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Reflexology is a science based on the principle that reflexes, or areas, in the feet, hands and other parts of the body relate to the internal organs and other structures of the body.

There are several definitions of the word ‘reflex’, all of which are relevant here:

• ‘an involuntary unconscious response to stimuli’

• ‘a mirror image’

• ‘to turn or be directed back’.

The definition of ‘ology’ is the study of that branch of science. The term ‘microcosm’ is also relevant: this is defined as ‘a small system regarded as a little self-contained world that represents all the qualities or activities of something much larger’. In reflexology the feet, hands and ears are seen as a perfect microcosm of the body, with a somatic replication of all organs, glands and muscles of the body on to an area or a reflex point. Palpation or pressure on such points helps to achieve balance in the body by normalizing the function of internal organs through a system of zones that link particular reflexes with particular organs. This treatment by pressure helps to stimulate the body’s healing process and to allow the person to achieve physical and emotional well-being. There are many ways to apply pressure. Even wringing the hands or rubbing them together can be quite beneficial, while putting the fingertips together helps to stimulate the brain, and squeezing the fingers can relieve a headache or toothache. The points to which pressure is applied are located by reference to both Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and the zone theory. The area just behind the ball of the foot is known as ‘Bubbling Spring’ (or ‘Well’) point, a vital point in the Chinese meridian theory; this is the same point where the solar plexus is represented on the feet in the reflexology theory. It is on these minute reflex areas that the reflexologist will apply precise alternating pressure techniques, thus bringing about a therapeutic effect on the corresponding area of the body.

Reflexology is truly a holistic non-invasive therapy, where the practitioner sees the patient as a whole; it is most important that the practitioner is aware of this concept from the onset of treatment, as it is this approach and perspective that is so advantageous. Patients’ problems should not be viewed as just a bad shoulder or stiff neck and so forth. The body does not function as an individual part but as an interaction of many structures and systems (see chapter 2).

Reflexology is a must for the 21st century. We need to make this age-old therapy an essential part of everyday life for all, young and old alike. Reflexology treatment has many benefits. It leads to a better functioning of the circulatory system, as blood flow is improved, taking all the nutrients to the appropriate parts more efficiently. Blood and nerve supply to muscles improves, aiding and relaxing muscle spasm and tension. The treatment also promotes good muscle tone through nerve stimulation, so reflexology helps compensate for lack of exercise in cases of illness or old age. It also promotes a more active peripheral vascular return. This is especially helpful in people who have a sedentary lifestyle, whose skeletal muscles often lack the ability of squeezing the veins to increase the venous blood pressure; as a result of the therapy their hearts do not have to work quite so hard to bring about the venous return. The person often finds the therapy warming and exhilarating, as it calms the nervous system. Since stress-related problems do not seem to have the same adverse effects the person is better able to cope. Reflexology can in fact be both sedative and stimulating to the nervous system; this is why it benefits and relieves pain in many nervous and autoimmune disorders. Also, the processes of elimination work more efficiently, so that there is no accumulation of excess waste within the system, which many therapists consider the primary cause of disease. Stimulating the circulation helps the elimination of excess waste products and contributes to increase of excretion of fluids. The treatment generally also lessens inflammation, pain, swelling, heat and redness, which may occur as reactions of the body’s tissues to injury. In cases of injury, in reflexology there is no need to touch the impaired part itself. Stimulation to the lymphatics helps the oedema that is often the body’s reaction to injury, and the accumulation of fluids that could also be the result of a defective kidney or a circulatory disorder.

