An ancient system of diagnosis and treatment, dating from c.3000 BC, based on the belief that an image of the entire body, including the internal organs, is represented on the surface of the foot. Although reflexology zones do not correspond exactly to acupuncture meridians, diagnosis is based on the same principles as found in traditional Chinese medicine, where illness is seen as due to blockage of energy flow. Palpation of the feet locates sites of tenderness or crystalline deposits beneath the skin which relate to the sites of blockage, and treatment is given by pressure and massage to disperse the blockages and stimulate the internal organs. Although reflexology is not effective for treatment of surgical problems or structural abnormalities, there are many reports of success in treating functional disorders such as headaches, constipation, and stress-induced disorders.
Reflexology, or zone therapy, is the practice of stimulating points on the feet and hands, in the belief it will have a beneficial effect on some other parts of the body, or will improve general health. Scientists and medical professionals consider reflexology to be a pseudoscience , offering no more benefits than ordinary massage.
The most common form is foot reflexology. Practitioners believe the foot to be divided into a number of reflex zones corresponding to all parts of the body, and that applying pressure to tight or "gritty" areas of a person's foot will stimulate the corresponding body part and cause it to begin healing itself.
History
Eunice Ingham developed Reflexology in the 1930s, based on earlier theory by Dr. William Fitzgerald known as "Zone Therapy".
Theory
In reflexology, it is believed that there is a "vital energy" that is circulating between organs of the human body, that penetrates into every living cell.
According to John Campbell, World famous in Reflexology, "Reflexology is a powerful natural health science that studies the relationship of the reflex areas in the feet, hands and the ears to the rest of the body so that these areas can be worked on with the fingers and thumbs in a manner that will lead to improved health and the maintenance of good health."
Reported reactions
Case studies, not statistical conclusions, demonstrate that people treated by experts in reflexology report a lot of reactions, including the following:
During treatment
Feelings of relaxation, comfort, or well-being Nausea or discomfort due to emotional reactions Client may feel like laughing or crying Client may sigh, yawn, or fall asleep Temperature change either hot or cold A tingling sensation in the feet or through the body Pin-stick type feelings in the feet over congested areasAfter treatment
Cold-like symptoms such as a running nose as sinus congestion is cleared A cough, as mucus is cleared from the lungs and respiratory passages More frequent urination, bowel movements, or flatulence Headaches, increased sweating, skin rash, or thirst Yawning and tiredness or "Energizable"Alleged long-term effects
Reduced stress and induced relaxation Many people try reflexology as their first foray into the world of massage, finding the treatment more relaxing than a general body massage. "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure", it is said, and so it is not surprising to see the growing popularity of reflexology as a means of relieving stress. 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. Reflexology advocates say that reflexology not only relieves symptoms, but also acts on improvements of our body as a whole. Other alleged effects Acute and chronic conditions Stress related conditions Sleep disorders Sports injuries Preventative therapy Improvement of mental alertness Stimulation of creativity and productivity Helping to improve inter-relationships between body systemsCurrent practice
Reflexologists apply pressure on "reflex zones" found on the feet and hands which are said to correspond to the different parts of the body.
The reflex zones are organized in a way that represents the whole body. Reflexology can help relax the client and is believed to stimulate the body's own healing mechanisms.
Reflexology is a widespread practice in Asia, where foot reflexology (also known as foot massage) is quite popular. Reflexologists do not use foot reflexology only, but a combination of foot and hand reflexology to obtain a much better result.
Sales of foot reflexology equipment, such as rollers, are increasing rapidly. Socks printed with reflex zone footmaps were developed based on reflexology. Though not generally used by professionals, these "reflexology socks" have gained popularity in Taiwan and China.
Advocates claim reflexology is just as effective when used on children as on adults. Advocates have also suggested that reflexology can also help children create an awareness of self.
Scientific view
Western scientists and medical professionals consider reflexology to be a pseudoscience and claim there are no reliable scientific studies proving its effectiveness as a medical treatment, or that there is any form of link between specific areas of the feet and the various organs of the body.
Prominent skeptic Stephen Barrett, M.D., contends there is no scientific support for any of the theories of Reflexology, and refers to several scientific studies that have shown Reflexology is no better than random chance detecting medical problems.
In a paper titled "Reflexology: A Closer Look", Dr. Barrett concludes: "Reflexology is based on an absurd theory... Claims that reflexology is effective for diagnosing or treating disease should be ignored. says: "Reflexology has almost no potential for direct harm, but its ability to mislead well-meaning people into believing that it can be used for screening for health problems, or that it has real therapeutic value could lead to serious problems..."
On the TV program Bullshit!, Penn Jillette compared reflexology to hitting the tires of your car in order to change the spark plugs.
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