REFLEXOLOGY

Reflexology is a specialist form of massage that is applied to the feet, but it can also be used on the hands. It has probably been in use for at least 5,000 years, and is depicted on the frieze of the 4,000-year-old tomb of an Egyptian doctor. The Inca and Native Americans used various forms of foot massage. In fact, it may have been observation of the latter that inspired the American physician, Dr William Fitzgerald, whose work laid the foundations of modern reflexology.

Reflexology is a popular therapy that can help stress
disorders, headaches and digestive problems.
Fitzgerald believed that the body can be divided into 10 energy zones, five on each side. These zones start at the big toe (zone 1) and run up through the body to the head. He believed that stimulation of one zone on the foot or the hand affects other parts of the body that belong to the same zone. The work was continued by one of Fitzgerald's assistant. Eunice Ingham. She developed a complete body chart illustrating the body zones on the feet. These zones are known as reflex points.

How Does Reflexology Work?
In the philosophy of many therapeutic systems it is believed that the life force or energy (Qi, see previous post), or prana , flows in the body, and that illness occurs when the movement of this energy is obstructed. Reflexologists believe that blockage is caused by crystalline calcium deposits forming on the end of nerves as a result of congestion, inflammation or other disorder in the nerve pathways. The resulting blockage is removed when pressure is applied to the reflex points mapped out on the feet and hands.

Little scientific research has been done to prove the theories of reflexology. It is a popular non-invasive therapy that appears to be reasonably safe in the hands of none-therapists, who can give valuable health support. For treatment, however, it is best to consult a professional therapist.

Conditions that can be treated by a professional reflexologist include:

• Digestive problems.
• Stress and stress-related disorders, including fatigue and palpitations.
• Various aches and pains, including back pain and repetitive strain injury.
• Certain skin conditions.
• Migraine and other headaches.
• Ear problems, including tinnitus.
• Sinus problems and rhinitis.
• Various chest problems, including asthma.
• Chronic conditions affecting the elderly, such as dementia.

This list is not intended to be comprehensive. It is best to make a preliminary enquiry about your own condition, or ask your doctor's advice.

Cautions
Reflexology should not be used when thrombosis is present. Some therapists advise against the use of reflexology on people with arthritis, osteoporosis or disorders of the heart or thyroid gland.

The Consultation
The therapist takes a history of your past and present health problems, usually including your lifestyle. You will be asked to sit or lie in a comfortable position in a peaceful atmosphere in order to undergo treatment; the therapy is most effective when you are relaxed.

Your therapist will check for corns, calluses and other areas that might be painful when pressure is applied. Treatment consists of the firm application of pressure to the reflex points on the feet. Various movements are used, such as rubbing and rotating with the pads of the thumbs and fingers over small areas at any one time. Eastern practitioners may use a sharpened stick and other practitioners apply a vacuum (see previous post). The therapist usually maintains constant touch, while working methodically over the areas to be treated. Because it is impossible to apply pressure accurately if the skin is slippery, oils or creams are not used in reflexology. Sometimes a little powder is used.

A full reflexology session will take more than an hour. Initially the feet will be relaxed before being given a full workout. The hands are then treated. You are likely to feel some effects from your treatment as it is proceeding. Any pain or discomfort that results from 'congestion' of the energy force is usually brief, and followed by a feeling of release. Most people feel light and relaxed immediately after a treatment, as well as having more energy. However, this may be followed by symptoms, known as cleansing reactions, such as a headache, a runny nose, frequent urination or a mild skin rash.

Vacuflex Reflexology System
The Vacuflex reflexology system was devised during the 1970s by a Danish reflexologist, Inge Dougans, who believed that reflexology is more closely related to the Eastern meridians than to the zones proposed by Dr William Fitzgerald. There are two stages to vacuflex reflexology. In the first stage special boots are fitted to the feet. When the air inside the boots is pumped out, the feet ate squeezed, so that all the reflex points are stimulated at the same time. The vacuum is maintained for about five minutes. The boots are then removed and the therapist has about half a minute to examine the feet and note any yellow or red colour changes on them. These are believed to indicate which parts of the body are in need of treatment. The therapist then places silicon pads along the appropriate meridian lines of all the limbs, using a number of different sizes of pad. These are briefly held in place by suction, which is thought to provide sufficient stimulation for healing to occur.

Refloxologists work to unblock crystalline calcium
deposits that they believe form on the ends of
nerves.
Relaxing Your Partner's Feet

- Your partner should be warm and comfortable with his or her feet supported at the level of your chest. If necessary, warm your hands.

- 'Greet the feet' by curving your hands over the top of them and holding them steadily for a minute or two.

- Place your left thumb behind the toes of your partner's right foot to support the foot, leaving your fingers curled over the top of the foot. Using the thumb of your right hand massage the diaphragm line. This crosses the instep just below the ball of the foot and the solar plexus point. Make small circular movements, and each time you move the position of your thumb, rock the toes over your left thumb. Repeat on the left side.

- Return to the right foot and massage each toe in turn between your thumbs and index fingers. Then gently move the toes up and down. Repeat on the left.

- Cup the heel of the right foot in one hand, and grasping the toes with the other hand, loosen the ankle joints by moving the foot up and down and then in a circular manner. Repeat on the left side.


- Hold the sides of the left foot with your thumbs about 5cm (2in) apart. Gently stretch the top of the foot rather like breaking open a bread roll. Repeat on the right side.

- Place one hand on the outside of each foot and press the solar plexus points firmly with your thumbs, using small rotational movements (see where the thumb is positioned in the picture above).

- Hold both feet again as at the start for a few minutes, allowing your partner to relax.

A full session will take more than an hour: Any discomfort will usually be followed by a feeling of release.