Reflexology is an alternative healing method that people around the world use believing that with the application of pressure on specific points of the body will produces healing effects on certain organs. This form of therapy involves massaging the feet to restore the body's natural balance using thumb and hand techniques. Most of the time, focus of the massage is on the feet only although some reflexologists also apply gentle pressure on the ears and hands. It should never replace actual medication, treatment, or diagnosis of diseases and illnesses, but rather a complementary treatment method that can help relieve patients of pain caused by certain medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma attacks, headaches, PMS symptoms, and cancer treatment, among others.
Reflexology is becoming a popular alternative healing option in Europe and Asia as it is widely attributed as the cause for less absenteeism at work. As more people attest to the health benefits and relief they get out of reflexology, studies reveal that at least "one-third of the employees [in Denmark] reported greater satisfaction with their jobs after completing six sessions with a reflexologist" (Teagarden).
Tracing its roots from ancient China, Egypt, and Greece, it is widely believed to have been passed orally with a "pictograph on the Egyptian tomb of Ankhamor in 2330 BC" (Teagarden), which also contained some information on other medical processes. There are also recorded symbols on the feet of statues of Buddha in India and China. Specifically, the Yellow Emperor's Classic Internal Medicine that dates back to 1,000 BC is said to be the first documented discussions in print that talks about the relationship of "life force and points and areas on the feet" (Teagarden). Furthermore, there are reports that claim Marco Polo also translated a Chinese massage book into Italian, which was later on attributed as the first introduction of reflexology and massage in Europe in the 1300s (Teagarden). On the other hand, reflexology was initially introduced in the western world by William Fitzgerald, an ear, nose, and throat doctor, in the early 1900s as he called this treatment method as zone therapy ("What is Reflexology"), considering the various pressure points used during the massage. He was also considered as the "father of reflexology" in the United States as he began the ideas about vertical zones that match up with a specific body part or location of an injury, which, when applied pressure on, can provide relief from pain during minor surgeries (Teagarden). Other personalities who played huge roles in the development of reflexology in the United States include Dr. Shelby Riley who suggested that apart from the feet, pressure points are also present in the outer ear. With this, the doctor introduced a map of reflex points found on the hands and feet. Further substantiating the previous claims about reflexology, Dr. Eunice Ingham, who worked directly with Dr. Riley, found that the feet are the most responsive when it comes to applying pressure and producing the desired effects. Thus, the doctor came up with foot maps that detail the areas of the foot and the body parts and organs that respond to treatment (Teagarden).
Currently, reflexology is believed to be a huge factor in the relief of physical, mental, and emotional stress. It is used as an alternative healing method for health conditions such as back pain, migraine, digestive system disorders, sports-related injuries, hormonal imbalances in women, and arthritis, among others. It can be used as stress relief from the everyday stresses and can help promote a feeling of well-being and satisfaction as it helps in the relaxation of the mind and the body. However, despite the many attributes of reflexology, it should never be used as the only "cure for medical conditions or diseases" (Teagarden).
One the popular theories surrounding reflexology is how everything about reflexology is psychological in nature, which means reflexology works through "the power of suggestion" (Pacific Institute of Reflexology) as the mind is already preconditioned to think that with the pressing of certain body parts, specifically on the foot area, one will feel great relief. It also works on the premise that because the lymphatic system eliminates toxic body wastes, reflexology will help the body function properly and "[aid in restoring the] proper chemical balance in the body", which is the same as how acupuncture and shiatsu works (Pacific Institute of Reflexology). In addition, there is also the belief that due to formation of crystalline deposits in the nerve endings in the body, these nerve endings are unable to transmit neural impulses as the crystals block the pathway. Thus, through reflexology, it is believed that crystalline become smaller, which allows the proper transmission of neural impulses.
As a complementary medical solution, reflexology employs various techniques in improving the overall health of humans, including how the body system functions. According to theories, using the finger walking technique can help produce relaxing sensations on the specific body part where pressure was applied on. The technique requires "locating the point on the foot which corresponds to the organ" (Land) to be treated. Then, pressure must be applied on that point while the fingers are bent and straightened out. Fingers are slowly moved around the pressure point to experience relief.
Another technique in reflexology is called the thumb walking technique, which is also known as caterpillar walking considering the movement of the thumbs while applying pressure on the specific zone. In this case, the reflexologist locates the point for treatment and using the thumbs, applies pressure on the point until the whole area has been covered (Land). Toe rotation is another reflexology technique used in this method of healing. In this case, the fingers and thumb clutch each toe while gently rotating each toe at least three times before moving to the next toe. Slide and press is a technique that works on the heels of the foot as it relieves feet and body tension. This technique is done by placing both hands on the heel of the foot and then sliding the thumb from the bottom center of the foot outwards and towards the bottom of the toes (Land).
Reflexology is a complementary and alternative healing method that can relieve tension headaches, insomnia, menstrual disorders, constipation, and arthritis, among others. It helps improve circulation, soothes tired feet, and promotes overall healing and relaxation. While these techniques are guaranteed to provide relaxation and relief from pains and body stresses, it should not be used as replacement for actual medical treatment.
Works Cited
Land, Molly. "Foot Reflexology Techniques." eHow. Web. 3 May 2013.
Pacific Institute of Reflexology. "Theories of How Reflexology Works." Pacific Institute of Reflexology. Web. 3 May 2013.
Teagarden, Karen. "Reflexology." Taking Charge of Your Health. Web. 2 May 2013.
"What is Reflexology." WiseGeek. Web. 3 May 2013.
