Reflexology

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This is an example of a reflexology chart, correlating areas of the feet with organs in the "zones" of the body. (Larger version with colour key)
This is an example of a reflexology chart, correlating areas of the feet with organs in the "zones" of the body. (Larger version with colour key)

Reflexology, or zone therapy, is the practice of stimulating nerves on the feet, hands and ears, in order to encourage a beneficial effect on some other parts of the body, or to try to improve general health. Reflexology is most commonly performed on the feet, moving on to the hands and/or ears where physical restraints, such as veruccas or fractures, apply.

Practitioners believe the foot to be divided into a number of reflex zones corresponding to all zones of the energy of the body, and that applying pressure in the form of massage to "tight" or "gritty" areas of a person's foot will stimulate the corresponding part of the energy body and assist the self-healing process. Contrary to some beliefs, reflexology does not seek to diagnose or cure medical conditions - merely imbalances in the life energy (Ki) of the body.

Contents

[edit] Theory

Several hypotheses have been put forward to explain the mechanism behind reflexology, although none have been scientifically proven.

According to one theory, a reflexologist can break up patterns of stress in other parts of the body through the 7200 nerves in the feet by applying “technique”:

“Pressure applied to the feet generates a signal through the peripheral nervous system. From there it enters the central nervous system where it is processed in various parts of the brain. It is then relayed to the internal organs to allocate the necessary adjustments in fuel and oxygen. Finally a response is fashioned that is sent on to the motor system. This message is fed forward to adjust the body's tone or overall tension level. Theoretically, if applied properly, the tone will reset itself to a lower operating tempo. A lower operating tempo means a lessening of stress and less wear and tear on the body's systems.” [1]

Another proposed theory is that the body contains an invisible life force, or energy field. It has been suggested that when this “life force” is blocked or imbalanced, illness may result. However, stimulation of the foot can unblock and increase the flow of vital energy to various unhealthy parts of the body and promote healing.[2]

In reflexology, it is believed by practitioners that there is a "vital energy" that is circulating between organs of the human body, that penetrates into every living cell. Whenever this energy is blocked, the zone of blockage will be affected, and the reflex zones can indicate the blockage of energy in different organs. Therefore, if someone has a problem in a particular organ, a reflexologist will press on the corresponding reflex zone or zones, and the person will sometimes experience pain. This pain is claimed to originate from the deposition of crystals in the reflex zone and, with massage, these crystalline structures can be broken down and the pain relieved. Simultaneously, the pressure applied to the reflex zones by the reflexologist is claimed to pass through the nerves to dissipate energy blocks.

Some other proposed theories include the release of endorphins (natural pain killers in the body), stimulation of nerve circuits in the body ("cutaneo-organ reflexes"), promotion of lymphatic flow or the dissolving of uric acid crystals.[2]

[edit] History

This picture may show ancient Egyptian reflexologists[1], or possibly a Manicure/Pedicure
This picture may show ancient Egyptian reflexologists[1], or possibly a Manicure/Pedicure

Reflexology has been practiced for thousands of years in Asia. It was introduced into the United States in 1913 by William H. Fitzgerald, M.D. (1872-1942), an ear, nose, and throat specialist, and accompanied by Dr. Edwin Bowers. At the time, he showed that applying pressure had an anesthetic effect on another area.[3]

Reflexology was further developed by Eunice D. Ingham (1899-1974), a nurse and physiotherapist, in the 1930s and 1940s[4]. Ingham found that the feet and hands were especially sensitive, and then mapped the entire body into "reflexes" on the feet. It was at this time that "zone therapy" was renamed reflexology, and found to be effective for more than just pain reduction.

Modern reflexologists in the United States and the United Kingdom often learn Ingham's method first, although there are other more recently developed methods.[2]

[edit] Reported Effects

[edit] Short term

Reactions to reflexology are demonstrated by case studies rather than statistical conclusions. These will vary between individuals and treatments, but are most commonly reported to include the following:[5]

During treatment

  • Feelings of relaxation, comfort, or wellbeing
  • Client may sigh, yawn, or fall asleep - this is often described as surprisingly refreshing
  • Tiredness
  • "Tingling" sensations
  • Slightly reduced body temperature as a result of relaxation

According to the theories of reflexology, the tingling and tiredness are due to release of built-up toxins and clearing of energy blockages in the body.

