Reflexology Guide

Reflexology Guide

What is Reflexology ? Back to top

A holistic healing technique applied to the feet in the form of a pressure massage. Pressure is applied to precise reflex points on the feet, reflexologists see the entire body mapped out on the feet in a mirror image. This mirror image is also evident in the iris of the eye the ears and hands.

The most concrete evidence of the practice of reflexology in ancient culture was the discovery of the below wall painting depicting the practice of hand and foot reflexology in the tomb of Ankhmahor at Saqqara, which is also known as the physicians tomb. This Egyptian wall painting is dated at the 6th dynasty, about 2330 B.C.

How does Reflexology work ? Back to top

Reflexology is closely related to other therapy treatments which use the meridian channels of the body such as acupressure and shiatsu The Chinese discovered that energy called chi runs through 12 meridian channels in our bodies, the 6 main meridians that link to major organs are found in the feet. when pressure is applied to the feet a signal is sent through the nervous system to the brain, where it is directed to various parts of the body, and helps to balance the system by stimulating an under active area and calming an overactive one. 

To date we still do not know how foot reflexology works there are several theories 
 

Other Theories of How Reflexology Works
Psychological This theory that the power of suggestion is the factor, and its all in the mind.
Lymph The lymphatic system removes toxins and includes the immune system, it is thought that reflexology helps its function and restores proper chemical balance in the body.
Electrical Potential It is believed that a difference in electrical potential in various parts of the body constitutes a corresponding malfunction in another part of the body. 
Ki Energy It is believed that foot reflexology works in the same way as acupuncture by bringing balance to the flow of energy along the body's meridians.
Counter Irritation The human body speeds up repair when it receives reflexology
Nerve Endings It is believed that nerve endings are unable to transmit their impulses because of crystalline deposits that build up and block their pathway. Reflexology is thought to clear these crystalline deposits.
Proprioception A reflexology session with its pressure, stimulation of muscles and re-angulation of joints, sends false reports of position and sensation to the brain. The brain responds to reposition the body that results in a relaxation of the muscles.

The Treatment Back to top

There is no need to feel embarrassed about your feet reflexologists have seen it all before. After a though consultation the therapist will make a treatment plan for you based on the reflex points in the reflexology chart reflexologists do not diagnose illness and do not treat specific diseases. 

To begin the treatment the therapist will wipe your feet or they may have a foot spa. They  will then continue with the treatment, the pressure felt by the patient varies some people do not feel anything and others have very sensitive feet and do not enjoy reflexology, when the therapist hits a bad point it may be painful, but the feeling of relaxation at the end of the treatment is worth it. The length of the treatment is about 45mins, afterwards it is important to drink plenty of fresh water, as reflexology can help eliminate toxins in the body.

If you are flexible enough you can administer reflexology to yourself, start at the toes work down to the heel, ankle, inner and outer foot and finish on the top, use the table below as a guide to the sequence, if you want to know where each point is print of the  foot chart.

Where can Reflexology be Applied ? Back to top

Foot Reflexology

This is most widly used method of reflexology, foot reflexology is a method of stimulating reflex areas of the feet that relax which rejuvenate each and every part of the body including the glands and organs.

By relaxing the body, tension is relieved and the circulation of blood and lymph is restored to its natural flow and all of the body functions more efficiently. Also awareness of one's body is heightened.

Hand Reflexology
Hand reflexology uses the same techniques as foot reflexology only on the hands. This is a great treatment to give yourself when you get a moment. Working on the hands can be just as effective as working on the feet.

Ear Reflexololgy 
Ear reflexology is the most recent reflexology and least well known, and it has evolved out of Auricular Therapy acupuncture of the ears.

Ear reflexology refers to physical stimulation of the reflex areas of the ears without the use of needles. The techniques used in ear reflexology are different to those used with the feet and hands, primarily because of the different size of the ears.

How can reflexology help ? Back to top
Reflexology does not claim to cure, diagnose or prescribe. Reflexology can be used to help restore and maintain the body’s natural equilibrium. This gentle therapy encourages the body to work naturally to restore its own healthy balance. Many people use reflexology as a way of relaxing the mind and body and counteracting stress,
Reflexology is for all ages and may bring relief from a wide range of acute and chronic conditions. After you have completed a course of reflexology treatment for a specific condition, many people find it beneficial to continue with regular treatments in order to maintain health and well-being.

Reflexology can been effective for:
Back Pain
Migraine
Infertility
Arthritis
Sleep disorders
Hormonal imbalances
Sports injuries
Digestive disorders
Stress-related conditions

Reflex Points In the Feet

The toes~ the head and neck area/sinuses, pituitary gland, brain matter, eyes, ears, upper lymphatics.

Ball of foot ~thoracic area/ lungs, heart, thyroid, parathyroid, neck diaphragm.

Foot arch~ abdominal area/ liver, gall bladder, stomach, pancreas, duodenum, spleen, small intestine, ileo-cecal valve, appendix, large intestine, kidneys, adrenals, ureters, bladder, solar plexus.

Heel~ pelvic area/ pelvis, sciatic nerve.

Ankle~ reproductive area/ uterus, ovaries, prostate, testes, fallopian tubes, vas deferens

Inner foot~ spine, spinal twist.

Outer foot~ knee, hip, elbow, shoulder.

Top of foot~ breasts, circulation.

Learn Reflexology Back to top

International Council for Reflexologists

By joining an AoR accredited course you will be certain of receiving the right sort of training. In addition you will benefit from the support of the largest independent professional organisation for reflexology in the country.
The AoR is an approved Awarding Body for a Practitioner Certificate in Reflexology, and is listed on Schedule 2a of the Further Education Funding Council's list of Vocational Qualifications.

Beauty Guides

Disclaimer
Gelisy strives to be as accurate as possible all the information that is within this web site is not guaranteed to be completely accurate. We do not specifically recommend or endorse any of the treatments displayed on this web site. We do not offer a referral service and do not warranty, guarantee or specifically endorse any of the therapists or companies who advertise their service or products on this web site. Before embarking on any therapy treatment, skin care regime, nutritional supplements or fitness regime consult your doctor.