An Introduction to Reflexology
Reflexology, sometimes referred to as “zone therapy,” involves the application of pressure to “reflex” points on the feet, hands, and ears. Reflexologists, or practitioners that perform reflexology, believe that these particular points are directly connected to glands, organs, and systems of the body. When reflex points are stimulated, then, their corresponding bodily parts get actually receive the benefit.
Reflexology may date back as far as Ancient Egyptian times and also may have been present in some form in Ancient Greece. In its modern form, however, reflexology came to the United States in 1913 by means of an ear, nose and throat doctor named William H. Fitzgerald who called his work “Zone Analgesia.” He was also responsible for creating the first map of the longitudinal zones of the body. In the 1930s, a nurse and physical therapist named Eunice Ingham, who was very interested in Zone Therapy, created her own form of foot therapy. After working with hundreds of patients with varying illnesses, she had carefully documented which points on the feet corresponded with each particular system in the body. She wrote a book called “Stories the Feet Can Tell” based on her experience with the healing effects of reflexology. She spent the rest of her days trumpeting the benefits of reflexology and how it should be used as a natural method for preventing many disorders and diseases. Her method of reflexology is what most modern reflexologists follow.
Reflexologists work with charts of the feet, hands, and ears with the corresponding organs, systems, and glands of the body shaded in various colors and often labeled. If you were to look at two different reflexologists’ charts you might notice a difference between them. It is true that most reflexologists are not in agreement as to the exact point of where one reflex point begins and the other ends, but in general, most reflexology charts follow a similar layout. A person’s right foot represents the right side of his body and likewise, his left foot corresponds to the left side of his body. Following this logic, the spleen reflex points are located on the left foot because the spleen is located on the left side of the body. The lungs would be represented on both feet since they are a located on both sides of the body.
You can expect a typical reflexology appointment to last anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour. A reflexologist will probably ask you some information about your lifestyle to get an idea on what areas of the hands, feet or ears to focus on. After having you sit in a comfortable chair or on lying down on a table, the reflexologist might lightly massage your feet (or hands) to warm up the areas. From there he will begin manipulating the hands or feet with his thumbs and fingers--applying pressure both straight on or in a circular motion. A good reflexologist will take care to ask you if his touch is too intense or not intense enough. He may use lotion or oil –sometimes with a relaxing essential oil added in—to help his fingers glide along the affected areas. When performing reflexology on the feet, the reflexologist usually begins at the toes and works his way down to the heel in a systematic manner. He can usually feel blockages along the way and might spend a bit more time on those points. As a client, it is important to be as relaxed as possible to gather the greatest amount of benefits from the session. To this end, the reflexologist may suggest you engaging in some breathing techniques to promote further relaxation.
The benefits of reflexology are numerous. One of its main effects the reduction of stress, which causes many illnesses and health problems. Reflexology is thought to open up blocked energy passages, another cause of health concerns. It is generally considered a preventative therapy rather than one that cures diseases. It should be used in conjunction with other types of healing to receive the maximum benefit. Here is a list of just some of the many benefits of reflexology:
- Unblocks energy pathways in the body bringing the body into balance.
- Helps channel waste through the lymphatic system.
- Improves a person’s vitality.
- Reduces stress.
- Increases blood circulation.
- Effective against migraines.
- Alleviates sleep problems.
Reflexology can be a wonderful and potentially lucrative modality to include in your practice. To become a certified reflexologist, you must participate in hands-on training. The Reflexology Association of America has on its website a list of qualified schools that offer this training. From there you need to take the American Reflexology Certification Board Exam. When you pass the exam, you become a certified reflexologist.