After treatment

  • Reduced stress
  • Feelings of deep relaxation
  • Improved circulation
  • Induced homeostasis, or the body "being in a dynamic state of balance"
  • Revitalized personal energy

In rare cases a client may experience a "healing crisis", which may include headaches, nausea and sinus congestion. This is considered by practitioners to be a result of the body clearing its toxins, and is unlikely to be disabling or to last more than twenty-four hours. Reflexologists believe this experience is a positive cleansing process, and reassure the client.

[edit] Long-term

  • Immune system boost through reduced stress
Stress can drain the immune system, leading to more frequent cases of illness and infection. Stress can also cause tension, which can cause neck and shoulder stiffness and headaches. Regular relaxation can help prevent stress and improve the overall functioning of the immune system.
  • Feeling of increased energy
It is claimed that reflexology opens pathways to renew ourselves and boost our energy level, immediately after treatment and for several days afterwards. It could keep us free from the feeling of lacking motivation, tiredness, and inability to concentrate. Reflexology advocates say that reflexology not only relieves symptoms, but also acts on improvements of our body as a whole.

[edit] Current practice

General application

Reflexologists apply pressure using their thumbs and fingers on "reflex zones" found on the feet and hands which are said to correspond to the different parts of the body.

Reflexology is a widespread practice in Asia, where foot reflexology is quite popular. Although many people are skeptical about the concepts underlying this practice, its use is spreading - perhaps because it is being taken simply as a relaxing massage therapy.

It should be made clear that reflexology is not intended to diagnose or treat medical conditions, and is not a replacement for conventional medical practice.[6]

Professional treatment as defined by the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT)

All professional treatment will begin with a consultation, to assess the current physical condition of the client and to identify any contraindications.

A practitioner will most likely sanitise the feet before beginning. (During the treatment, clients are only required to relax and expose their feet to the reflexologist.) This is often followed by application of oil or powder with some relaxation techniques and then the reflexology itself. Throughout the treatment, a practitioner will notice any imbalances reflected in the foot, working over those areas for longer to aid the restoration of energetic homeostasis. Some therapists will use hand as well as foot reflexology, some as an alternative if the foot is injured in some way.

Treatment components can also include soft music, essential oil and soft lighting, although components vary considerably between practitioners and each will have their own method of working. A good practitioner will create an atmosphere that will relax and nurture a client.

A treatment can be expected to last about one hour, although this may vary and will be discussed before treatment. The number and frequency of treatments may also be recommended by the practitioner.

Self-reflexology

Sales of foot reflexology equipment, such as rollers, are increasing rapidly. In addition, many new instruments using the same principle are being marketed, such as whole body vacuum cans. Socks printed with reflex zone footmaps were developed based on reflexology. By wearing the socks, people can easily locate appropriate areas to apply pressure to. Though not generally used by professionals, these "reflexology socks" have gained popularity in Taiwan and China. Inexpensive how-to books enabling people to perform the exercises by themselves are also available for self-help practice. Reflexologists advise caution in applying the techniques to oneself, and would recommend that people should consult an expert before using them if they are pregnant or have a chronic condition.

[edit] Contraindications

As with any physical treatment, there are some conditions (contraindications) that could prevent a practitioner from treating a client.[2]

Clients should avoid reflexology if they suffer from:

  • Recent or healing fractures
  • Unhealed wounds
  • Active gout

Clients should seek medical advice before a treatment in the case of the following:

  • Osteoarthritis affecting the ankle or foot
  • Severe circulation problems in the legs or feet
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Presence of a pacemaker
  • Unstable blood pressure
  • Cancer
  • Active infections
  • Syncope
  • Mental illness
  • Gallstones or kidney stones
  • Pregnancy

[edit] Analysis

While scientists have conducted studies testing the effectiveness of reflexology, there are potential research problems that tend to crop up.

  • Testing the healing potential of reflexology on sick people raises ethical issues, because in an exclusive study sick people would be deprived of standard medical care. However, a complementary therapy is intended to heal alongside conventional medical practice, and a good therapist will state this during the first consultation if the client is in any doubt.
  • Other potential research problems are the patients’ willingness to share information about their health problems, and subliminal cuing (referring to signals that people send without realizing that they are doing so)[7].

