Foot Reflexology
Reflexology, or zone therapy, is an alternative medicine involving the physical act of applying
pressure to the feet, hands, or ears with specific thumb, finger, and hand techniques without the use
of oil or lotion. It is based on whatreflexologists claim to be a system of zones and reflex areas that they
say reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands, with the premise that such work effects a physical
change to the body.[1] A 2009 systematic review of randomised controlled trials concludes that
pressure to the feet, hands, or ears with specific thumb, finger, and hand techniques without the use
of oil or lotion. It is based on whatreflexologists claim to be a system of zones and reflex areas that they
say reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands, with the premise that such work effects a physical
change to the body.[1] A 2009 systematic review of randomised controlled trials concludes that
effective treatment for any medical condition."[2]
"The best evidence available to date does not demonstrate convincingly that reflexology is an
There is no consensus among reflexologists on how reflexology is supposed to work; a unifying theme is
the idea that areas on the foot correspond to areas of the body, and that by manipulating these one can
improve health through one's qi.[3] Reflexologists divide the body into ten equal vertical zones, five on the right and five on the left.[4] Concerns have been raised by medical professionals that treating potentially serious illnesses
with reflexology, which has no proven efficacy, could delay the seeking of appropriate medical treatment.
[5]
the idea that areas on the foot correspond to areas of the body, and that by manipulating these one can
improve health through one's qi.[3] Reflexologists divide the body into ten equal vertical zones, five on the right and five on the left.[4] Concerns have been raised by medical professionals that treating potentially serious illnesses
with reflexology, which has no proven efficacy, could delay the seeking of appropriate medical treatment.
[5]
The Reflexology Association of Canada defines reflexology as:
- "A natural healing art based on the principle that there are reflexes in the feet, hands and ears and
- their referral areas within zone related areas, which correspond to every part, gland and organ of the
- body. Through application of pressure on these reflexes without the use of tools, crèmes or lotions, the
- feet being the primary area of application, reflexology relieves tension, improves circulation and helps
- promote the natural function of the related areas of the body."[6]
Reflexologists posit that the blockage of an energy field, invisible life force, or Qi, can prevent healing.[3]
Another tenet of reflexology is the belief that practitioners can relieve stress and pain in other parts of the
body through the manipulation of the feet. One claimed explanation is that the pressure received in the
feet may send signals that 'balance' the nervous system or release chemicals such as endorphins that
reduce stress and pain.[7] These hypotheses are rejected by the general medical community, who cite a
lack of scientific evidence and the well-tested germ theory of disease.[4]
Another tenet of reflexology is the belief that practitioners can relieve stress and pain in other parts of the
body through the manipulation of the feet. One claimed explanation is that the pressure received in the
feet may send signals that 'balance' the nervous system or release chemicals such as endorphins that
reduce stress and pain.[7] These hypotheses are rejected by the general medical community, who cite a
lack of scientific evidence and the well-tested germ theory of disease.[4]
Reflexology's claim to manipulate energy (Qi) has been highly controversial, as there is no scientific
evidence for the existence of life energy (Qi), 'energy balance', 'crystalline structures,' or 'pathways' in the
body.[8]In Trick or Treatment? Alternative Medicine on Trial, Simon Singh argues that if indeed the hands
and feet "reflect" the internal organs, reflexology might be expected to explain how such "reflection" was
derived from the process of Darwinian natural selection; but Singh observes that no argument or evidence has
been adduced.[9]
evidence for the existence of life energy (Qi), 'energy balance', 'crystalline structures,' or 'pathways' in the
body.[8]In Trick or Treatment? Alternative Medicine on Trial, Simon Singh argues that if indeed the hands
and feet "reflect" the internal organs, reflexology might be expected to explain how such "reflection" was
derived from the process of Darwinian natural selection; but Singh observes that no argument or evidence has
