Reflexology

Joy Watt
Jan 12, 2022
16 min read

Reflexology

Introduction
History of Reflexology
Theory of Reflexology
Philosophy of Reflexology
Reasons and Techniques for Consultation
Client Assessment Techniques
Conclusion
Bibliography and References

1. Introduction

This report will explore the History, Theory and Philosophies behind reflexology, which is a complementary therapy. Acclaimed throughout the world as a way of releasing tension and pinpointing sensitivities throughout the bodies, reflexology uses a zoning system that links to the bodies organs, functions and systems in 10 vertical zones from the fingers and toes, working from the top of the toe as the top of the head.

To understand how reflexology works, we must first understand the anatomy of the foot, with the main systems being skeletal, muscular, nerve and integumentary. The diagrams below illustrate the placement of these systems in the foot and ankle.

The bones of the feet are placed for movement, flexibility, strength and dexterity. Reflexology movements never touch the bone but can release pressure and stress or toxic build up to ease pain in sensitive areas. Reflexology works the muscles and nerves that connect directly throughout the body, for the feet and hands are a terminal area where pain can collect and create blockages throughout the body.

Reflexology therefore helps the body to heal and regenerate through releasing stress and tension, working with the body's processes and systems through the reflexology zone, which we will look at in more detail throughout this report. The central and peripheral nervous system is autonomous to the relationship with the muscles and the strain felt physically throughout the body can connect with specific areas in the feet, which has been mapped to correlate to organs by picking up crystals which are mostly made of uric acid or calcium. Normal stimulation and circulation of glands and organs decreases when the body picks up pain and these blockages can make up feel stuck. Reflexology can break up these crystals and help to heal the body through relaxing trauma and tension that builds up in the zoned areas.

2. History of Reflexology

Origins of Modern Reflexology

Throughout History, it is documented that early man used beauty treatments and complementary therapies to aid health and wellbeing. Many cultures and countries have independently set up their own practices for reflexology based techniques. In Europe, this started to appear by linking reflex zones to points throughout the body, using pressure for healing. The Zone Theory was developed by Dr William H Fitzgerald in 1917. The basic history of reflexology is as follows.

It is thought reflexology originated from China around five thousand years ago. It is also believed to have originated from Ancient Egypt as well as in India and Japan. The oldest documentation of reflexology was shown in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics with two men working on the feet and hands of two other men. This dates back to around 2,330BC. It consists of an Egyptian papyrus scene dating from 2500BC and depicts the treating of hands and feet of patients by medical practitioners. In the tomb at Saqqara of the physician Ankhamor, an influential official second only to the king, there is a wall painting depicting the possible practice of reflexology. The hieroglyphics behind the patient and practitioner are translated as the patient’s plea ‘Do not hurt me’ and the practitioner’s reply, ‘I shall act so you praise me.’

In India, 5,000 years ago the feet were thought to symbolise the unity of the entire universe. Sanskrit symbols depicted on the feet of the Buddha were seen as expressions of a higher reality. With the dominance of Buddhist and Hindu philosophy, it is thought that the Buddhist monks migrated to China, Japan, Korea, Tibet and Vietnam where a form of foot massaging and healing can be traced.

The art of foot reflex therapy was not introduced to the Western World until the twentieth century when the Americans began to develop zone therapy, which had been practised by the Europeans as far back as the fourteenth century, into reflexology as we know it today.

It was first pioneered by an ear, nose and throat surgeon by the name of Dr William Fitzgerald (1872-1942). Dr Fitzgerald was the founder of Zone Therapy, which was an earlier form of reflexology. He discovered that exerting pressure on the tips of the toes or fingers caused corresponding parts of the body to become anaesthetised. From this, Dr Fitzgerald divided the body into ten equal zones, which ran from the top of the head to the ends of the toes. By using tight elastic bands on the middle sections of the fingers, or using small clamps on the tips of the fingers, minor surgery could be carried out with no further anaesthetic agents required.

