reflexology

(rē'flĕk-sŏl'ə-jē)
n.

1. The study of reflex responses, especially as they affect behavior.
2. A method of massage that relieves nervous tension through the application of finger pressure, especially to the feet.

reflexologist re'flex·ol'o·gist n.

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Reflexology is a form of complementary therapy that involves treating the body through the feet. It is based on the premise that there are reflex areas in the feet which relate to all the body parts and that therefore the whole body can be treated through the feet. The arrangement of these reflex areas is such that a map of the body is described on the foot, with the right foot corresponding to the right side of the body and the left foot to the left side of the body. A system of longitudinal energy zones is believed to provide the link between the reflex areas and the body parts. The body is divided into ten zones, with each zone linking the fingers up to the head and down the body to the toes; for example zone 1 is in line with the big toe and thumb on each side, zone 2 in line with the second toe and second finger, and zone 5 in line with the little toe and fifth finger. The zones were first described by an American, Dr William Fitzgerald, in the early 1900s. Fitzgerald had become interested in various pressure therapies whilst studying in Europe and described a method called Zone Therapy based on his findings from work dating back to the 1500s. It is probable that reflexology had been known for many years, originating in China, and there is evidence dating back to 2500 bc in Egypt, where a tomb drawing shows one man treating another man's foot by applying pressure with the thumb.

During a reflexology treatment, massage using the side and tip of the thumb will be used on each of the reflex areas. A firm but not heavy pressure is applied to the area, the pressure held for a moment or so and then, released. If the part of the body corresponding to the reflex area is out of balance then a degree of tenderness will be felt in the foot when pressure is applied. In some areas there may be a sharp feeling and in others a slight pain, but these feelings should never be very uncomfortable; in areas corresponding to parts of the body that are in balance, then just the feeling of pressure will occur.

Treatment to all of the reflex areas in both feet will take about one hour and during this time the patient will be sitting in a comfortable, reclining position with the feet raised.

Thus, an additional benefit of treatment is the relaxation effect. However, a wide range of disorders can be helped by reflexology, including problems such as migraines, sinus congestion, backache, digestive disorders, hormonal imbalances, and circulatory problems. Reflexology does not claim to be able to cure all disorders, but there are very many instances where treatment can be of great benefit.

If the correct technique and pressure are used, treatment will not do harm, and there are very few cases when reflexology treatment is not appropriate. Following treatment, it is possible in some instances for certain ‘healing reactions’ to occur, such as streaming nose (if there is sinus congestion) or increased bowel and bladder activity. These reactions will only be short term and will occur only after the first few treatments. After treatment, many people feel tired, though others may feel quite energized, and often people report how well they sleep.

For most conditions, a course of treatment is required — typically once a week for between three and six weeks. After three treatments, some response should be seen; in some cases there may already be a great improvement, whereas in others it may take longer. In many cases people have a course of treatment from which they benefit and then decide to continue at intervals of, for example, every four or six weeks in order to maintain good health and to try to prevent other problems from arising.

Reflexology treatment is suitable for people of both sexes and all ages. There are very few who do not feel benefit either on a physical or on an emotional level, with a general overall sense of well-being.

In recent years the popularity of reflexology has increased tremendously, helped by regular media coverage. The number of reflexology practitioners has also increased. Many training courses are available and a number of associations exist. In Great Britain it is estimated that there are about ten thousand practitioners. At the time of writing there is no set national qualification for a practitioner in the UK but this is an area which is currently being addressed. In the US, practitioners in some States are required to hold a massage licence, but this is something which the reflexology associations are fighting, on the grounds that practitioners should receive thorough training and that their practice should be regulated by membership of a professional body.

— Nicola Hall

Bibliography

• Hall, N. M. (1991). Reflexology: a way to better health. Gateway Books, Bath

Reflexology is the application of specific pressures to reflex points in the hands and feet. The reflex points relate to every organ and every part of the body. Massaging of the reflex points is done to prevent or cure diseases. Believed to have been used in Asian cultures as long as 2,000 years ago, reflexology was introduced to the United States at the turn of the century by Dr. William Fitzgerald and Eunice D. Ingham. Today nearly 25,000 certified practitioners can be found throughout the world.

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For a list of words related to reflexology, see:

• Activities and Treatments - reflexology: massage of specific areas of foot, or sometimes hand, to treat ailments or relieve stress elsewhere in body
• Practice, Discipline, and Belief - reflexology: massage of foot or hand to promote generalized healing and relieve stress

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See words rhyming with "reflexology."

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Dansk (Danish)
n. - zoneterapi

Nederlands (Dutch)
reflexologie, het bestuderen van reflexen

Français (French)
n. - réflexologie

Deutsch (German)
n. - Reflexologie

Ελληνική (Greek)
n. - ιατρική θεραπεία με βάση τη λειτουργία των αντανακλαστικών νεύρων, ρεφλεξολογία

Italiano (Italian)
riflessologia

Português (Portuguese)
n. - reflexologia (f)

Русский (Russian)
рефлексология

Español (Spanish)
n. - reflexología

Svenska (Swedish)
n. - zonterapi

中文（简体）(Chinese (Simplified))
反射论

中文（繁體）(Chinese (Traditional))
n. - 反射論

한국어 (Korean)
n. - 반사학

日本語 (Japanese)
n. - 反射学

العربيه (Arabic)
‏(الاسم) علم الإنعكاس,‏

עברית (Hebrew)
n. - ‮עיסוי בנקודות רפלקס בידיים, ברגליים ובראש, מדע חקר הרפלקסים, רפלקסולוגיה‬

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