been adduced.[9]
Reflexology is one of the most used alternative therapies in Denmark. A national survey from 2005 showed that
21.4% of the Danish population had used reflexology at some point in life and 6.1% had used reflexology within
the previous year.[10]
21.4% of the Danish population had used reflexology at some point in life and 6.1% had used reflexology within
the previous year.[10]
A study from Norway showed that 5.6% of the Norwegian population in 2007 had used reflexology
within the last 12 months.[11]
within the last 12 months.[11]
In the United Kingdom, reflexology is coordinated on a voluntary basis by the Complementary and
Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC). Registrants are required to meet Standards of Proficiency outlined by
Profession Specific Boards,[12] as CNHC is voluntary anyone practising can describe themselves as
reflexologists. When the CNHC began admitting reflexologists, a skeptic searched for and found 14 of them
claiming efficacy on illnesses.Once pointed out, the CNHC had the claims retracted as it conflicted with
their Advertising Standards Authority.[13]
Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC). Registrants are required to meet Standards of Proficiency outlined by
Profession Specific Boards,[12] as CNHC is voluntary anyone practising can describe themselves as
reflexologists. When the CNHC began admitting reflexologists, a skeptic searched for and found 14 of them
claiming efficacy on illnesses.Once pointed out, the CNHC had the claims retracted as it conflicted with
their Advertising Standards Authority.[13]
Practices resembling reflexology may have existed in previous historical periods. Similar practices have been
documented in the histories of China and Egypt.[4]
documented in the histories of China and Egypt.[4]
Reflexology was introduced to the United States in 1913 by William H. Fitzgerald, M.D. (1872–1942), an ear
, nose, and throat specialist, and Dr. Edwin Bowers. Fitzgerald claimed that applying pressure had an
anesthetic effect on other areas of the body.[14]
, nose, and throat specialist, and Dr. Edwin Bowers. Fitzgerald claimed that applying pressure had an
anesthetic effect on other areas of the body.[14]
Reflexology was modified in the 1930s and 1940s by Eunice D. Ingham (1889–1974), a nurse and
physiotherapist.[15][16]Ingham claimed that the feet and hands were especially sensitive, and mapped the
entire body into "reflexes" on the feet renaming "zone therapy" to reflexology.[17]
Ingham's procedure and related practices developed by Laura Norman are used by modern reflexologists.
physiotherapist.[15][16]Ingham claimed that the feet and hands were especially sensitive, and mapped the
entire body into "reflexes" on the feet renaming "zone therapy" to reflexology.[17]
Ingham's procedure and related practices developed by Laura Norman are used by modern reflexologists.
Why Foot reflexology? / for everyone
Why do people use foot reflexology?
For many reasons of choosing this therapy, most people come to reflexology work because it offers a safe, effective, natural, easily available and simple to use treatment option for a variety of health problems. Some are attracted to the therapy because it is non-invasive and drug-free: others like fact that is easy to learn and to apply – self-help work can be carried out anywhere and anytime. Worldwide, people are discovering that reflexology may help treat the root causes of many health concerns, ease day-to-day stresses and relieve the impact of past injury or illness. It also presents a gentle opportunity to offer the gift of touch, to reach out and show a loved one you care.Easing Stress
A common thread among these benefits is the opportunity that reflexology offers for easing stress, which is thought to be a major factor in 80 per cent of illness and a contributing factor in the other 20 per cent. Applying pressure to the hands and feet simultaneously elicits general relaxation while also relaxing a targeted area. Stress researcher Hans Selye(1908-82) noted in 1956 that it is not simply stress itself, but prolonged exposure to stree, that causes wear and tear on the body. Reflex work breaks up patterns of repeated stress by treating the body to an experience apart from the mundane and everyday. One application interrupts stress; further sessions condition chanage to take place; and ongoing application teaches the body to operate more effectively.Reflexology offers an opportunity to take a break from the stress of everyday life. Putting one’s feet up and taking a few minutes out is effective in itself – aching hands and feet make everyday life miserable – but reflexology techniques amplify these effects.