However, reflexology as we know it today was pioneered by a woman called Eunice Ingham (1889 – 1974), or the mother of modern reflexology. Eunice Ingham was a physiotherapist working in a doctor’s practise using the zone therapy developed by Dr Fitzgerald. Ms Ingham thought, however, that it would be more effective to be practised on the feet rather than the hands. After extensive research, she developed the map of the entire body on the feet – where one point on the foot corresponds to a certain part of the body. By using acupressure or massage techniques on these points, a positive effect is created in the corresponding body part.

Eunice Ingham spent 30 years travelling around America teaching her reflexology first to medical staff, and then to non-medical practitioners. Modern Western reflexology uses the charts and theories developed by her and now called the Ingham Method. Ingham’s work is carried on by the International Institute of Reflexology.

Today there are many reflexology organisations worldwide. Over the last 20 years training standards and methods of practice have developed and become more sophisticated in the requirements for the professional practice of reflexology.

It is understood that reflexology is a holistic therapy. It is important as well to see reflexology as a complementary therapy, for the reflexologist to work with conditions that patients present and to have a collaborative relationship with the medical profession in the care and outcomes of treatment for patients.

Footwork Practice Around the World

The information on this section is taken from Beryl Crane who has vast experience practising reflexology around the world. In the UK, the Ingham method was formulated by Eunice Ingham, who is known as the 'mother' of reflexology, and this forms the basis of Western reflexology practice. This specific method utilizes the finger and thumb to walk all areas of the feet. Doreen Bayly was also a pioneer in reflexology. She trained with Ingham and returned to England to practise and teach reflexology. Many different versions have grown from this as people adapt their method, but hopefully the key principles have not been lost.

From this original technique of pure reflexology, many of the light touch techniques emerged, some linking one or more points; when linking, constant light pressure is maintained. There is a lengthy list of differing techniques for contacting the reflexes, which can be positively daunting to a reflexologist who wants to pursue all avenues. For instance, there is synergistic reflexology and colour reflexology, and also the MagneTech, which is an instrument that can be used with perfect safety on the reflex points. The rotational effect changes the poles 260 times, far too fast for the body to recognize that the north pole is supposed to calm the body down and the south pole revitalizes the body. A pure magnetic field is produced, and this provides a sustained and stabling effect, thus enabling the body to regain control and balance.

Vertical reflexology is the theory being that, when a treatment is given in the standing position, the vertical weight bearing amplifies the stimulation. This only confirms the use of the many implements sold to the public in China: many weight-bearing stones and appliances, some of which are electrical with a lower platform moving, some excruciating to stand on, and some with an area shaped like the feet with raised nodules on the spinal area – this multi-pointed sole massager is specifically used for low back pain. The standing position is usually recommended for only three minutes. Stimuli are on the arch of the foot, and the treatment is repeated 3-4 times each day until the person has more mobility and less pain.

Germany

In Germany there is a method called energetic reflexology. There is no physical contact; the hands are held as near to the feet as possible without touching, and movement can be all over the feet. If the therapist feels there is a blockage, then the hands become static, the theory being that the energy from the therapist's hands unblocks any imbalance.

Hungary

Education is now quite comprehensive. There is a state authorized exam in reflexology, and there are over 1000 reflexologists in practice either working from home or in clinics.

China

The Rwo Shur method was brought to China in 1986 by Father Joseph, a Catholic priest who was born and raised in the eastern part (German section) of Switzerland. Father Joseph, who speaks English, French and German plus several Chinese dialects, went to Taiwan in 1970. He belongs to the Missionary Society of Bethlehem, which has missions in several different countries around the world. He suffered with rheumatism in the knee and could hardly walk. A colleague had brought a reflexology book back to Taiwan and this friend worked on him, following the diagrams in the book. Father Joseph found the treatment very painful, but received almost instant relief. He obtained and read the book Good Health for the Future through Foot Reflexology, written in German by a Swiss nurse, Hedi Masafret, and started practising immediately. He was a totally self-taught man.

Many of the Far Eastern practitioners now use wooden or magnetic implements to push and probe the reflexes; many also use the knuckles. A lubricant, cream or oil, usually herbal in origin, is always used during a treatment session.

