Reflexology is a beneficial technique to keep your whole body in harmony and healthy.

While there exists innumerable traditions of massage therapy in the world, one of the most ancient traditions is reflexology. Reflexology is a natural way of healing based on the energy flow within our body. This energy flow or life force is popularly known as Qi or Chi.

As a complementary health therapy, reflexology seeks to improve our well-being and promote self-healing through non-invasive methods. And while our overall health will definitely benefit from this therapy, reflexology’s uniqueness lies in its ability to affect our organs specifically. During a reflexology session, the thumb or fingers are used to apply pressure on specific points and areas of the person’s hands or feet. These points are associated with our internal organs and so by applying pressure to those points, the associated organ is benefited. For example, a specific point in the arch of the foot is related to the bladder. When the reflexologist applies the appropriate pressure using their thumbs or fingers, it affects the function of the patient’s bladder.

Reflexology is not used to diagnose nor cure health disorders, but as a complement for other treatments. It is also used as a preventative measure against illness. Many people with health issues like anxiety, asthma, premenstrual syndrome and even cancer can benefit from reflexology treatment. Because of this, there has been a rise in the popularity of reflexology throughout Europe and Asia. In Denmark for example, many companies and municipalities have employed reflexologists to treat their employees, and studies have shown that sick leave and absenteeism have consistently reduced since the implementation of these programmes. Problems associated with stress have also significantly improved and employees reported greater levels of job satisfaction after six sessions of reflexology.

In reflexology, the thumbs and fingers are used to execute pressure on different points and areas throughout the body.

History of Reflexology

Massage therapies are probably the oldest and simplest form of self-care; it is conceivable that cavemen would have tried to rub away their aches and pains, since it is a technique of pain alleviation that requires no extra tools.

It is believed that reflexology evolved from the tradition of acupressure, brought to China by Buddhists monks from India. Both Buddhism and Hinduism, the predominant religions in Asia, were instrumental in the spread of reflexology to places such as Japan and Tibet. Wherever the Buddhist monks and Hindu priests travelled, they took with them the practice of reflexology; statues of Buddhas have been found in India and China showing symbols of reflexology recorded on their feet.

The first codified and recorded descriptions of reflexology can be traced back to the Nei Jing, or The Yellow Emperor‘s Classic of Internal Medicine. This collection of texts is the source of all existing Chinese Medicine theory and was compiled by several authors between 2596 BCE and 2679 BCE. Reflexology, as a form of therapeutic touch, can be traced to the text called Examining the Foot Method. It is here that the connection between our life force (Qi) and the points and areas on our feet is described. From this arose a now 4000-year-old form of reflexology known as Rwo Shur, which involves applying extremely strong pressure on the feet using one’s fingers, thumbs and knuckles. In some instances, small sticks might even be used.

There is evidence that the Ancient Egyptians practised reflexology

Given the overwhelming tendency to associate reflexology with China, it may come as a surprise that there is also evidence of reliance on reflexology by the Ancient Egyptians. In what has come to be known as the Physician’s Tomb due to the sheer amount of medical imagery on its walls, the tomb of Ankhamor has paintings depicting people being massaged. Ankhamor, whose tomb dates to 2330 BCE, was in fact the Pharaoh’s vizier and hence the second most powerful man in Ancient Egyptian society (his rank being second to only the Pharaoh himself). The fact that his tomb was decorated with such imagery indicates its importance as a form of treatment during his time.

The spread of reflexology to Europe can be traced to the 14^th Century, to the famous explorer Marco Polo. It is believed that Marco Polo translated from Chinese to Italian a book on massage therapy and through this book, massage and reflexology were introduced to Europe. 200 years later, in 1582, Dr Adamus and Dr A’tasis published a book on an indirect form of treatment known as Zone Therapy which detailed their approach on what would later become an integral element of reflexology. Shortly afterwards, the German Dr Ball who hailed form Leipzig, Germany published a book on the same subject.

Dr William H. Fitzgerald wrote in 1917 about ten vertical zones that cover the whole length of our body.

It would be a few more centuries before reflexology reached the United States. William H. Fitzgerald, an American doctor known as the father of reflexology, experimented with pressure points and discovered that pressure applied on the skin could alleviate symptoms in the body. For example, Dr Fitzgerald realised that when pressure was applied to a zone associated with an injury, it could serve as pain relief in minor surgeries.

Through his research, Dr Fitzgerald conceptualised what has become known as the Zone Theory. He wrote about 10 vertical zones that extend the length of the body, and also divided the body into 10 longitudinal zones. Dr Fitzgerald concluded that when pressure is applied to one part of a zone, it affects the entire zone.

Further developing Dr Fitzgerald’s work was Dr Shelby Riley, who added horizontal zones across the body. Dr Riley drew more detailed maps of the reflex points on one’s feet and hands, and also proposed pressure points on the outer ear.

Zone Theory, developed by Dr Fitzgerald, divides the feet and the whole body into 10 zones.

Carrying on Dr Riley’s work was Eunice Ingham, a physiotherapist who worked for Dr. Riley. In the 1930s, during her research into Zone Therapy’s pressure points, Ingham found the feet to be the most sensitive and responsive, and she linked them to the whole anatomy of the body. Ingham developed the foot maps and reflexology charts still in use today by reflexologists, and introduced reflexology practices to the non-medical community in the 1930s.

In 1957, Dr Paul Nogier recorded a reflex map of points on the outer ear. Oleson and Flocco then expanded on his work; their findings are now taught as part of an integrated approach to hand, ear and foot reflexology.

