'Reflexology', or 'zone therapy', is a
complementary therapy, intended for use alongside
conventional medical care and not as a replacement. It is the practice of stimulating nerves on the
feet,
hands and
ears, to supposedly encourage a beneficial effect on some other parts of the body, or to try to improve general
health. Reflexology is most commonly performed on the feet, moving on to the hands and/or ears where physical restraints (
contraindications), such as
veruccas or
fractures, apply.
Reflexology practitioners do not advance a unified theory of their discipline. All practitioners believe that areas on the foot correspond to areas of the body, and that reflexology assists the self-healing process. Some practitioners believe these zones reflect energy (
Qi), and that blockages of energy in the body are reflected through "grit" or "lumps" on the foot.
Reflexology does not seek to diagnose or cure medical conditions, instead practitioners focus on imbalances in the life energy or
Qi of the body. There are concerns over the efficacy of this treatment, and about the safety of using such a therapy instead of conventional medicine, which have resulted in studies to investigate reflexology.
Theory
The nervous system hypothesis
According to one theory, a reflexologist can break up patterns of stress in other parts of the body through the 7200 nerves in the feet by applying “technique”:
“Pressure applied to the feet generates a signal through the peripheral nervous system. From there it enters the central nervous system where it is processed in various parts of the brain. It is then relayed to the internal organs to allocate the necessary adjustments in fuel and oxygen. Finally a response is fashioned that is sent on to the motor system. This message is fed forward to adjust the body's tone or overall tension level. Theoretically, if applied properly, the tone will reset itself to a lower operating tempo. A lower operating tempo means a lessening of stress and less wear and tear on the body's systems.” [1]
The Qi hypothesis
Another proposed theory is that the body contains an energy field, invisible
life force, or
Qi. While this theory lacks basis in scientific fact, it has been suggested that when this “life force” is blocked or imbalanced at a point in the body, illness in the organs of that area may result. However, stimulation of the corresponding points on the feet, hands or ears can unblock and increase the flow of vital energy to various unhealthy parts of the body and promote healing.
[2]
Similarly, blockages of this life force (in the organs of the body) are reflected through the feet, hands and ears in the form of lumps or crystals. A therapist will feel these imperfections and massage directly onto the lump or crystals to dissipate the blockage.
Other hypotheses
Some other proposed explanations include the release of endorphins (natural pain killers in the body, stimulation of nerve circuits in the body ("cutaneo-organ reflexes"), promotion of lymphatic flow or the dissolving of uric acid crystals.
[2]
History
It was introduced into the United States in 1913 by
William H. Fitzgerald, M.D. (1872-1942), an
ear, nose, and throat specialist, and accompanied by Dr. Edwin Bowers. At the time, he showed that applying pressure had an
anesthetic effect on another area.
[4]
Reflexology was further developed by Eunice D. Ingham (1899-1974), a nurse and
physiotherapist, in the 1930s and 1940s
[5]. Ingham found that the feet and hands were especially sensitive, and then mapped the entire body into "reflexes" on the feet. It was at this time that "zone therapy" was renamed reflexology, and found to be effective for more than just pain reduction.
Modern reflexologists in the United States and the United Kingdom often learn Ingham's method first, although there are other more recently developed methods.
[2]
Reported effects
Short term
Reactions to reflexology are demonstrated by case studies rather than statistical conclusions. These will vary between individuals and treatments, but are most commonly reported to include the following:
[7]
'During treatment'
★ Feelings of
relaxation, comfort, or wellbeing
★
Yawning or
sleep - this is often described as surprisingly refreshing
★ Tiredness
★ "Tingling" sensations
★ Slightly reduced body temperature as a result of relaxation
According to the theories of reflexology, the tingling and tiredness are due to release of built-up toxins and clearing of energy blockages in the body. These feelings may also result from the
placebo effect.
'After treatment'
★ Reduced
stress
★ Feelings of deep relaxation
★ Improved
circulation
★ Induced
homeostasis, or the body "being in a dynamic state of balance"
★ Revitalized personal energy
In rare cases a client may experience a "healing crisis", which may include
headaches,
nausea and
sinus congestion . This is considered by practitioners to be a result of the body clearing its toxins, and is unlikely to be disabling or to last more than twenty-four hours. Reflexologists state that this experience is a positive cleansing process.
Long-term
★ 'Immune system boost through reduced stress'
:Stress can drain the immune system, leading to more frequent cases of illness and infection. Stress can also cause tension, which can cause neck and shoulder stiffness and headaches. Regular relaxation helps prevent stress and improve the overall functioning of the immune system.
★ 'Feeling of increased energy'
:It is claimed that reflexology opens pathways to renew ourselves and boost our energy level, immediately after treatment and for several days afterwards. It could keep us free from the feeling of lacking motivation, tiredness, and inability to concentrate. Reflexology advocates say that reflexology not only relieves symptoms, but also acts on improvements of our body as a whole.
Current practice
'General application'
Reflexologists apply pressure using their thumbs and fingers on "reflex zones" found on the feet and hands, which correspond to the different parts of the body.
Reflexology is a widespread practice in
Asia.
It should be made clear that reflexology is not intended to diagnose or treat medical conditions, and is not a replacement for conventional medical practice.
[8]
'Professional treatment as defined by the
Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT)'
All professional treatment will begin with a consultation, to assess the current physical condition of the client and to identify any
contraindications.
