What is reflexology?

Reflexology is the practice of applying pressure to the feet and hands utilizing specific thumb, finger and hand techniques without the ...

Reflexology is the practice of applying pressure to the feet and hands utilizing specific thumb, finger and hand techniques without the use of oil, cream or lotion based on a system of zones and reflex areas that reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands with a premise that such work effects a physical change in the body.

How does reflexology work?
The underlying theory behind reflexology is that there are "reflex" areas on the feet and hands that correspond to specific organs, glands, and other parts of the body. For example:

the tips of the toes reflect the head
the heart and chest are around the ball of the foot
the liver, pancreas and kidney are in the arch of the foot
low back and intestines are towards the heel

What You Need To Know About Reflexology

Reflexology can be a good treatment choice for people who want to keep their clothes on during a massage. It is also a good choice if you are pressed for time and don't want to get oil on your body or in your hair.




You should ask what kind of specific training or certification the therapist has in reflexology. Any massage therapist or esthetician, who are both licensed to work on the body, can legally give you "reflexology" even though they've had minimal training. It's better to get reflexology from someone who has been through a specific reflexology training and certification program.

Reflexology was first developed in the United States in the early 20th century, and was called "zonal therapy" in its earliest incarnations. It is based on the theory that the body is divided into ten zones running longitudinally from head to toe -- five on each side of the body. Practitioners believe that pressure on reflex points on the foot or hand will affect body organs in the same zone.

In recent years, reflexology practitioners have begun to incorporate the acupressure techniques of Traditional Chinese Medicine (T.C.M.) into their work. Although reflexology is based on the theory of "zones" instead of T.C.M.'s theory of "meridians" or energy pathways, both treatments are based on the principle that working on specific points can bring about a therapeutic effect in other parts of the body.

Regulation

In the United Kingdom, reflexology is now regulated on a voluntary basis by the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC). Registrants must have full public and professional liability insurance and additional annual courses are a condition of re-registration.

Note: As registration with the CNHC is voluntary anyone may still practice the discipline and describe themselves as reflexologists. In addition, no evidence of the efficacy of any of the techniques of reflexology is required for such registration.

How can reflexology help you?

A professionally trained reflexologist can detect subtle changes in specific points on the feet, and by working on these points aims to reduce stress, ease tension and help the body to achieve its own natural healthy balance known as homeostasis.

Reflexology helps relaxation, improves mood, aids sleep, helps to relieve tension and improves sense of wellbeing and may help with many stress related issues such as:

Joint pain / back pain
Anxiety
Fertility issues
Hormonal inbalances
Sleep disorders
Breathing disorders
Skin disorders
Digestive disorders

Here are some Reflexology Pictures (click to view)