How Does Reflexology Work?

Reflexology as a therapy treats the body as being capable of nurturing, healing and regenerating itself when tension and stress are released. This is effected through the nervous system; based on research conducted by Sir Henry Head and Sir Charles Sherrington, there is evidence of a neurological relationship between the skin and the internal organs, and it is the nervous system which adjusts to a given stimulus.

Reflexology is also performed on the ears.

In brief, the goal of a reflexology practitioner is to release congestion or stress in the nervous system and to restore the energy balance in the body. During a reflexology session, pressure applied to the person’s feet, hands and ears sends calming signals from the peripheral nerves in these extremities to the central nervous system. These signals announce to the nervous system that the tension level throughout the body needs to be adjusted, resulting in increased blood supply.

This, in turn, brings nutrients and oxygen to cells throughout the body and enhances the removal of waste elements. With this, the person’s circulatory, respiratory, endocrine, immune and neuropeptide systems are positively affected. In this way, through either vasoconstriction or vasodilation, organs like the lungs, liver, stomach, pancreas and small intestines will be affected through the body’s autonomic nervous system.

Western Reflexology chart of the feet.

The stress that reflexology treats also affects the energy flow (Qi) of the human body. When stress is not addressed, it can lead to congestion of the energy, which leads to bodily inefficiencies and even illness. Reflexology helps to release this congested energy in our body and keeps our energy flowing smoothly.

Reflexology traditions can generally be categorised as Western and Chinese. The main difference between Western and Chinese reflexology is that Chinese reflexology is based on 12 meridians, or the channel or path through which Qi flows. The 12 standard meridians, also called Principal Meridians, are divided into Yin and Yang groups. These are:

• Yin meridians of the arm: lung, heart, pericardium
• Yang meridians of the arm: large intestine, small intestine, triple burner (Chinese: San Jiao. There is no Western equivalent for this sixth organ, which is a concept unique to traditional Chinese Medicine)
• Yin Meridians of the leg: spleen, kidney, liver
• Yang meridians of the leg: stomach, bladder, gall bladder

Western reflexology, on the other hand, divides the body into 10 longitude zones, which cover the entire body (five on the left side and five on the right side).

Other differences when comparing Western and Chinese reflexology include the location of the reflexology points and even the size of certain organs and glands. The intensity and approach of foot reflexology massage also differs between the traditions. In Chinese reflexology, the practitioner applies even more pressure to the painful point compared to the Western approach where the intensity is gentler.

In Western reflexology, micro-movements with the thumb and fingers, called finger-walking and the hook, are used to create a positive response throughout the body. In Chinese reflexology, a small wooden stick is used instead to intensify the experience.

Western Reflexology Demonstration

Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/ReflexologyDemonstration.mp4

Research and Benefits

Extensive research has found promising results indicating that reflexology is effective on a physical and psychological level. These include:

• Generating a relaxing effect which is detectable via EEG (electroencephalogram) for brain activity
• Stimulating the immune system
• Reducing pain regardless of age and state of health
• Increasing blood flow to the brain, kidneys, intestines and the feet
• Aiding in recovery, especially in pain reduction after surgeries. Research has found that patients who received reflexology treatment before varicose vein surgery experienced significantly lower intraoperative anxiety and shorter duration of pain, as compared to other patients who did not receive reflexology beforehand.
• Helping to reduce depression and anxiety
• Reducing the side effects of chemotherapy for cancer patients like pain, nausea, vomiting and anxiety. In one study conducted on 87 cancer patients, it was found that after reflexology sessions, there was significant improvement in the quality of life, appearance, appetite, breathing, mobility, mood and more for all of these patients.
• Easing delivery and postpartum effects of birth
• Reducing fatigue for people affected by multiple sclerosis

Given reflexology’s non-invasive approach and its reputation for being very relaxing, it is unsurprising that this form of therapy has become very popular amongst migraine and tension headache sufferers. In a study conducted by Gail W. Testa on a group of patients with migraine and tension headaches, Testa found that “foot reflexology was at least as effective as drug therapy”. Testa’s study, published in 2000, was a blind, random trial of “32 patients with headaches [who] were evaluated after a session with foot reflexology and at a 3-month follow-up.” (Source: http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/reflexology/what-does-research-say-about-refloxology)

Reflexology is also effective on the hands

What Happens During Reflexology

A reflexology session anywhere between 45 to 60 minutes. The practitioner may decide to work on your feet, your hands or your ears, depending on your health issues and the situation.

Generally, the session starts at the toes and works down to the heel of the foot, or from your fingers to the heel of the hand, then on the sides and the top part of the foot.

Foot and Hand Reflexology Session

Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/MassageForReflexology.mp4

The reflexologist addresses the internal organs and glands as well as muscle groups, bones, nerve ganglions and nerves during the session. When the reflexologist finds congestion or tightness, they will apply pressure to release the tension in that area and bring your body back into balance. In general, these painful points are an indication that the associated organs or parts of your body may be damaged, require some kind of healing or otherwise needs some form of attention. An indication that the body is back is balance is when the pain lessens.

What Happens After Reflexology

Even one single reflexology session can help you to relax and see some benefits from it. The healing process can last for one to two days after the session and people might immediately experience:

• Increased energy
• Relief from pain
• Enhanced sleep
• Tiredness (need to rest the body so it can repair itself)
• Skin rashes or spots because of the elimination of toxins
• Frequent bowel movements or diarrhoea for cleaning and elimination of toxins
• Increased mucus
• Flu-like symptoms
• Emotional release

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