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• The metamorphosis
• The zorya

Reflexology

Table of contents

1 Definition 2 Introduction 2.1 The history 2.2 How can reflexology help? 2.3 Basic principle 3 Practice 3.4 Reflexology treatment 3.4.1 Reported reactions 4 Alleged long-term effects 4.5 Reduced stress and induced relaxation 4.6 Feeling of increased energy 4.7 Other effects 4.8 Alleged benefits 5 Current status 6 Other applications 6.9 Reflexology used on children 7 Skeptics views 8 See also 9 External links

Definition

The term reflexology is used to mean reflection rather than reflex. The idea is that in reflexology, the reflex zones found on the soles of feet, palms of the hands and ear will act as small 'mirrors', reflecting the whole body structure. It is different from acupuncture, where tiny needles (instead of hands of the reflexologists) are used to stimulate the reflex zones over the whole body. It is a hand-on treatment for vitality and well-being.

In reflexology, it is believed that there is a vital energy that is circulating between organs of the human body, which penetrates into every living cell. Whenever this energy is blocked, the zone of blockage will be affected. The reflex zones can reflect the blockage of energy in different organs. Therefore, if someone has a problem in a particular organ, when a reflexologist presses on the corresponding reflex zone(s), the person will experience pain.

The pain is believed to originate from the deposition of crystals in the reflex zone. With proper massaging techniques, these crystalline structures could be broken down and the pain will be gone. Simultaneously, the pressure applied to the reflex zones by the reflexologist is thought to pass through the nerves to dissipate energy blocks. It is therefore believed that reflexology can help heal organ sickness.

Introduction

The history

"Don't hurt me." the patient said.

The practitioner replied, "I shall act so you praise me."

Therefore this provides some evidence that by that time, the ancient Egyptians had used the principle of reflexology in order to help treat people. Having said that, some scholars believe that the picture is not showing reflexology at all but is depicting a manicure or pedicure.

In 1913, Dr William Fitzgerald noted that specific parts of the body could have an anesthetic effect on a related area. Developing this theory, he divided the body into ten equal and vertical zones, ending in the fingers and toes. He concluded that pressure on one part of the zone could affect everything else within that zone.

In the 1930s, Eunice Ingham, a therapist, further developed and refined the zone therapy into what is now known as reflexology.

How can reflexology help?

Basic principle

Some practitioners proposed that the reflex is due to the stimuli of nerve axon, where the nerve fibres are connected to the respective zones in brain.

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This is an example of a reflexology chart, correlating areas of the feet, with portions of the body.

Practice

Reflexology treatment

Reported reactions

1. A sense of well-being
2. A sense of relaxation
3. Client may sigh, breathe deeply or yawn
4. Fall asleep
5. Client may feel like laughing or crying
6. Experience a tingling sensation in the feet or through the body
7. Pin stick type feelings in the feet over congested areas
8. Temperature change either hot or cold
9. Nausea
10. A sense of unease due to emotional problems
11. A sense of comfort
12. A sense of lethargy, nausea or tearfulness

1. Cold-like symptoms such as a running nose as catarrh and sinus congestion are cleared.
2. A cough as mucus is cleared from the lungs and respiratory passages
3. More frequent urination
4. More frequent bowel movements
5. Flatulence
6. Headaches
7. Increased sweating
8. Skin rash
9. Yawning and tiredness
10. Energizable

Reduced stress and induced relaxation

Approximately 75% of all illnesses are said to be related to stress. Stress can lead to headaches, neck and shoulder stiffness, as well as contracting the common cold and the more serious influenza. "Prevention is better than the cure", it is said, and so it is not surprising to see the growing popularity of reflexology as a means of relieving stress.

Feeling of increased energy

Other effects

Alleged benefits

1. Acute and chronic conditions
2. Stress related conditions
3. Sleep disorders
4. Sports injuries
5. Preventative therapy

Sales of foot reflexology equipment, such as rollers, are increasing rapidly. In addition, many new instruments using the same principle are being marketed, such as whole body vacuum cans. A kind of socks printing the footmap of the reflex zone was developed based on reflexology. People can easily locate the wanted zones by wearing the socks and apply pressure on them. Though ours are not professional hand, the "reflexology socks" gained very much popularity in Asia region like Taiwan and China. Inexpensive how-to books enabling people to perform the exercises by themselves are also available for self-help practice. Reflexologists advise caution in applying the techniques to oneself, and recommend people to consult an expert before using them if they are pregnant or have a chronic disease.

Other applications

Reflexology used on children

Skeptics views

See also

• Alternative Medicine
• Acupuncture
• Acupressure

• Reflexology FAQ
• Skeptics Dictionary: Definition of Reflexology
• Scientific Research into Reflexology by William T. Jarvis, Ph.D.
• Reflexology Organisations in Different Countries
• Consumer Products on Relexology in Hong Kong