Research on its physiological effects is still in its very early stages; many studies of treatment outcomes have been published but more in-depth clinical trials are needed to verify the many noted outcomes and to test some of the hypotheses so that the possible theories of action can be elucidated. Reflexologists worldwide are communicating with each other to further research that is not just anecdotal evidence, but demonstrates comprehensive outcomes showing the benefits of treatment; however, more advanced study of how and why reflexology works is still needed. This will be achieved only when research moves in the direction of standardized, randomized, controlled studies of the reflexology treatment. Studies to date have shown how reflexology has a sedative or stimulating effect on the nervous system depending on the type (firm or gentle pressure) and length of treatment. There is also the question of whether it is stimulating or sedating nerve pathways (for a full discussion of the nervous system and reflexology see chapter 2). The tradition of pressure for relieving pain has been under much discussion since the late 1800s. Many great medical men have been involved in studies of reflexes and how nerve signals are transmitted, and have shown how such pressure affects the autonomic nervous system, which in turn improves the function of all the organs and structures of the body. Studies of nerve innervation have demonstrated that such pressure either increases or decreases the rate and strength of the heartbeat, depending on whether the sympathetic or parasympathetic nervous system is stimulated. Analysis of the sensory stimulus to the nerve endings by touch shows how reflexology enables the body to provide better functioning of all the structures and organs within it. There is a hypothesis that reflexology treatment may also encourage the process of cell renewal, acting at cellular level to provide better intercellular communication. Studies on outcomes of treatment show that the sensory stimuli to all the reflexes aids the body in repairing itself. Theories of its effect include activation of the sebaceous glands and sweat glands, which help in moisturizing and lubricating the skin. Other glands and organs would also benefit by stimulation of the blood circulation, because this is like a transport system, and through the continuous flow of blood around the body nutrients from the alimentary tract are distributed to all tissues of the body. So more oxygen from the lungs reaches all the tissues, and waste material (including carbon dioxide) is transported to the excretory surfaces. Hormones are transported from endocrine glands to other organs and tissues. In the immune system the lymphocytes, which have a defensive action in removing waste, germs and dead cells, are activated. The leucocytes, or white blood cells, are transported to the site of infection quicker, helping to reduce pain and stiffness of joints, improving mobility, and helping in antibody production.

Reflexology is the subject of many research programmes, each organization conducting its own investigation. The many societies and associations, together with the present-day umbrella bodies within the UK, are all recording outcomes of treatment. We also have a research Council for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. The International Council of Reflexologists in America is made up from many leading health care practitioners from around the world, all with the same aims and goals. This organization openly encourages research and is also promoting critical thinking skills amongst its members. The latest news from the research committee of the federation of Danish reflexologists, the Forenede Danske Zoneterapeuter (FDZ) (summarized from an article in their newsletter), is as follows: In 1995 the National Board of Health Council for Alternative Treatment published the results of a countrywide study entitled ‘Headaches and reflexological treatment’ in which 220 patients were treated by 78 reflexologists throughout the country; they were monitored from the time they decided to begin reflexology treatment until they finished the course, and again 3 months after the final treatment. Seventy-eight per cent of patients reported that they had been either cured (23 per cent) or helped (55 per cent). These results are reported with the permission of Christine Issel (see Useful addresses).

Today there is no concise explanation of the rationale of how and why reflexology works, that is accepted by the medical fraternity. Just like any other therapy, however, so much depends on the practitioner in the art of using this technique. It is often said that a poorly trained reflexology practitioner will not necessarily harm you; however, the benefits of receiving treatment from a competently trained practitioner are astounding and it can work wonders if applied correctly.

We should not need to postulate about the benefits of reflexology treatment, because any recipient can attest whether they are in pain prior to treatment. There are comparatively few that leave with the same degree of pain and discomfort. While this relief may not last until the next session, on subsequent visits the problem will often right itself. Most reflexologists will also substantiate that since they have been practising reflexology they often themselves feel better; this may indicate that the stimulation of their own fingers is affecting their nervous systems and benefiting them in some way.

The following chapters explain the history and theory of reflexology by reference to the concepts of zones, reflexes, meridians and nerve pathways. It is to be hoped that by the end of this book, readers will agree that it does not matter whether one is working on a meridian, or a reflex, or a nerve pathway, or an energy line. They may decide just to accept the zone theory. Whatever is transmitted by the technique is powerful and potent to the body. Reflexology achieves homeostasis of all the systems of the body, through the reduction of the effects of stress, and by giving complete relaxation to the recipient.