Reflexology
Otherwise known as zone therapy or compression foot massage, reflexology is a healing modality in its own right. It is based on the reflex points in the feet which connect with various parts of the whole body. By applying pressure to points on the feet we are able to stimulate the internal organs, enhance the circulation and affect the hormone levels in the body. In this manner many bodily functions can be restored to normal. The evidence to support this theory is largely empirical. Certainly there are direct nervous connections between the feet and the spine and therefore to the rest of the body, but the precise correlations which are observed in Reflexology would be viewed with much scepticism by the orthodox medical profession. The fact is that we can observe the effects by direct application. What you will find by directly palpating the feet is very specific areas of tenderness. Your patient will react distinctly when you find them. Usually they will feel hard and in many cases will actually be lumpy. What happens is that deposits of toxic matter gather and crystalise around the nerve endings. If you hone in on these points you can mechanically break down these deposits which will then be eliminated in the normal fashion. Once the congestion has been relieved in the feet this will bring relief to the corresponding part of the body. This approach is the orthodox or therapeutic approach to reflexology. It can be very painful and therefore requires patience and the understanding co-operation of your patient. In many cases, though, it may not be appropriate to eliminate all of the stagnation all at once. The same sensitivity and theory of graduality that you would use elsewhere on the body should be applied to the feet. One of the most potent effects of foot massage is full body relaxation. The feet are often carrying the full load of our bodies and must build up a level of tiredness as a result. Whether it is because of the reflex connections or because of the more general mechanical reasons, you can almost always create an all over soothing and relaxing experience by massaging the feet. This is one good reason for commencing a full body massage at the feet. It also has the aspect of feeling safe for those who are unfamiliar with and perhaps apprehensive about massage. Another benefit of starting at the feet is that the palpation of tender reflex points will serve as diagnosis, highlighting areas that need attention elsewhere in the body. One of the important things to keep in mind when massaging the feet is the sense of stretching and separating the bones. Try to slide your fingers into the spaces between the metatarsal bones right through the foot. And don’t neglect to stretch and rotate the toes. This will go a long way towards stimulating the blood, nerve and Qi energy in the foot, eliminating stagnation without the painful intensity that accompanies single point pressure on its own. Although reflexology can be practised entirely on its own, my personal feeling is that it works best as an adjunct to full body massage practice. By all means concentrate on foot reflex points when you want extra help to shift a deep set stagnation elsewhere in the body; but don’t be mislead into thinking that you can solve all body problems simply by working on the feet. I would also point out that you do not necessarily need to memorize the precise map of reflex points in order to do effective work. It is enough to have a sensitive pair of hands capable of detecting tender areas and applying the right quantity and quality of pressure in order to bring relief. However it is a distinct advantage if you familiarise yourself with the general layout of zones paying particular attention to the major internal organs and the spine.
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