Reflexology

Introduction

Reflexology is similar to acupuncture and acupressure in that it involves the stimulation of 'acupuncture points'. However, in reflexology, the foot is seen as a representative of the whole of the human body (not quite literally, though!). Certain areas of the foot represent specific areas of the body, as well as the organs. Maybe if you had an issue with your face, the 'energy blockage' might be seen, or have first manifested on the bottom of your two big feet.

  History of Reflexology

My first Reflexology book I got from a local charity shop. In it I discovered that someone - the previous own presumably - had put in a couple of pieces of paper with more information about Reflexology, which I found most useful and interesting. No idea where they came from originally or by whom, but here is what one of them said that "Through out history the touching and massaging of the feet has been shown as an ancient healing therapy. The tomb walls of Ankhmahor illustrate ancient Egyptians massaging each other's feet. This dates back from 2330 B.C. ..." . 

  Furthermore "American Indians believed massaging the feet was a method of balancing the body physically and mentally. The Chinese have been using acupressure for over 5000 years."

  As to the history of Reflexology itself "In the early 20th century ear nose and throat physician William Fitzgerald discovered [that] by applying pressure to one part of the body, another part of the body would be anaesthetised. Eventually, his experiments led him to perform minor surgery using these techniques.

   "Dr. Fitzgerald developed the theory of diving the body into longitudinal zones. One of Fitzgerald's colleagues published an article, 'To stop that toothache[,] squeeze your toe', bringing zone theory to the attention of the medical profession. In conjunction, with Fitzgerald he later wrote a book."

Then "Dr Joseph Riley and his wife Elizabeth became interested in this research and developed it further. Using this knowledge in their school of chiropractic in Washington D.C.[,] Eunice Ingham a physiotherapist at their school developed Zone therapy into foot reflexology. After her death in 1974 her nephew Dwight Byers carries on her work."

When was Reflexology first brought to Britain? According to the piece of paper, Reflexology was "...brought to Britain by Doreen Bayley in 1966 after she had studied with Eunice Ingham. Reflexologists today still use Eunice Ingham's charts and she is always remembered as 'the mother of reflexology.'" 

(Whoever wrote that paper, thank you. It's very interesting!)

How does Reflexology work?

 

You may be more familiar with the concept of meridians, or chakras. If you are, then acupuncture points aren't too different: on a level that is energetic in nature, acupuncture points are supposed to exist in our physical bodies. When we suffer from illness, the illness is said to first be manifested in the aura, which is said to be an electro-magnetic field which takes the appearance of a 'bubble' or 'egg'. After the illness's manifestation it the aura, given time the illness (or 'energy blockage') appears in the physical body. At first, it may be subtle and not noticed initially. This will be when it manifests as an energetic blockage of a particular acupunture point of points. When this happens, there is an energy imbalance. The blocked acupuncture points affect the particular meridians that they are on, then the chakras that are in association with the particular meridians become blocked. The chakras are supposed to regulate the flow of the universal life force that comes from the universe and enters the physical body through the crown chakra at the top of the head. This is 'prana', 'ki', 'life force' or 'chi'. Meanwhile, the Kundalini (earth energy) enters the physical body through the sole chakras - chakras which are said to be black in colour and are in the centre of the feet. According to my 'spiritual theory' (just a theory!), when the universal energy meets the kundalini - probably around the second chakra (the sacral chakra), one of the 'lower' and 'denser' chakras -it produces the body's aura.
     According to Reflexology and acupressure by Janet Wright, the purpose of reflexology "...is to treat the whole person, rather than the symptom, on the grounds that a symptom such as pain or a skin rash is usually the sign of an internal problem. Eliminating the symptom without solving the problem that caused it would be like trying to cure measles by painting over the spots. In addition, working exclusively on one part of the body may get the energy moving in that area, only to have it stagnate somewhere else. The patient may end up feeling worse rather than better. So a reflexologist normally starts by working on the entire foot in order to treat the entire person, before homing in on an area that requires extra help."

Advice

Another piece of paper that came in my Reflexology book was one with advice for reflexology treatments. 

   It states that after a reflexology treatment, the client should:

• Always drink plenty of water
• Avoid alcohol
• Eat a light diet
• Attempt to spend the rest of the day relaxing 

It also says that: "Some people experience a 'healing crisis' after the treatment that could last for up to 3 days. This is the body healing itself and is a positive response." Symptoms, according to the paper that may occur are:

• Flu like symptoms
• General fatigue
• Symptoms feeling worse 

Finally, it advises that the client should "Always note these symptoms to discuss at your next appointment." This is from a paper clipping which states who it's from, and the reference is 'At Fitness By Design'.

Further reading

Reflexology - by Joelle Peeters
Reflexology and acupressure - by Janet Wright
Reflexology, The Complete Illustrated Guide to - by Inge Doughans