United States of America

Reflexology practice in the United States is mostly the same as in the UK. Most people work from home or mobile in private practice, some have their own clinics or work within a beauty salon or other multidisciplinary centre, and a few work within a hospital setting. Treatment is the same, and you go to whomever you are most comfortable with. In the United States the Reflexology Association now covers a similar curriculum to the UK. You can still get the short courses, but most people now realize that educational standards are of the utmost importance and they aim for the highest level.

The situation in the US is somewhat unique, as, unlike most nations, the United States has no national health laws. Most of the power to make laws regarding health is held in the hands of each individual state. To obtain a reflexology law with the necessary standards would require legislation being passed 50 different times. This would require an immense amount of time and thousands and thousands of dollars.

Reflexology treatment is seen as a stress reducer, with less emphasis on disorders. People in the US use the term massage very loosely to include many of the touch therapies. Massage therapy is very powerful in the United States: each state has its own association and millions of dollars in its national treasury to spend on legislation. So it is very hard to work against the massage profession in the US, as they are most determined to have anyone who touches and works on the body in any way to be licensed and ruled by them.

3. Theory of Reflexology

Connections to the Body Systems

I have used the following charts from the Balancing Touch in Canada and the Stone Institute to visually explain the connections to each individual system.

1: The Nervous System

2: The Lymphatic System

3: The Digestive System

4: The Endocrine System

5: The Cardiovascular System

6: The Muscular System

7: The Skeletal System

8: The Sensory System

9: The Respiratory System

Reflex Points in Hands and Feet

'Reflex Areas' in the hands & feet which correspond to all the organs, systems, glands & parts of the body. Stimulating these reflexes can help maintain the body's physical and psychological equilibrium. The hands and feet are used as a 'map' or 'mirror' of the body and by manipulating & applying pressure to certain points the body can be re-tuned.

It uses a unique method of techniques with the hands & thumbs to:

relieve stress & tension
improve blood circulation
to help achieve homeostasis in the body (healthy balance)
Promote unblocking of nerve pathways
bring relief to a wide range of acute & chronic conditions and lots more!

Zone Therapy

The Zone Therapy divides the body into 10 vertical zones. Each zone corresponds to fingers and toes all the way up to the top of the head. Every organ, valve, muscle, etc. that lies within a zone can be accessed via a point or area on the feet or hands. These pathways between pressure points and other parts of the body are thought to be connected via the nervous system. The zones are similar to, but not the same as meridians found in Chinese medicine. However, there are some correlations between meridians and location of organs on the feet and ankles. Reflexology focuses on reflex maps of points and areas of the body in the feet, hands, and ears using unique micro-movement techniques, such as thumb or finger walking, with the goal of creating a response throughout the body.

Benefits and Effects of Reflexology

Reflexology has been chosen by most people to treat their body health problems because it offers a high level of safety and effectiveness. Benefits include offering natural treatment without consuming drugs and it is easy to use. Learning reflexology and its application is quite easy, there is no limitation for people to apply it anytime and anywhere. Its effectiveness in treating the root of some diseases may lead to many benefits in health concern such as it helps in easing day-to-day stresses and alleviates the effects from injury and illness. However, it is not used in diagnosing processes.

Stress contributes up to 80% for the development of any illness. Other 20% of stress will influence other conditions.1 Reflexology offers common benefits and one of them is reducing stress by applying pressure to the specific area at feet and hands which may induce general relaxation while relaxing the targeted area concurrently. Reflexology is one of the ways to interrupt the pattern of repetitive stress that people usually have according to their lifestyle. They will operate more effectively with a number of reflexology sessions because the first application will intervene the stress operation and further sessions will improve the body condition. Besides, reflexology also allows the body to get off from any stress in everyday life.

Pain is a stressor in the body system and any injury to any part of the body will cause the whole system to be stressed. Endorphins are a body's natural pain-relieving chemical that will be released as a response to reflexology. Endorphins teach the body how to adapt injuries for soothing pain. Those who practice reflexology in their life believe that healing from most injuries comes from the role of reflexology.

