Reflexology is the application of pressure to specific points on the feet or hands, believed to correspond with areas of the body.
Source: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH, 2020).
It is the fifth most popular modality among massage practitioners (Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards [FSMTB], 2013).
Reflexology has been shown to be safe for fragile patients (NCCIH, 2020).
While reflexology can also target areas like the ears, this chapter focuses on foot reflexology.
Foot reflexology differs from general foot massage as it applies pressure to specific points rather than generalized areas.
Research indicates mixed outcomes on efficacy compared to other treatments for reducing symptoms in diverse populations (Gozuyesil & Baser, 2016; Williamson et al., 2002).
Feet hold sacred significance in various cultures.
Jesus washed his disciples' feet as a symbol of humility.
In Indian culture, the practice of Pranama involves touching the feet of elders to show respect.
Indigenous Americans consider feet sacred due to their direct contact with the earth, deserving to be uncovered to receive the earth's life force.
The practice of foot massage and reflexology has been around for over 5000 years, with historical references in India, Egypt, China, and Japan.
Early Indian art depicts reflexology through depictions of Hindu god Vishnu.
A pictograph dating to approximately 2500 BCE demonstrates foot massage with inscriptions implying a therapeutic intention.
Reflexology evolved from zone therapy, with foundational work by early American physicians William Fitzgerald and Joe Shelby Riley in the early 1900s.
B. Barczewski introduced the term "reflex massage" in a 1911 publication.
W. Kohlrausch's 1955 book, Reflex Zone Massage, emphasized the role of pressure in increasing blood flow through reflexive actions.
While reflexology claims various benefits, researchers noted that specific hemodynamic effects on organs are not substantiated (Jones et al., 2013).
Eunice D. Ingham, termed the "mother of reflexology," significantly advanced the practice, mapping reflex points on the feet.
She published Stories the Feet Can Tell in 1938 and taught reflexology until her retirement in the 1970s.
Her nephew, Dwight Byers, continues her legacy through the International Institute of Reflexology (IIR).
Ancient Eastern philosophies propose that all living things have a life force known by various names (chi, qi, ki, prana).
Reflexology asserts that life force flows through the body via 10 vertical pathways (zones), leading to its initial designation as zone therapy.
A healthy body allows unimpeded energy flow; imbalances signify disruptions in this flow.
Zones: Represent 10 vertical pathways in the body corresponding with reflex points on the feet (Fig. 13.2).
Each foot has five zones, integral for locating reflex points.
Landmarks: Horizontal lines that intersect the plantar surface, defining reflex point regions (Fig. 13.3).
Examples include:
Neck/Shoulder Line: Between the base of the toes and ball of the foot.
Diaphragm Line: Below the ball of the foot covering the chest area.
Waistline: At the base of the fifth metatarsal, indicating upper and lower abdominal areas.
Pelvic Line: Above the heel, encompassing the pelvic area.
Reflex Points: Points that correlate with bodily structures like organs (Fig. 13.4).
Techniques include walking technique, direct pressure, and relaxation methods.
Walking Technique: Thumb pressure stimulates entire zones during the treatment.
Point Work: Direct application of pressure to specific reflex points through:
Direct Pressure Technique: Locate and apply pressure, adjusting as needed.
Hook-In and Backup Technique: Locate and apply circular movements while nearby areas are held steady.
Relaxation Techniques: Used before, during, and after sessions to enhance client comfort, including foot and ankle flops, dorsiflexion and plantar flexion movements, and pressure applications on strategic points.
Reflexology can be conducted in various settings, ensuring to remove shoes and maintain a hygienic environment.
Key guidelines include:
Conduct health assessments prior to sessions.
Wash hands and sanitize tools before and after each treatment.
Adjust pressure to client preferences and responses.
Lubricants are optional; should be minimal to maintain tactile precision.
Standard precautions apply for conditions such as:
Localized cysts.
Skin lesions (ulcerations and fissures).
Viral, fungal, and bacterial infections.
Ingrown toenails, gout, and recent foot/ankle injuries (avoid treatment on inflamed areas).
Reflexology can be self-applied or taught to clients.
Key treatment areas include:
Chest Area: Heart and lung reflex points located on the foot's ball.
Abdominal Area: Reflex points for vital organs (liver, spleen) positioned between diaphragm and pelvic lines.
Pelvic Area: Reflex points corresponding to urinary structures nestled below the pelvic line.
Reproductive Area: Located at the ankles, important for conditions related to reproductive health.
Head Area: Reflex points for the pituitary gland and sinuses reside in the toes, following specific mapping protocols.
Spinal Area: Along the medial edges of the feet, reflecting spinal health throughout the entire length of the feet.