A practitioner will most likely sanitise the feet before beginning. (During the treatment, clients are only required to relax and expose their feet to the reflexologist.) This is often followed by application of oil or powder with some relaxation techniques and then the reflexology itself. Throughout the treatment, a practitioner will notice any imbalances reflected in the foot, working over those areas for longer to aid the restoration of energetic homeostasis. Some therapists will use hand as well as foot reflexology, some as an alternative if the foot is injured in some way.
Treatment components can also include soft music, essential oil and soft lighting, although components vary considerably between practitioners and each will have their own method of working. A good practitioner will create an atmosphere that will relax and nurture a client.
A treatment can be expected to last about one hour, although this may vary and will be discussed before treatment. The number and frequency of treatments may also be recommended by the practitioner.
'Self-reflexology'
Self-reflexology equipment for the feet, such as rollers, are available. Socks printed with reflex zone footmaps were developed based on reflexology - by wearing the socks, people can easily locate appropriate areas to apply pressure to. How-to books enabling people to perform the exercises by themselves are also available for self-help practice. Reflexologists advise caution in self-treatment, especially in cases of pregnancy or a chronic condition.
Contraindications
As with any physical treatment, there are some conditions (
contraindications) that could prevent a practitioner from treating a client.
[2]
Clients should avoid reflexology if they suffer from:
★ Recent or healing
fractures
★ Unhealed wounds
★ Active
gout
Clients should seek medical advice before a treatment in the case of the following:
★
Osteoarthritis affecting the ankle or foot
★ Severe
circulation problems in the legs or feet
★
Diabetes
★
Heart disease
★ Presence of a
pacemaker
★ Unstable blood pressure
★
Cancer
★ Active
infections
★
Syncope
★ Mental illness
★ Gallstones or kidney stones
★
Pregnancy
★
Epilepsy
Analysis
While scientists have conducted studies testing the effectiveness of reflexology, there are potential research problems that tend to crop up.
★ Testing the healing potential of reflexology on sick people raises ethical issues, because in an exclusive study sick people would be deprived of standard medical care.
★ Regarding the ability to uncover conditions in the body through the feet are
★
★ the patients’ willingness to share information about their health problems
★
★ subliminal cuing (referring to signals that people send without realizing that they are doing so).
[10].
Potential dangers
As with any other physical treatment, from the point of view of the practitioner and the client, it is wise to consider any contraindications before treatment. More of a concern are practitioners who believe they have the ability to screen for health problems or similar. Reflexology has the potential to be harmful indirectly if
[10]:
★ The reflexologist tries to diagnose an illness
★ The reflexologist relies upon the feet to tell the patient that they don't have an illness, when they do (the feet only can influence but is not always the primary factor in causing an illness)
★ The system is used to replace a more effective therapy or medical treatment.
Supporting Organizations
If a client is concerned about the safety of the treatment and the credibility of the practitioner, they should contact a professional body. They can provide a list of practitioners in the potential client's area upon request, and can confirm the authenticity of a practitioner on behalf of a client.
The
FHT, based in the UK, is an organisation to assist holistic therapists in their practice and to regulate the services given; the FHT strongly encourages the use of full and detailed consultations before treatment. Their affiliated Therapy Insurance Service (TIS) does not cover those in the third trimester of
pregnancy, for example.
In the case of a recognised serious physical illness, all professional organisations will require written permission from a
general practitioner in order to go ahead with the treatment; this is not just for the client's benefit but that of the practitioner, who wishes to avoid causing harm to the client.
Reflexology as a pseudoscience
Current research using the
scientific method does not support or refute the existence of life energy or Qi in the body. Furthermore, there is no scientific evidence for "crystalline structures" or "pathways" in the body that reflexology claims to access.
[12] This suggests that the practice is a
pseudoscience. This does not validate or invalidate assertions made about its healing properties, but it does force more scrutiny towards the topic.
Reflexology chart
In
zone therapy, a 'reflexology chart' shows the
reflex zones found on the
soles of the feet. Similar maps exist for the postition of the reflexes on the hands.
The representation of the color codes are as follows:
Reflexology in the Media
An episode of
(1-02 Alternative Medicine) focused on reflexology. The original airing was February 7, 2003.
Notes
1. What is Reflexology?. Accessed November 26, 2006
2. Natural Standard
3. Natural Standard
4. The Reflexology Handbook, A Complete Guide, , Laura, Norman, Piatkus, ,
5. Benjamin. (1989). Eunice D. Ingham and the development of foot reflexology in the U.S. Massage Therapy Journal, Winter.
6. Natural Standard
7. The Reflexology Handbook, A Complete Guide, , Laura, Norman, Piatkus, ,
8. Facts About Reflexology
9. Natural Standard
10. Reflexology
11. Reflexology
12. http://www.crystalinks.com/reflexology.html
See also
★
Alternative Medicine
★
Acupressure
★
Acupuncture
★
Auriculotherapy
★
Metamorphic Technique
External links
Professional Bodies and Organisations
★
Association of Reflexologists
★
Federation of Holistic Therapists
★
International Council of Reflexologists
★
Reflexology in Europe Network
★
Reflexology Organisations in Different Countries
Supporting Pages
★
Aetna InteliHealth
Refuting Pages
★
Reflexology: A Close Look by
Stephen Barrett MD
★
Skeptics Dictionary: Definition of Reflexology - Robert Todd Carroll
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