On-Line Reflexology Training & Certification

Reflexology Educators, Mentors and Coaches since 1991

Zone therapy

By Leave a Comment

Reflexology as we now know it in the West has its origins in the study of zone therapy. Zone therapy is based on there being longitudinal lines of energy running up through the body from the feet to the brain, and from the hands to the brain. The development of acupuncture was founded on an understanding of these energy zones, but instead of gentle pressure being applied to specific points, fine needles are inserted under the skin to stimulate the energy pathway and so restore homeostasis to the body.

Here in the West because of widespread acceptance of foot Reflexology, and following along with the holographic principle (see article “Understanding The Holographic Principle”) other areas of application of Reflexology to various body parts, most recently the ear, are now following the same path to popularity that foot and hand Reflexology have traveled.

So the question then is – can performing Reflexology on the surface of the foot, hand or ear really have a reflex action elsewhere in the body? In other words can pressing a specific area on the foot, hand or ear really help a headache? The answer is Yes! As mentioned previously, the answer can be found in holographic principle.

See also the article How Does Reflexology Work? for additional information.

Eczema

By Leave a Comment

Eczema:

Definition: A reaction of the skin to a wide range of stimulants or irritants, both physical and emotional. Can be acute or chronic.

Possible causes: Allergy to chemicals, dust, detergents, soap and cosmetics. Stress. Poor diet. Family history of allergies. Detoxifying through the skin. Often linked to asthma.

General Signs & Symptoms: Itching, redness, dryness, scaling and weeping of the skin, crusts and secondary skin infections.

Primary Reflexology Target Areas: Lungs, Bronchi, Diaphragm, Heart

Reflexology Areas of Assistance: Digestive System, Adrenals

Holistic Advice: Ensure a good balanced diet of fresh fruit and vegetables. Drinking plenty of water can help to keep the skin hydrated. Hypoallergenic moisturizers may be of benefit.

Extracted from “Conditions & Precautions for Reflexologists” manual part of the Universal College of Reflexology’s Therapeutic Reflexology Diploma Program

Reflexology & Cardio Vascular System Research

By Leave a Comment

B. S. M. Frankel of the Department of Physiology, University of Leeds, England has conducted a pilot study “to identify if reflexology and foot massage affect the physiology of the body by measuring baroreceptor reflex sensitivity, blood pressure, and sinus arrhythmia.” Ten recipients of reflexology work and ten recipients of foot massage work were compared to a control group of four individuals in a single blind study.

Frankel found that “The reflexology and foot massage groups showed significantly greater reductions in baroreceptor reflex sensitivity compared to the control group.

This study found no significant difference in blood pressure after intervention. The frequency of sinus arrhythmia after reflexology and foot massage increased by 43.9% and 34.1% respectively.”

The study examines the link between pressure to the feet and baroreceptors of the heart. The baroreceptor reflex “maintains blood pressure and homeostasis by changes in the autonomic outflow.” It effects behavior such as “sleep, mental arithmetic and exercise” and “physiological processes and reflexes such as aging and the defense reflex.” It also interacts with certain diseases such as heart failure.

The implication of the study is that pressure to the feet impacts these behaviors and processes.

Frankel’s conclusion is that a neuro theory of reflexology should be considered. He states that “foot massage and reflexology could alter the baroreceptor sensitivity by stimulating the sensory nervous system in the feet.” He suggests a mechanism in the nervous system by which reflexology and touch itself may be “therapeutic.” The pressure sensors in the feet are linked to the same part of the brain as the baroreceptor reflex. He hypothesizes that this could be the point of influence.

Frankel, B. S. M., “The effect of reflexology on baroreceptor reflex sensitivity, blood pressure and sinus arrhythmia,”
Complementary Therapies in Medicine, Churchill, London, 1997, Vol. 5, pp. 80-84

Reflexology & Fertility

By Leave a Comment

‘I only wish I’d tried this sooner’

Women with fertility problems are turning to reflexology – and the results are so impressive, now a hospital trial has begun, says Rebecca Hardy

When Paula Lavin, 34, decided that she wanted a second baby, the doctors said that it was “highly unlikely” that she would ever conceive naturally. But Paula was determined: her first child was born after four harrowing years of fertility treatment, and this time she wanted to try a natural approach. Her doctors were highly skeptical. Undeterred, she booked an appointment with a Reflexologist. Two months later, she was pregnant. (The Independent -15 March 2004)

Has Reflexology an Effect on Infertility?

By Leave a Comment

By Leila Ericksen, FDZ Research Committee, Denmark

To determine the effect of reflexology on infertility 108 women under 35 years with no previous children, and that had attempted to become pregnant for more than two years were selected from 260 applicants. Forty-seven of the 108 withdrew. The remaining 61 women were given sixteen 45 minute reflexology treatments over a 7 – 8 month period. Treatments were given 2 times a week for 4 weeks, then 2 treatments before ovulation. Nine women (15%) became pregnant within six months after starting treatment. Of two thirds of the women who had menstruation problems 77% experienced an appreciable improvement, with the majority totally getting rid of the problems.

Three quarters of all the women reported improvements in other ailments such as: muscle tensions, psychic imbalances, indigestion, poor circulation and general imbalance.

Reflexology & Back Pain

By Leave a Comment

A study conducted at the Hospital of Beijing College of Languages investigated the effect of reflexology treatment on acute lower back pain. Twenty patients between the ages of 35 and 55, all of whom were teachers or office workers, and suffering from lower back strain participated in the study.

The reflex points on the patients’ feet were treated for a maximum of ten treatments and the results analyzed. All of the patients reported that the treatment had effectively eliminated their pain; 5 of the patients obtained complete relief after only one treatment, 10 after 3 to 4 treatments and a further 5 after 5 to 7 treatments. No analgesics or other medications were used throughout the course of treatments.

Although a small scale study, it adds to the growing body of evidence confirming that reflexology has extensive therapeutic value beyond the realms of mere relaxation and stress management.

– Xiao Zhenge, Hospital of Beijing College of Languages