Reflexology is an ancient method for activating the healing powers of the body. Chinese, Japanese, Indians, Russians, and Egyptians worked on the feet to promote good health. Both ancient and modern scientific texts describe energy zones that rub throughout the body and reflex areas in the feet that correspond to all major organs, glands, and body parts. Modern reflexology is both a science and an art. As a science, it requires careful study, faithful practice, a sound knowledge of the techniques, and skill. And yet as one of the healing arts, reflexology yields the best results when the reflexologist works with dedication, patience, focused intention and above all, loving care.
In plain language reflexology is not a foot massage and it is not a medical treatment. In the foot we find a fascinating focus for the understanding and advancement of human health. The condition of the foot is a reflection of the status of the major body system: skin, musculoskeletal, secretory, nervous and circulatory. Reflexology is using authentic anatomical knowledge in combination with skillful handwork, applying deep and light pressure over the complex nerve-ending network of human feet.
What Reflexology is not
First and foremost, reflexologists do not diagnose illness, nor do they practice medicine. Only licensed physicians are allowed to do t according to law. Neither does a reflexologist treat specific disease. We spend extra time working the reflex area on the foot that corresponds to the body part that is troubled, but our work can’t be classified as medical treatment as such.
Reflexology works with subtle energy flows, revitalizing the body so that the natural internal healing mechanisms of the body can do their own work.
Reflexology techniques are always done on bare feet, not through socks or stockings. Each of these techniques is performed on each foot. In a complete session, we do all the techniques on one foot before moving on the other.
Reflexology not only improves energy flow to specific areas of the body, much the way acupressure does, but it also results in deep relaxation of the entire body, not just the feet.
The Benefits of Reflexology
How Does Reflexology Work?
Since ancient times, healers have employed various methodologies to strengthen and balance the energy flow. Many of these systems, including acupuncture, shiatsu, and reflexology, agree that this energy flows in zones or meridians throughout the body. Reflexologists specify that there are ten energy zones that run the length of the body from head to toe - five on each side of the body ending in each foot and running down the arms into the tips of the fingers. Not only do these zones run lengthwise, but they pas through the body, so that the zone located on the front of the body can also be reached from behind. All the organs and parts of the body lie along one or more of these zones.
Each zone can be considered a channel for the intangible life energy, called chi or qi in oriental medicine and martial arts. Stimulating or “working” any zone in the foot by applying pressure with the thumbs and fingers affects the entire zone throughout the body. For example, working a zone on the foot along which the kidneys lie will release vital energy that may be blocked somewhere else in that zone, such as in the eyes. Working the kidney reflex area on the foot will therefore revitalize and balance the entire zone and improve functioning of the organ.
The actual physical mechanisms that control the ten zones in the body and feet is not fully understood. That it works is proven everyday, but exactly how it works is still a mystery. There are sound, reputable theories, however, suggesting that good health depends on balance, equilibrium, the natural functioning of all the body system – that we call homeostasis. Excessive stress disrupts this balance.
Reflexology alleviates the affects of stress by inducing deep relaxation, placing us in a “safe space”, and allowing the nervous system to calm down and function more normally. Circulation proceeds smoothly, blood flow is improved, and oxygen reaches all the cells. The body seeks homeostasis, and healing can take place. The person experiences a sense of well-being at all levels.
As in acupuncture or shiatsu, energy pathways are opened up and the subtle energy that accompanies neurological and circulatory functioning can do its work. The body returns to its natural rhythms. Energy flows. The body, mind and spirit are brought back into balance.
Why The Feet?
We live in a holographic universe. The energy, information, knowledge, and wisdom of the All is contained in every cell and particle. Every day physicists discover what would be considered old hat to the mystics and seers of the past and present. Evidence of this interweaving of All life is all around us. We don’t need rocks from the moon, shells from the ocean depths, or DNA material from the living body to see the correspondences. Just look at your feet.
The feet are a perfect mini-map of the whole body. All the organs, glands and body parts represented in the foot are laid out in the same arrangement as in the body. Even the inside curve of the foot corresponds to the natural curves in the spine. The toes are like little heads. The ridge beneath them on the top part of the ball of the foot is a natural shoulder or neckline. The waistline tightens inward as it should! In fact, you can whether someone is high or low waisted just be checking out the waistline on the foot.
In fact, the feet are remarkably sensitive even though most of us would probably think that our hands beat out the feet when it comes to sensitivity. But not so. We are more familiar with our hands and know how to use them for sensing and manipulating the world. We love our hands, but we don’t always love our feet. Nevertheless, the feet are actually more sensitive and receptive, partially because of the wealth of nerve endings and partly because we keep them covered and protected.
The foot is also ideally shaped and sized for the human hand. When receiving a reflexology treatment a person has a reassuring sense that the reflexologist is in control, as the hands can support the foot and touch it all over most of the time.
There are some important biological and anatomical reasons for working with the feet. They are farthest from the heart, where circulation tends to stagnate. People with chronically poor circulation often have tender or swollen hands and feet. It is good to stimulate and encourage blood flow to these extremities. What’s more, gravity pulls toxins downward. Inorganic waste materials such as uric acid and calcium crystals can build up in the bottom of the feet. In general the circulation is stagnated in the feet. Kneading the feet during reflexology breaks up the deposits and improves circulation in the feet themselves.
Clients often express amazement at how much their feet need reflexology and how little they realized it. We abuse our feet. You know how good it feels to take off your shoes and socks and wiggle your toes; let the air get to them, even put them up. It feels wonderful to free your feet. Reflexology is foot freedom and more.
Reflexology can be the first step in discovering other ways to live happier
and healthier lives. By putting you feet first with reflexology, you’ll
realize how good you can feel; and you’ll want to learn how to find
other quiet islands for taking care of yourself and your loved ones. Studies
have shown that people who incorporate activities like meditation, reading,
absorbing hobbies or physical exercise into their schedules either alone
or with someone else; tend to be healthier, happier and more efficient in
all areas of their lives.