What is Reflexology

							What is Reflexology?
Reflex = *an involuntary response to a stimulus.
*in Reflexology a reflex is a part of the body that can have an effect on another part of the body when stimulated

-ology = *the study of
Reflexology is a treatment where parts of the body are stimulated to bring about a change or response in other parts of the body with the aim of creating total balance in body, mind and spirit. How does Reflexology work? Pressure is applied at specific sites around the body (such as the hands and feet), to have an effect upon another area of the body. Reflexologists believe that the body is divided into zones (see diagrams), and that energy flows through these zones. Conditions / problems in body and mind can impede the flow of energy thus the body does not work as effectively as it potentially could. The aim of the Reflexologist would be to use specific pressure point massage techniques on the reflex points of hands, feet or ears to free the flow of energy and enable the body to heal itself. Reflexologists do not feel that they offer a ‘cure all’ but do believe that they can enable the body’s own healing capacity to work more efficiently. Theories about how Reflexology works It is important for the credibility of Reflexology and Reflexologists practising everywhere to be able to explain confidently how it works! It has to be said however that there are a number of theories each offering up a factor or combination of factors to explain what happens during a treatment and why it works. It is hoped that, over time, more and more research will come to offer proof to back up some of the theories. This is why research is such a worthwhile area for the Reflexologist to move into. Below is a brief outline of just some of the current theories : Electro-Magnetic theories of healing: It is known that all matter, including human cells, vibrate at certain rates. The brain, for example, has recognised waves that can be detected on an EEG (electroencephalogram). Alpha waves indicate a very deep sense of relaxation. It has been theorized that the client’s EEG pattern can become very like the therapist’s while treatment is being given. It is thought that this link can ‘retune’ the client’s wavelengths. In addition, the therapist is said to be able to ‘channel’ the earth’s vibrational energy right into the cells of the individual being treated. An exercise carried out to monitor the healing, low frequency energy emitted by therapists showed a potential of between 0.3Hz and 30Hz (Hz equals a unit of energy

frequency). It is known that 2Hz can regenerate nerve tissue, 7Hz can trigger bone growth, 10Hz can heal ligaments while 15-72 Hz can decrease skin necrosis and generate capillary formation. This can go some way to explaining the ‘tingling’ feeling sometimes experienced by therapists when treating a client. It is interesting to note that experiments carried out with nerve cells in petri dishes have shown that the nerve cells can respond to the energy emitted by the healers hand causing impulses to travel along the nerve cell and even between nerve cells. The Nerve Impulse Theory: When pressure is applied to the foot or any other organ of the body, messages are sent via nerve cells to the spinal cord and then the brain for interpretation. This theory suggests that the messages resulting from pressure during the Reflexology treatment connect up directly with messages being sent to muscles in the body. In this way working on the feet has a direct effect on organs in the body without travelling the usual pathway of nerve ganglia, up the spinal cord, brain, down the spinal cord to the appropriate section of the body. This may explain how Reflexology can have a beneficial effect on individuals who are paralysed because of a severed spinal cord. Impeded and Unimpeded Energy Flow Theory This theory relates to the energy, both positive and negative, that is said to pulsate from the ground. This energy is said to be picked up by receptors on the feet. If we are healthy energy will pass freely via the feet through the nervous system. However, if there is congestion in the feet energy flow will be impeded. The Reflexologist is said to unblock the pathways enabling the receptors in the feet to pick up earth charges and energy flows more freely. This is where the expression being ‘grounded’ derives from. Gate Control Theory This theory connects with pain and pain management. The idea is that pain receptors regulate the amount of messages regarding pain that are sent to the brain. Once the receptors are full, the ‘gate’ shuts thereby stopping any further messages getting through. TENS machines are said to work by stimulating the nerve receptors so that the ‘gate’ shuts and pain messages cannot get through. Reflexology is said to work in the same way. Endorphin Release Theories The natural opiates of the body are endorphins. The presence of pain stimulates them so that we feel less pain - a bit like drugs such as morphine. A particular neurotransmitter called P is thought to transmit pain messages and endorphins inhibit the activity of P. This theory suggests that Reflexology releases endorphins into the body thus having a painkilling effect as well as a lightening of mood. The Placebo Effect* A much discussed and written about theory in general. Many studies have shown that patients have benefited from both medication and surgery when they have received a

placebo. A placebo can be a dummy pill , something that is given to the patient to reassure and have a psychological and physiological effect as a result of that reassurance. This is very simply put as it actually raises all kinds of questions regarding the power of the mind to heal the body or indeed, vice versa. It has been said that Reflexology can work in this way. Trust in the therapist is very important here though so according to this theory, the relationship between client and Reflexologist is an essential part of the whole effect.

* a new book called Understanding the Placebo Effect in Complementary Medicine:ed
Dr David Peters looks at this whole theory in great detail. The Relaxation Effect Statistics cite stress as being the root cause of many conditions / ailments. One could say then that any treatment which results in relaxation and stress reduction can enable the body’s organs and systems to function more effectively thus enabling the body to deal with potential illness. This can be looked at from both a proactive and reactive approach. If we are relatively healthy but undergoing certain levels of stress, Reflexology can potentially prevent illness manifesting as a result. If do have a particular condition we want treating, Reflexology may be able to aid the body’s natural healing mechanisms by inducing a sense of deep relaxation. Subtle Energy / Zone / Meridian Theories All these theories come from the idea that we have a general ‘life force’ that manifests itself in the very air that we breathe, the food that we eat and exists in the universe in general. It is known by terms such as ‘chi’ or ‘prana’. Blockages in this subtle energy can result from many things, lack of sleep, poor diet, injury, shock, lack of exercise, stress, unhappiness etc, etc! If energy is stagnated or blocked, illness may occur. In Reflexology we would work upon areas of blockage to encourage free flow through the channels. Facilitation Theory The main crux of this theory is that the client does his/her own healing in their own time. The client has to be ready to undertake the healing process. The therapist here is merely a facilitator in the process. Feet as ‘U’ Bend Theory Here it is thought that waste products can accumulate in the feet as the effects of gravity are greatest there and also the feet are the furthest away from the heart in the circulatory system. With this in mind, working on the feet will encourage the elimination of waste deposits like uric acid thus freeing up the circulatory system from the ‘clogged’ effect of such accumulations. The idea is that reflexology improves blood and lymph circulation. As Eunice Ingham wrote…..‘We must remember circulation is life; stagnation is death.’ So, a lot of theories to bear in mind. The effects of Reflexology could be due to one isolated factor or a combination of many. It is important for us to bear in mind that Reflexology does have a beneficial effect for many people and continued documented case studies all help towards future research.