Pain is a stress
Injury to an part of the body stresses the whole system. Pain is a stressor. Reflexology, however, releases endorphins, the body natural pain-relieving chemicals. It also helps the body to adapt to injury. An injured shoulder, for example, prompts the whole body to hold itself differently. As reflexology de-stresses the entire body with the injured shoulder, it allows the best therapy encourages flexibility and motion. It exercises the building blocks of dexterity and walking, enabling muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints to use their full range of movement and ensuring maximum mobility through into old age.Relaxation
Foot reflexology is effective in bringing about a deep state of relaxation. The solar plexus is the nerve center where stress is stored. When the solar plexus reflex point is pressed, the stress is released, it is as if all of the stress in the body is eliminated. Because stress can greatly affect the immune system and leave one to be vulnerable to serious illnesses, it is important to relieve it. Reflexology can help in this small,yet powerful way.Improved Circulation
Reflexology can improve blood circulation in the feet and throughout the body. The gentle stroking of the feet and the application of hand and finger techniques improves blood flow to vital organs. The blood delivers oxygen and nutrients to these organs, nourishing body tissues. In the same manner, if a part of the body is injured, foot reflexology can help repair the injured tissue.Reduction of Pain
Foot reflexology is effective for pain management. When reflexology is applied to the feet, more endorphins are produced to block pain signals to the brain. People who are experiencing pain may get significant relief through reflexology.Regularity
Foot reflexology can bring balance when constipation is an issue. Stimulation of the intestine, colon and other corresponding reflexes can make elimination easier and return it to a normal state.Improved Memory
Because oxygen is required to keep the cells of the body in a healthy state, foot reflexology can help to deliver vital oxygen to our brain cells. Stimulation of the brain reflexes on the feet improves circulation of blood to the head.Reflexology for everyone
Babies
Many reflexologists find babies uniquely responsive to gentle reflexology treatment. Rubbing the ear reflex area on travelling infants’ feet prior to take-off or landing, for example, quickly and effectively rids the infant of the pain such experiences usually bring.
Children
Enduring images of warm person-to-person contact emerge from stores about reflexology use with young children. One woman is called “Foot” rather than “Auntie” by her two-year-old niece, who remembers and relates to her foot reflexology work. Another client had not forgotten his mother’s work on his feet at bedtime every night as a child, even though 40 years had passed.
One five-year-old, during a journey, insisted on returning home for “his” golf ball. The parents learnt that he had acquired the habit of copying his childminder’s reflexology golf-ball technique. While she used it to relieve her sinus headaches, the child had adopted it to ease his migraine headaches, the child had adopted it to ease his migraine headaches . The value of empowering a child to affect his or her body through a tool such as reflexology is beyond measure. How better to engender self-reliance than to give the child a means to communicate with his or her body? The application of self-help techniques allows the child an opportunity to interact with his or her “owies”, as one two-year-old puts it. Children’s natural curiosity and innate ability to learn create a unique role for reflexology in a child’s life. The ability to “play” with one’s hands and feet for benefit does not escape the notice of the children.
Reflexology provides a wonderful way to connect with the children in your life. This may be especially valuable when watching a child experience illness, and it is at such times that many parents turn to reflexology to bolster conventional medical care.
Older People
A succession of pension-age clients began to share how reflexology helped their love life and made weekends more fun. This hints at the improved quality of life that reflexology may offer pensioners. Ageing presents unique challenges and an increased need for solutions to special concerns. Whether you wish to ameliorate the physical effects of ageing, such as aching joints and incontinence, or simply to reach out and touch someone older who has limited access, reflexology techniques have made it possible for older people.
Pregnant Women
Reflexology techniques such as the golf ball technique has surprised many as women may get delivered quickly and easily. Reflexology use is increasing among medical personnel involved in pregnancy and childbirth. Studies have shown that pregnant woman who completed a course of ten sessions of reflexology experienced benefits in labour outcomes perceived as outstanding. Some had labour times of only 2-3 hour; those 20-25 had an average first-stage labour time of 5-6 hours, an average second stage of 16 minutes and a third stage of 7 minutes. This compares well against the textbook average of 16-24 hours for a first stage labour, 1-2 hours for the second stage.
Whether you wish to use pain-relief techniques in labour, or simply want to soothe the symptoms and discomforts associated with pregnancy and labour, such as oedema and an aching lower back, that can make the 40 weeks of pregnancy uncomfortable, reflexology and massage techniques can assist in this aspect.
In the Workplace
Reflexology is particularly beneficial for those in jobs that require long hours of standing or walking, such as teaching, nursing, hairdressing, waiting at tables and sales professions. It offers an opportunity to interrupt the stress of standing and of over-using the part of the body by providing a break in routine. It also helps establish new patterns of using the body and a more relaxed state of being. More often than not, it is not the stress that creates problems for people in the work place, it is the continuity of that stress that causes the discomfort. For the same reasons, those who work long hours at the keyboards often use hand reflexology to relieve symptoms caused by overuse of this part of the body.
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