Reflexology

Citation

Niblock, G. (1999), "Reflexology", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 99 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/nfs.1999.01799caf.002

Reflexology

Reflexology

Reflexology is a complementary therapy which works alongside conventional medicine. It uses a foot pressure technique that works on precise reflex points in the feet, based on the theory that these reflex points are relative to all parts and functions of the body. Reflexology treats the whole body and is a holistic form of healing, which as well as treating the body covers two other important aspects which are the mind and spirit. The term holistic comes from the Greek word "holos" which means whole.

Reflexology is a very ancient therapy known to man for many thousands of years and practised by the Indians of America, the Chinese and the Egyptians as well as many other ancient cultures. In fact a wall painting dating back to about 2330 bc in the tomb of Ankhmahor ( highest official after the king ) at Saqqara in Egypt, known as the physicians' tomb, shows a treatment being given to both the feet and hands and the hieroglyphics read: "Do not hurt me" says the patient, and the practitioner replies, "I shall act so that you praise me".

Early this century Dr William Fitzgerald, an American ear, nose and throat surgeon, introduced this therapy to America and Europe. His studies showed that pressure on specific parts of the body could have an anaesthetising effect on other related body areas. He devised a formula for dividing the body into ten equal longitudinal zones of energy ending in the toes and fingers. He proved that, by using pressure in the form of clamps, rubber bands and probes, pressure applied to one part of the zone would affect everything else within that zone. Therefore, by applying pressure to certain specific points in the feet and hands it created a stimulation and an energy or nerve impulse through the entire zone.

In the 1930s Eunice Ingham, an assistant to Dr Joseph Shelby Riley, one of the few members of the medical profession at that time who believed in Fitzgerald's theory, worked further on the "zone theory". She refined and developed it into what today is known as foot reflexology. She charted minute reflex points in the feet and their effect on the rest of the body and drew up a map of the feet to reflect the corresponding organs and functions of the body. The hands as well as the feet contain reflex points and they can be treated in the same way as the feet, but sensitivity and response are usually greater in the feet than the hands.

Reflexology today, along with many other complementary therapies, is enjoying a revival as a natural way of treating the stresses and strains of modern-day living. The application of the therapeutic foot pressure technique and the practitioner's skill, together with the relationship created by the practitioner with the patient, all work together to create a state of harmony and balance. The reflexologist is only one half of the healing process ­ the patient has to have the will to overcome disease. Disease comes from both internal and external influences outside the body, but the main aim of holistic healing is to treat the root cause not the various symptoms and at the same time to encourage the patient to be responsible for their own state of health. The body has a great ability to heal itself. During illness, injury, disease or stress the body is in a state of imbalance and the energy pathways become congested and blocked. Reflexology helps to restore the body's natural equilibrium and encourages healing by allowing the body to relax at a deep internal level.

Reflexology is a safe therapy, which uses no equipment other than a pair of trained hands. There are no boundaries to those that can be treated and because reflexology treats the whole person most people benefit. However, although treatment relieves stress and tension and induces a state of total relaxation, it must be remembered that there is no such thing as an instant cure. As most disease takes time to develop and manifest itself, so likewise the healing process will also take time.

The therapy can be used to treat a wide variety of ailments such as migraine, sinus conditions, high blood pressure, depression, stress, PMT, and it is extremely effective in treating all forms of back conditions.

A first visit to a reflexologist will involve a preliminary talk which allows for consultation and discussion regarding case history. This is then followed by the treatment session which uses the specific reflexology technique on both feet with additional attention to problem areas. The whole treatment lasts approximately an hour. There is sometimes an immediate improvement after just one session, but generally positive results can be seen after two or three treatments. Where there is a particular problem, such as a bad back, it is best to have a number of treatments, once a week to start with, then reducing to once a month.

No two people are exactly the same and it is difficult to state the length of treatment as this will depend on the specific needs of the individual and the patient's response after the initial sessions. Expect to pay in the region of £15-£20 per treatment, but this will vary around the country.

Foot reflexology is a safe and effective way of encouraging the body to heal itself. As well as treating a wide variety of diseases and disorders it is an excellent way of preventing ill health and of helping individuals to find true harmony in themselves.

For names and addresses of practitioners in your area and for details of training courses contact: The Holistic Association of Reflexologists/British School of Reflexology, The Holistic Healing Centre, 92 Sheering Road, Old Harlow, Essex CM17 0JW.

Further reading

Douglas, I., The Complete Illustrated Guide to Reflexology, Element Books.

Gillanders, A., Reflexology ­ The Ancient Answer to Modern Ailments, Jenny Lee Publishing Services.

Ingham, E., Stories The Feet Can Tell, Stories the Feet Have Told, Holistic Association of Reflexologists.

Wills, P., The Reflexology Manual, Headline Book Publishing.

Gill Niblock