Reflexology Benefits the Body.: When the reflex areas are stimulated, your entire body relaxes, which has a tremendous impact on how your body feels. Through Reflexology, you may gain an increased awareness of various body sensations. For example, you may notice how “tight” your body feels in a stressful situation versus how “loose” it feels at rest. It is important to note these sensations, as it may help motivate you to maintain your relaxed state.

Reflexology Benefits the Mind:. When your body is at rest, your mind can relax. A relaxed mind has more thoughts of appreciation and gratitude than a stressed mind which houses thoughts of worry and fear. Through Reflexology, you may gain an increased awareness of the multitude of thoughts that enter your mind. For example, you may become more aware of the number of positive thoughts versus negative thoughts you have in certain situations. It is important to note these thoughts, as it may help motivate you to retain the positive and discard the negative.

Reflexology Benefits the Soul: Your feet, or course, feel rejuvenated at the end of a session. You’ll likely notice how light and flexible your feet feel after your treatment. Through Reflexology, you may also notice a benefit for your soul, or spirit. For example, when your body is not tight with pain and your mind is not clouded with negative thoughts, you may become more aware of your intuitive side as you become more present in your surroundings.

4. Philosophy of Reflexology

Direct Effect of Reflexology on Corresponding Organs

The immune system is made up of a network of cells, tissues and organs – the thymus, spleen, bone marrow and lymphatic system – that work together to protect the body.

During a Reflexology treatment all of these organs and systems are stimulated by pressure to connect points on the feet, to help boost circulation and help them work optimally, thereby increasing their ability to protect the body better.

Another important factor to consider when talking about the immune system is stress, as it plays a part in our immune function. Stress is related to each and every aspect of our modern day lifestyle.

Reflexology reduces stress and tension throughout the body’s systems to improve blood and lymph circulation and release toxins from the body’s tissues. It is believed to encourage the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good hormones, well documented in their ability to relieve stress.

There are reflexology points to be found throughout the body, even small areas such as the ear link directly to the body’s organs.

Promoting Wellness in the Body

Reflexology in itself is a relaxing treatment that soothes pain and pressure in a sensory way through easing the communication of the reflexes through the body to clear the zones and reduce interference and blockages to enable the body to feel more at one with itself.

The 7,200 nerve endings in each hand and each foot carry messages within the body to instruct it to function normally, or in a state of homeostasis. These nerve endings are the main components to the workings of Reflexology. When the exercise of pressure is applied to the nerve endings in the foot, instructions to the body improve. Reflexology helps to promote improved instruction between the nerve endings and the body. When the nerve improves, the instruction improves, and then the body improves. In essence, the Reflexologist is the facilitator of homeostasis in the body.

Homeostasis invokes a feeling of wellness in the body and balances out the body's system to ease tension and boost health and wellbeing.

Energy to the Body Systems

Vital energy is flowing in our body

Our body cannot run without energy, a kinetic flow that helps us to move. And just as everything inside of us is connected, there is a channel that connects the energy inside of us all. Once this energy is disrupted, you will feel stress and pain. And if you do not take action during the blockage of this energy, you can eventually be more open to various illnesses as the lymphatic system becomes sluggish.

Reflexology works by unblocking these blocked energies, therefore releasing you from the pain you will eventually experience. The Meridian system and the Chakra system both map the flows of energy throughout the body, and the reflexology maps can happily correspond with these ancient systems which are favoured in eastern health therapies and treatments.

5. Reasons and Techniques for Consultation

Obtaining Client Details

This example of a client form illustrates the client details which are important to obtain for a reflexology treatment. Contraindications and mapping the foot are priority details. On the chart we can map where issues are detected using letters, such as C=crystals, S = Stress, B = Bunions, V = Verucca, and this system can help us to build up a pattern of clearance and changes, which might in turn improve the long term health of the client.

Clients Needs

The client consultation form is an essential part of the reflexology treatment which should reflect the clients needs and pattern of health, especially important if the client is treated regularly to map changes.This can be both emotional or physical responses, and each session with the same client may find a different response.

