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Reflexology is the physical act of applying pressure to the feet and hand with specific thumb, finger and hand techniques without the use of oil or lotion. it is based on a system of zones and reflex areas that reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands with a premise that such work effects a physical change to the body. (The Complete Guide to Foot Reflexology (Third Edition))
Around the world and throughout history reflexology has been rediscovered and reinstated as a health practice time and time again by peoples around the globe seeking to deal with health concerns. Archeological evidence Egypt (2330 BCE), China (2704 BCE) and Japan (690 CE) points to ancient reflexology medical systems. In the West the concept of reflexology began to emerge in the 19th century, based on research into the nervous system and reflex. While no direct evidence of direct cross-fertilization from ancient times has been discovered, the practice of foot and hand work in a variety of cultures, belief systems and historical periods speaks to reflexology for health as a universal bridging concept.
There are many theories but in our approach we look at the nervous system as the explanation of reflexology's working.
Pressure sensors in the feet and hands are a part of the body's reflexive response that makes possible the "fight or flight" reaction to danger. Feet ready to flee and hands ready to fight communicate with the body's internal organs to make possible wither eventuality. The sudden adrenal surge that enables a person to lift a car is an example of this reaction. Reflexology taps into this reflex network, providing an exercise of pressure sensors and thus the internal organs to which they are inextricably tied.
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.
Pressure is applied to the feet and hands using specific thumb, finger and hand techniques. Stretch and movement techniques are utilized as "desserts" to provide relaxation to the foot. Oil, cream and lotion is not utilized in traditional reflexology work. Tools or instruments are used for self help application only due to safety concerns.
The body is 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 spine reflex area runs down the insides of the foot and hand with reflex areas for the arm and shoulder reflected toward the outside of the foot or hand. The toes and fingers reflect head and neck reflex areas as well as those of the internal parts of the body they enclose. The ball of the foot mirrors the chest and upper back in addition the heart and lungs. At the base of the long bones of the feet and hands is represented the waistline of the body. Portions of the body above its waistline are mirrored above this line toward the toes or fingers and those below the waistline toward the heels of the foot or hand. Internal organs lying above the body's waistline are reflected by reflex areas above this line while those below the waistline are mirrored below this line.
Interactive Foot and Hand Charts
Free Hand Reflexology Widget
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.
Reflexology assessment takes place as stress cues are evaluated. Stress cues are parts of the foot or hand that shows adaptation to stress. Adaptation is shown by visual signs such as callousing, knobby toes or bunion. Indications of stress are also seen as sensitivity to technique application or touch signs perceived by the reflexologist as technique is applied. The assessment of such stress cues allows the reflexologist to target areas of stress and to design a session of pressure technique application appropriate to provide relaxation specific to the individual.
The Complete Guide to Foot Reflexology
MyReflexologist Says Feet Don't Lie
But remember a reflexologist cannot diagnosis or prescribe. Also remember reflexology is an adjunct to medical help not a replacement for it. You should seek medical help if you have an urgent or acute problem.
Reflexology can be done practically anytime and anywhere. The trick is consistency. We have been impressed with the results from China. 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 the stress patterns in your feet and hands.
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.
We have designed a number of books with you in mind.
If you are interested in research try "Medical Applications of Reflexology, Findings in Research about Safety, Efficacy, Mechanism of Action and Cost Effectiveness of Reflexology" and Reflexions- the Journal of Reflexology Research Project.
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 HMO's. It is even being considered for insurance reimbursement.
There are full time professionals doing reflexology. We think the future looks bright for reflexology and the profession of reflexology.
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 a 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.
Reflexologists 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.
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".
Controlled Studies
But browse around. There are lots of research here. And more to come. So bookmark this site and come back often.
Bookmark this SiteMore than 170 studies of reflexology's effects have been conducted, with 95 controlled studies. 90% of the studies show a positive result.
Research has also shown that:
Reflexology Research Project is a project started in 1979 to forward the field of reflexology as a scientific method. We have written 11 books and have published Reflexions- the Journal of Reflexology Research Project since 1980.
We continue to actively promote research and the scientific study of reflexology on a worldwide basis. We maintain three web sites. Our sites are http://www.reflexology-research.com, http://www.foot-reflexologist.com and http://www.myreflexologist.com
Kevin and Barbara Kunz are internationally recognized authorities in the field of reflexology. They have researched, taught, practiced and documented reflexology for 30 years. Barbara and Kevin Kunz have published 11 books in reflexology from Prentice Hall/ Simon and Schuster, Random House, Harper Collins, DK /Penguin, Barnes and Noble and RRP Press. Their books are in 32 overseas editions and 18 languages including Russian, Japanese, Spanish, Vietnamese, Arabic and Hebrew.
The Kunzes became concerned about the preservation of the native healing tradition of reflexology as practiced in the U. S. As a result they wrote, illustrated, and published The Complete Guide to Foot Reflexology in 1980. When published by Prentice -Hall in 1982, it was the best selling title for the fall season. This revision represents the latest in their findings. Subsequent research includes further developments in foot reflexology technique, self-help hand and foot reflexology techniques, hand reflexology techniques, professionalism in reflexology and a theory of reflexology's workings within the nervous system. Further books include Reflexology:Health at Your Fingertips, Hand and Foot Reflexology, A Self-Help Guide; Hand Reflexology Workbook (Revised); The Practitioner's Guide to Reflexology, Reflexology for Children, Medical Applications of Reflexology, My Reflexologist Says Feet Don't Lie and Hand Reflexology, Simple Routines for Health and Relaxation. Complete Reflexology for Life is our newest book. Total Reflexology is a kit scheduled for release on the first of October. The Kunzes also have the Reflexology Deck based on Reflexology: Health at Your Fingertips. The Kunzes are co-directors of Reflexology Research; co-editors of Reflexions, the Journal of Reflexology Research, now in its 26th year of publication; and maintain web pages at www.reflexology-research.com, http://www.foot-reflexologist.com and http://www.myreflexologist.com. These sites receive over 7 million hits a year. The Kunzes live in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
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