[edit] Research

Supporting

Scientists have studied reflexology for the following health problems and found that many of the conditions were improved but that further evidence was needed.[2]

  • Relaxation, anxiety
  • Premenstrual syndrome
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Comfort and palliation in cancer patients (though no better than massage)
  • Increased fetal activity
  • Foot edema during pregnancy
  • Multiple sclerosis - specifically the management of some motor or sensory symptoms
  • Cancer pain

A Korean study on 46 women, 40-64 years of age and suffering from depression and inefficient immune system, were taught self-reflexology for two weeks, which they practiced daily for six weeks. Measures were taken before, during and after the treatment, and patients reported a significant difference in perceived stress, depression, systolic blood pressure and natural killer cells.[8]

Refuting

A study suggests that reflexology does not affect chronic lower back pain, although reflexology is purported to provide pain relief.[2]

[edit] Potential dangers

As with any other physical treatment, from the point of view of the practitioner and the client, it is wise to consider any contraindications before treatment. More of a concern are practitioners who believe they have the ability to screen for health problems or similar. Reflexology has the potential to be harmful indirectly if[7]:

  • The reflexologist tries to diagnose an illness
  • The reflexologist relies upon the feet to tell the patient that they don't have an illness, when they do
  • The system is used to replace a more effective therapy or medical treatment.

If a client is concerned about the safety of the treatment and the credibility of the practitioner, they should contact a professional body. The FHT, based in the UK, are an organisation to assist holistic therapists in their practice and to regulate the services given; the FHT strongly encourage the use of full and detailed consultations before treatment. Their affiliated Therapy Insurance Service (TIS) does not cover those in the third trimester of pregnancy, for example. In the case of a recognised serious physical illness, all professional organisations will require written permission from a general practitioner in order to go ahead with the treatment; this is not just for the client's benefit but that of the practitioner, who wishes to avoid causing harm to the client. They can provide a list of practitioners in the potential client's area upon request, and can confirm the authenticity of a practitioner on behalf of a client.

[edit] Reflexology as a pseudoscience

Current scientific research cannot support or refute the existence of life energy or ki in the body through the scientific method, suggesting that it is a pseudoscience. This does not validate or invalidate assertions made about its healing properties, though it does force more scrutiny towards the topic.

Reflexology fails to conform to the scientific method because it is very hard to create a test that conforms to personal feeling, emotions, pain, and overall sense of well being. This creates an untestable hypothesis.

Probably the biggest concern regarding the scientific basis of reflexology, and the primary reason it is sometimes dubbed a pseudoscience, is that reflexology is a “no-fail” system. If something is found at an alleged reflex point it is reassurance or "proof" that the system is valid; if nothing is found, the system is still purported to be valid because it merely detects imbalances in the energy of the body, which may or may not correspond to physical conditions or illness.

[edit] Reflexology in the Media

An episode of Penn & Teller: Bullshit! (1-03 Alternative Medicine) focused on reflexology. The original airing was February 7, 2003.

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ What is Reflexology?. Accessed November 26, 2006
  2. ^ a b c d e f Natural Standard. Harvard Medical School (July 07, 2005). Retrieved on January 27, 2007.
  3. ^ Norman, Laura; Thomas Cowan (1989). The Reflexology Handbook, A Complete Guide. Piatkus, 17. ISBN 0-86188-912-6. 
  4. ^ Benjamin. (1989). Eunice D. Ingham and the development of foot reflexology in the U.S. Massage Therapy Journal, Winter.
  5. ^ Norman, Laura; Thomas Cowan (1989). The Reflexology Handbook, A Complete Guide. Piatkus, 17-20, 23, 24. ISBN 0-86188-912-6. 
  6. ^ Facts About Reflexology. International Institute of Reflexology USA (2004). Retrieved on January 27, 2007.
  7. ^ a b Reflexology. National Council Against Health Fraud (1996). Retrieved on January 27, 2007.
  8. ^ (February 2006) "Effect of self foot reflexology on depression, stress responses and immune functions [...]". Taehan Kanho Hakhoe Chi 36 (I): 179-88. 

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

Professional Bodies and Organisations

Supporting Pages

Refuting Pages

Other Resources

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