An Introduction to Reflexology

REFLEXOLOGY is a very old system of healing used to balance the energies of the physical body, but it is believed that it also balances the whole 'being' – body, mind and soul. It is a totally non-invasive way to give a treatment as the person receiving the treatment does not have to remove their clothing. Normally one would just remove the socks or stocking/tights to bare their feet. Treatment is normally given through the feet, but hands and ears are also used. Treatment is given by using a gentle but firm pressure on points on the hands feet or ears known as reflexes, and then holding the pressure for a short time before moving to the next reflex.

A Reflexologist when studying the feet or hands will  transpose an imaginary map of the body onto the feet or hands with the inner aspect relating to the spine  Each foot is visualised as having five zones with each running from the tip of the toe to the top of the head (running vertically), these are known as Longitudinal Zones the inner aspect (spinal reflexes) being zone one. Then there are three zones running from the outer to the inner aspect of the foot running horizontally) known as Longitudinal Zone, the toes being the first - representing the head, a second demarcation line is the diaphragm level, and the waist level is found half way down the foot with the start of the heel relating to anal area.  The body is visualised in the foetal position with arms and legs bent so that the arms, legs, hands, feet are found on the outer aspect of the foot. Upper aspect of the foot is a reflection of the front/inner of the body and the under aspect the rear/inner aspects These visualisations help the practitioner to locate reflexes related to specific organs.  Ear reflexology is a little different and has its own map of reflexes. It is possible to purchase foot charts and they will vary as each Technique will have their version, they only vary slightly.  I personally feel that in working the whole foot thoroughly then all reflexes, (meaning all parts/organs) are energised.  It is with this moving of energy/exchanging of energy - brought on by the pressure being exerted by the thumb of the practitioner that change takes place and the body will then take over, breaking down the stagnant energy (in the form of toxins) which had been causing the imbalance, bringing about change and allowing the body to heal itself. By working the whole of the foot if one's foot map should prove to be incorrect it would not matter as all areas/organs etc have been covered and energised.

No one truly knows how Reflexology works, just that it does. It could be that it works through the nerve endings on the feet, hands, and ears. It may be that it works with the Chinese meridians of energy running throughout the body. It may be a placebo, if it is does it matter – what matters is that an individual who felt discomfort and out of balance finds the condition is improved after a session of reflexology. We do not know!

Kirlian photography has been used to show the difference in the auric field, (this is the electro-magnetic energy field around the physical body). A photograph is taken before treatment and then another after treatment and the difference in the energy levels is amazing.

It's history is rooted back in time, the Ancient Egyptians used a form of reflexology, there is a tomb painting in Saqaara of a someone giving and someone receiving a treatment on their feet. It was used in Ancient China in the form of Acu-pressure and was a fore-runner of Acu-puncture. And they co-existed side by side for a time.

Reflexology emerged in the western world through the studies of Dr Fitzgerald, and American who became interested in the subject of pressure on points when he noticed that his patients would often put pressure on certain points of their hands when in pain. He travelled to Vienna to take a deeper look at the subject and then introduced it in America as Zone Therapy. Eunice Ingham was one of those who worked alongside Dr Fitzgerald and she in turn trained Mrs Doreen Bayly, and English lady who travelled to the States to find out more about the treatment.

In the early 1960's Doreen Bayly set up the Bayly School of Reflexology which was the first one in the UK. The school is still up and running and the association representing those Reflexologist who have trained with the Bayly School is known as The British Reflexology Association which is now in its 27th year.

There are many different training schools (some local college now teach reflexology) and associations in the UK and throughout the world;  there are also many different approaches/techniques around. There are lots of good books on the subject available for those who are interested with diagrams and detailed information of many conditions.

It is possible to self-treat, and to treat family and friends (with their permission) if you use one of the books to train yourself, but without the full training and insurance you will not be able to present yourself to the general public as a Reflexologist.

Reflexology training involves about 7 modules, lots of course work and practical work, with an written and practical examination at the end. Once qualified you can then join an Association who will be there to represent you if there is ever a need and allows you to take out the much needed insurance cover. This is essential to protect both yourself and the recipient of a Reflexology treatment, to date to my knowledge there have been no claims made again Reflexology, but should someone fall in your treatment room or have some kind of mishap – they could sue you. Without insurance one should not practice Reflexology.

I hope that this has thrown some light on the subject for those of you who have an interest in the healing arts. Over the coming weeks and months I will introduce you to Aromatherapy, Spiritual Healing  and other therapies,

Note: I trained with the Bayly School over 20 years ago and have served on the Board of Directors of the British Reflexology Association for almost 20 years and edit their publication called Footprints.

Diane Morgan ©

Both these foot charts were downloaded as a free download from https://www.dk.co.uk/static/cs/uk/11/features/reflexology/extract.html from 'Reflexology and Hand Reflexolog'y written by Barbara and Kevin Kunz.