It is also easy to learn the techniques and self-apply almost anywhere, anytime, all you need is some simple instruction and a reflexology foot chart. Reflexology is becoming increasing popular as it is considered to be a safe, non-invasive, natural treatment, without the need for drugs or chemicals. Release Endorphins: chemical which help to reduce pain and stress.Improve Health: boost the immune system.Improve Circulation: of blood, nutrients and nerve signals.Balance Energy: the flow of Qi throughout the body.Here is an example of a reflexology foot chart (you can find more examples at the end of this article): the sinuses are linked to the tips of each of the toes and the knee is linked to part of the outer border of the sole of the foot.
It’s not as simple as drawing a body on your foot, instead the size, position and scale is altered e.g. Each part of the body is represented on a certain part of one or both feet. Imagine a map of your whole body projected onto your foot - that is essentially what a reflexology foot chart or map is. Reflexology also produces endorphins, chemicals which help to reduce pain and stress. This allows a deep state of relaxation which enables the body to heal itself. Reflexology aims to remove any blockages and allow Qi to flow freely through the whole body until a state of balance, known as homeostasis, is achieved.īy stimulating different areas from a reflexology foot chart, reflexologists improve the flow of energy to the linked body part and restore the balance and flow of Qi. The theory is that if your Qi is disrupted or blocked through stress, injury, illness, toxicity or congestion then the body becomes unbalanced, unable to heal itself and pain can develop. Reflexology claims to work on the theory of Qi (pronounced Chee) – an invisible energy field or life force that flows through the different channels or zones in the body. They built on the theory of zone therapy by mapping the entire body into “reflexes” on the feet leading to the first reflexology foot chart. Their works greatly increased understanding of how reflexology works. Modern reflexology developed in the early 20th century largely due to the works of Dr William Fitzgerald and physiotherapist Eunice Ingham, who are considered the father and mother of reflexology. Three transverse lines were later introduced, dividing the body horizontally as well as vertically. In zone therapy the body is divided into ten longitudinal zones (five on each side of the body).Įach zone runs down the body, diverges into one of the arms, and continues straight down through the body and into the particular leg, all the way to the respective foot to line up with a particular toe. Hieroglyphics found in a pyramid in Egypt dating back to 2330 BC show reflexology as part of Egyptian culture at that time.īy the end of the 14th century a version known as “reflex zone therapy” was being used throughout Europe. The origins of reflexology can be traced back around 5000 years to Egypt and China. The American Reflexology Certification Board defines reflexology as “a non-invasive, complementary practice involving thumb and finger techniques to apply alternating pressure to reflexes shown on reflex maps of the body located on the feet, hands and outer ears”. Here we will look at what reflexology is, how it started, how it works, what a reflexology foot chart looks like, the benefits of reflexology, the scientific research behind it, the benefits and risks and why reflexology should be used alongside conventional medicine rather than as an alternative. Reflexology can be used to treat a variety of symptoms including headaches, sinus problems and stomach issues. Reflexology is based on the principle that the hands and feet are made up of zones which reflect the different organs, body parts and systems, known as reflex areas.īy stimulating these reflex areas, most commonly using specific massage techniques, you can reduce stress and pain in the related parts of the body and promote general well-being by improving the circulation of blood and energy. Reflexology is not just a “posh” word for a foot massage, it is much more complex than just rubbing the feet! A reflexology foot chart is a commonly used tool in complimentary medicine with reflexology becoming increasingly popular for reducing pain and stress.
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