What Is Reflexology?

In a reflexology chart the body is reflected on the feet or hands. It serves a s a map for technique application to target health goals.

Left foot or hand reflects the left side of the body and the right foot or hand the right side. The spine reflex area runs down the insides of the feet and hands with reflex areas for the arm and shoulder reflected toward the outside of the foot or hand. The toes and fingers mirror the head and neck as well as the parts of the body they encase. The ball of the foot mirrors the chest and upper back in addition the heart and lungs.

Halfway down the foot at the base of the long bones of the foot is represented the waistline of the body. the parts of the body above the waistline are mirrored above this line and those below share represented below it. 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.   

What is the history of reflexology?

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 in 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.
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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.

The benefits of reflexology include:

Relaxation
Pain reduction
Amelioration of symptoms for health concerns
Rejuvenation of tired feet
Improvement in blood flow
Impact on physiological measures (e. g. blood pressure and cholesterol; measurements by ECG, EEG, and fMRI)
Beneficial for post-operative recovery and pain reduction
Enhancement of medical care (e. g. cancer, phantom limb pain, and hemodialysis patients)
Adjunct to mental health care (e. g. depression, anxiety, Post traumatic stress disorder)
Complement to cancer care (pain, nausea, vomiting, anxiety)
Easier birthing / delivery / post-partum recovery
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How do I get results with reflexology?
For best results techniques are applied consistently. We have been impressed with the results of reflexology work from China. Think of morning, noon and night application for a long term health concern.

Applying reflexology daily is suggested for best results. This requires self help and family help as well as the guidance of practitioners. The reflexologist can provide you with a relaxing experience and quality work as well as educate you in how to do it yourself. You and your family can provide the quantity of reflexology work to frequently break up the stress patterns in your feet and hands.

Build reflexology into your life. It is easy to do reflexology while 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.
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Is there research in reflexology?
There are many studies on reflexology. Listing the studies is the major focus of this web site."Medical Applications of Reflexology, Findings in Research about Safety, Efficacy, Mechanism of Action and Cost Effectiveness of Reflexology".

What has research shown?
More than 170 studies of reflexology's effects have been conducted, with 95 controlled studies. 90% of the studies show a positive result.

Research has demonstrated that reflexology work

impacts disease
improves quality of life and
specifically influences how the body works.
Research has also shown that:

Reflexology technique application has an immediate impact on the body.
Reflexology technique applied to a specific reflex area effects the organ represented.
Foot reflexology and hand reflexology applied to another as well as self-help foot reflexology and self-help reflexology have been shown to impact health.

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How does reflexology work?
While several theories describe how reflexology works we describe an explanation of reflexology's working within 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.
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What techniques are used in reflexology?

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.
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What should I expect from a reflexology session?
Reflexology sessions in general last from 30 minutes to an hour. The client sits in a reclining chair placing the feet conveniently for the reflexologist's work.

Reflexologist will use a chair and at times a table.

Reflexologists use pressure, stretch and movement to work through the foot methodically. Technique is applied to the whole foot.

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 at the next 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.
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What can a reflexologist tell me about my health?

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 callusing, 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.

My Reflexologist 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.
From Reflexology Research Project