Reflexology, An Alternative Therapy

Reflexology, An Alternative Therapy

Reflexology is an non-invasive and systematic therapy in which applying pressure with fingers or any blunt object of approximately 10 to 15 lbs at specific points on the feet and hands that are designed to harmonize bodily functions and have healing and relaxing effects .

Evidences of Reflexology in Past Era

• In the Tomb of Ankmahor in Saqquara, Egypt a picture found that indicated the existence of reflexology for thousand of years and thus reflexology considered as one of Egyptian culture since BC.

• Some studies also show reflexology background emergence from china but no written documentation found .

• Dr William Fitzgerald, an American specialist, performed research named “zone analgesia” and found that by applying pressure to a certain area of the body, relaxation effect was created. He Designed a map of the ten longitudinal lines, or zones, of the body i.e. five on each Side.

• in the 1930s Dr William work is further extended by a physiotherapist, Eunice Ingham, who discovered that applying pressure to tender areas on the feet could create a therapeutic effect on corresponding areas of body . She formulate a chart of the feet where all of the organs and other parts of the body were sequencly mapped out.

• Later on , in 1960s Reflexology was introduced in United states by Student of Eunice Ingham , Doreen Bayly

Goal of Reflexology in Treatment

Reflexology is based upon the proposition that we all have innate ability to heal within our body . It is considered the goal of reflexology is to remove energetic blockages, to supports the body to maintain homeostasis and to induce feeling of well being without consuming any antibiotic or any other drug because each pressure point on feet and hands act as sensors that link them with corresponding body parts . These sensors are stimulated when reflexology technique is applied in order to give sense of relaxation (mental and emotional ) irrespective of age limit , time and place . Reflexology is principle of

Microcosm representing the Macrocosm

Advantages of Reflexology

If reflexology is performed after complete consideration of patient’s condition and with proper technique then following are benefits :

• Increases and improve blood circulation blood supply and also promote effective lymph flow

• Releases stress and tension in bones and also in abnormal muscles and maintain locomotion ability

• Promotes effective functioning of the nervous system

• Encourages the healthy elimination of wastes

• Helps to determine which body system is in need of attention

• when used synchronously with other therapies increased their effect

Diseases in which Reflexology can be performed:

Following are the diseases scientifically proved that they can be treated by reflexology technique :

Diabetes, Stress , Anxiety , Arthritis ,Depression ,Constipation , Lower Back Pain , Headache , Weight loss , High Bp to Low Bp , Hyperglycemia to Hypoglycemia

Specific Care and considerations required Conditions :

Before reflexology following conditions should be keep in consideration and in case if patient came with following symptoms be careful while applying reflexology therapy ( decrease pressure intensity , Decrease duration of technique , and it will be safe if we do not apply therapy ;

• Open Wounds

• Broken bones /Sprains

• Blood clots

• Varicose veins 

• Foot Infection ( Athlete’s Foot/Warts , corns , calluses )

• During Pregnancy- specially 1st trimester 

• Serious and chronic diseases e.g. cancer, AIDS , severe cardiac disease

• Diabètes mellitus

• Severe osteoporosis and other bone diseases

• The elderly and/or frail and children(special care )

• Acute trauma to the foot i.e; severe sprains/bony fractures

• Abnormal skin conditions of the foot i.e; eczema and inflammatory skin conditions , ulcerations , fissures and other skin lesions

• Any fungal infections e.g. tinea (if infectious)

• Deep Vein Thrombosis

• Joint injury or External injury

• Low B.P

• Hypoglycemia condition

Map of Body ( For Reflexology )

Zones

• Paths through which energy travels when we stimulate a specific hand and feet point by reflexology technique that effects the entire zone

•  10 zones (5 per foot) 

• Present on each side of midline of body run from each toe to the head 

Landmarkes

The four horizontal lines that divide the bottom surface of each foot

• Neck/shoulder line: Between toes and ball of foot 

• Diaphragm line: Where ball of foot meets lateral arch 

• Waistline: From base of fifth metatarsal to medial edge of foot

• Pelvic line: Front of heel

Foot can be divided into 6 treatment areas that contain their respective organ reflexes that are stimulated during reflexology sessions :

• Head (Locate pituitary in center of swirl on great toe)

• Chest (Heart reflex is located primarily on left foot, with small portion on right foot)

• Abdomen (Located between the diaphragm and pelvic lines)

• Pelvic area (Located behind the pelvic line landmark)

• Reproductive organs(Located on heels and ankles)

• Spinal area (Located along medial edge of feet and Medial edge has four distinct curves, just as does the vertebral column)

Reflexology Technique Preparation

it includes patient position , surrounding environment and many more things before session

Basic Technique

Walking Technique

• Bend and straighten the thumb (or finger) at the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint to create “walking” action 

• Apply pressure along entire zone step by step

Point Work

• Stimulate specific reflex point

• Involves Two method I.e;

Direct Pressure (Increase pressure by rotating )

Hook In ( Apply pressure then flex and extend distal joint of thumb )

Relaxation Technique

• Involves movement of foot from side to side

• Joint movement involves inversion and eversion e.t.c

Basic Guidelines for Practitioners while performing therapy

• Discuss whole scenario and answer questions with patient to create comfortable environment between doctor and patient .

• Patient is seated in spine position or lying down

• Noise Free environment

• Sanitize your hands before and after session

• In general, do not use oils so that you do not slide off points If oil is used, must concern about allergic reaction of patient

• Warm up area with relaxation techniques

• Use pressure , depend on body of patients

• Avoid excessive pressure at a time

• Limit time spent on one area (for example, 10 to 15 seconds)

• Use fingertips for pressure on top of foot

• Thumbs can be used on bottom of foot

• Knuckles can be used on thick skin of heel Or use handheld tool

• Wipe off excess oil (if used) after session

• Recommend patient to increase water uptake

Note

Same all steps for hand reflexology but case studies shows feet reflexology with hundred percent authentification

Symptoms During and after Reflexology session

While a practitioner is performing reflexology , following symptoms appear in patients that show fulfillment of purports of reflexology therapy ;

• Deep Relaxation

• Feeling of pain at that point

• Coughing

• Thirst (common in all patients )

• Sweating , Urine and stool sensation

• Female Cycle may stimulate along with increased flow and vaginal discharge increase

• Suppressing of Psychological emotions

• Chills (cooler ) sensation

• Organ freely hanging ( feeling light )

If during session you feel any tenderness then make that point soft first then continue to perform therapy

Conclusion

From above discussion , reflexology is performed in treatment from daily life disease like bone fracture to severe chronic disease like cancer .Reflexology sessions may vary as it depends upon patients and the reason for treating. Some conditions show response well after one or two sessions. It is advisable to have Reflexology once a month as a preventative measure.

Reference

1. Poole HM (2001). The efficacy of reflexology in the management of chronic low back pain. John Moores University, liverpool www.mnt-nr.com/ articles/helen%20pooole.pdf

2. Zollman, C. & Vickers, A. (1999) ABC of Complementary Medicine: Complementary Medicine in Conventional Practice. BMJ, 319, 901-904.