Rapport and Comfort

Developing a relationship with the client is important, for the client to feel relaxed and at ease. Not everyone is comfortable with foot treatments and many people have tickly feet or nail issues so it is important to ensure comfort. Talk to the client to ease any tension and build up a friendly rapport as well as professional trust.

Meeting Requirements

Many people seek out reflexology treatments to pinpoint or seek therapy for specific ailments or unblock energy systems for wellness purposes. Some of the conditions in which reflexology could help meet requirements include:

Anxiety/low Mood
Depression
Stress
Insomnia
IBS
Premenstrual Cramping and Hormonal Issues
Libido/Fertility
Headaches/Migraines
Cancer throughout treatment and Recovery
Mobility Issues

Gathering Information to Advise on the Treatment

The client consultation sheet should always be carried out before treatment to assess if there are any contraindications to the treatment taking place, and the areas which may require extra focus. If a client is looking for a treatment to ease a specific condition then this needs to be taken into account during the reflexology therapy, and homecare given to tackle any specific issue or finding that may arise. Never diagnose conditions, just pinpoint areas of discomfort, stress or map crystals and refer to the GP if any medical issues arise.

Good Communication Skills

There are various different styles of communication and in Complementary Therapy, a discrete, understanding and sympathetic approach can very much put a client at ease. Treatments can be very emotional and personal for the client so it is important to be aware of the style of approach, and the following chart summarises the various styles.

Verbal and Non-Verbal Consultation

The verbal consultation at the start of the treatment will give the clients views and thoughts on the reason for getting reflexology, whether it's to ease stress or tension or there may be a deeper issue which the reflexology can pick up on. Non verbal communication will take place during the treatment and the body will pinpoint areas of stress, tension and where areas of concentrated crystals or blockages and other foot ailments can be addressed silently. The conclusion of the treatment will include a verbal breakdown of the Therapists findings, along with homecare.

6. Client Assessment Techniques

Reflex Relevance

Reflexes and how they relate to the body’s systems is a scientific approach to complementary therapy which is recognised in medicine and healthcare to be beneficial to our health and wellbeing. We are given one pair of feet in our lifetime and crucially our nerve endings lie in our hands and feet, which collect stress and tension from the body’s organs and systems, which is zoned to map and treat our bodies systematically and methodically. The reflexology routine is designed to cover the whole body, typically for an hours treatment, and this can help to decrease pain.

Analysis for Consultation Record

Collecting Client information is an important part of the treatment to help the client see improvement to health and understand the reflexology process working in their own body.

The client may experience:

Relief of stress and tension – reflexology can help virtually any health problem because it reduces stress to each individual, allowing the body to heal itself. A session reduces stress by encouraging deep, tranquil relaxation.
Improvement in blood and nerve supply – clearing out congested areas on the feet hastens healing because the circulation improves. We have approximately 7200 nerve endings on each foot and these nerve endings connect through the spinal cord and brain with all areas of the body. Nerves tell the body what to do, so if the nerve supply improves, the body will improve.
Restore and maintain the equilibrium of the body - Overactive glands or organs can be helped to return to normal over time through unblocking energy. On the other hand, if a gland or organ is underactive, reflexology can help return it to its normally functioning level. The oils and creams used can also help for example an iodine deficiency can use a seaweed based cream.

Use of Foot and Hand Charts

Charts which reflect the reflect zones in the hands and feet are used to help restore client health. However the charts are different depending on which type of reflexology the therapist is following. The most popular chart is illustrated already in chapter 3. Other examples of the Ingham Chart, Rainbow Chart and Colour Reflexology.

Conclusion

Our feet are an indication of inner health. Any disease, injury, illness or tension in the body is reflected on the corresponding reflex area on the feet. It shows up as a tenderness, a sensitivity, or a pain at that reflex. As a reflexologist, I use thumbs and fingers to apply pressure to these reflexes. If the tenderness or pain is worked out with reflexology, the corresponding body part can heal.