. Too much pressure can actually be harmful and could lead to injury. But personal preference is something you should communicate with your reflexologist. If you indicate that too much pressure is being used and the practitioner continues we suggest you stop the session. You should always have your wishes respected. Do not rely on a reflexologist for medical help. The reflexologist is limited to complementing medicine not replacing it. You should feel relaxation at the end of a session. How long that relaxation lasts is a good indicator of the effectiveness of the session. Make note of this. And tell your reflexologist your response to the session. This can be helpful information. Finally enjoy the session. Be careful that talking doesn’t interfere with the relaxation effect. Discussing world politics is probably something best left to another time.

Are there scientific studies?

There are many studies on reflexology. The rush is now on to test the effectiveness on certain disorders. The jury is far from in but we have compiled some of the findings in Medical Applications of Reflexology, Findings in Research about Safety, Efficacy, Mechanism of Action and Cost Effectiveness of Reflexology.

If you are looking for a specific problem and whether there has been testing try http://www.reflexology-research.com/medlinesearch.htm. This site also has a search engine at http://www.reflexology-research.com/search.html.

What does reflexology do?

For some sixty years, reflexologist has theorized about the effects on the body caused by reflexology. Since the publication of Eunice Ingham’s Stories the Feet Can Tell in 1938, the mantra of the practice has been that reflexology relaxes tension, normalizes gland and organ function, and improves circulation. Recent research has upheld such contentions and shown reflexology to be effective in several other areas. A survey of reflexology research shows that reflexology work not only achieves results in these areas but also helps in other ways such as reduction of pain, improvement in effectiveness of medication, and avoiding side effects of drug therapy while achieving results.

Reflexology is an overall health enhancement, manual, complementary, biological, integrative health science, through which an exercise pressure is applied to reflex areas, formed by 7,200 nerve endings in each hand and foot, encouraging improved instruction to each and every single gland, organ and part of the body, Thus persuading the body to biologically correct, strengthen, and reinforce itself, to reach balance, normalization, and homeostasis. Thus, by working on one part of the body (foot area) there is an effect on another.

The goals of reflexology are to re-educate, re-pattern and re-condition the nerves and the Meridian lanes through the neural/electrical system of the body. This will cause four reactions:

1. To relax a particular area of the body through a highly specialized specific relaxation technique.
2. To improve nerve, blood and lymphatic supply.
3. To persuade the body to biologically correct itself.
4. To allow the body to reach homeostasis.

Reflexology is not a belief system, but a health practice without contraindications. This is a safe, effective and reliable process and a no risk therapy because it is persuasive, not invasive. A four-step program will:

1. Stop further deterioration.
2. Persuade the body to biologically correct itself.
3. Strengthen and reinforce all systems in the body.
4. Continue the body’s maintaining balance (good health).

What does a Reflexologist NOT do
~Diagnos
~Prescribes anything nor adjusts medication
~Treat for a specific condition

WHAT REFLEXOLOGY DOES?

Reflexology allows the body to self-correct or in other words awaken the body’s own healing capabilities. Every time a person has his/her feet worked on, it is an examination, an evaluation, or a re-evaluation. This is accomplished through first doing a visual observation, and then by applying an exercise pressure upon relax areas to achieve a specific, highly specialized relaxation in that area of the body. This improves the nerve, blood, and lymphatic supply.

The entire foot is assessed; and throughout the session, whenever a trouble (sore) spot shows up, more time is spent on that area of the foot reflex. By working on that area, the corresponding part of the body receives improved nerve, blood and lymphatic supply, in addition to working all 12 systems of the body: cardio-vascular, central nervous, digestive, endocrine, immune, lymphatic, muscular, reproductive, respiratory, sensory, skeletal, and urinary.
It is a safe, no-risk, non-evasive but persuasive, highly effective therapy. Its success can be seen in many case studies. Hence a most logical conclusion would be that to maintain a healthy body Reflexology is a necessity not a luxury. In broad terms, Reflexology is one of the alternative healing arts and one of the modalities which is considered bodywork.