A very ancient healing art - based on the fact that there are nerve endings in the feet, hands and ears, which correspond directly to specific glands, organs and parts of the body. In each foot, for example, there are roughly 7200 nerve endings – each one of which is connected to a specific part of the body. The feet really are a map of the body – and reflexologists are fond of saying that "the feet don't lie".
By acupressing specific points on the feet, for example, effects a response in a particular gland or organ in a related area in the body. This works through the "autonomic nervous system", which is the "electrical box" of the body.
It can be compared to an internal massage – pressing a specific pressure point sends a "charge" from the nerve endings at one end of a nerve relay (the feet) and awakens or excites the nerve endings at the other end - of a particular organ or gland, let's say. Reflexology is also known to stimulate the release of endorphins (feel good hormones) in the body.
There are many benefits, but the 3 main ones are:
• an increase in circulation - of blood and lymph
• a relaxation response in the body
• a release of tension wherever tension is being held in the body
Reflexology has been around at least 3000 - 4000 years in various older cultures such as Egypt, China, Peru, some native Indian cultures of North America; in the tomb of the healer in Egypt, there exists a well known pictograph of healers doing hand and foot pressure techniques on receivers. In China, there are ancient cave drawings in the same vein. Many North American native peoples consider the feet to be very sacred because of their contact with the earth, and so they have practiced a form of reflexology for centuries in their cultures.
In western cultures such as North America, reflexology has been around for about 100 years. An Ear, Nose and Throat specialist, Dr. William Fitzgerald, studied anesthetic techniques through using pressure points on the hands and feet. He brought the knowledge to America and wrote a booklet entitled: "For that Toothache, press your toes". Shortly afterward, a lady named Eunice Ingham elaborated on the points of the feet and hands and developed a detailed chart, which maps the related organs and body parts found in each foot, variations of which are in use today around the world.
First of all, the great thing about it is that you need only remove your shoes and socks – in the case of foot reflexology – or in the case of Hand reflexology, you can just sit back, relax and enjoy. No special tables or tools are needed. The reflexologist will have you complete a confidential health questionnaire. He/she will then begin the session by doing some relaxation techniques on the foot, which are designed to "warm up" the areas to be worked on. Specific points are then worked in a methodical way, and pressure is adapted to the person's comfort level.
Many reflexologists do home visits. Others have home offices or work in health clinics or studios. You can be sitting on your lazy boy, or even a regular chair if need be. Otherwise, the reflexologist may have a special "anti-gravity" chair for you to relax in, or a massage table that you can lie on. Warning – you may fall into a deep sleep! (smile).
A session usually lasts about an hour, but can be shorter, as in the case of the sick, the elderly or the young. We also set up kiosks at fairs, conferences and special events, where those in attendance receive from 10 to 30 minutes of blissful respite from being on their toes. Reflexology is increasingly popular in the workplace, where, instead of a coffee break, an employee can benefit from 15 to 30 minute sessions, and thus feel more invigorated and ready to get back to work. This makes a great gift for special occasions like employee appreciation days, at home "spa days", "wedding party treats" etc.
Yes – from the very young to the very old, and in varying stages of health. Princess Di was a huge fan (as is the Royal family in general) the late Pope received a session from a well known Jesuit priest, Father Josef, who popularized reflexology in Taiwan.
The price of a one hour session varies between $40 to $75. Some reflexologists work on a sliding scale (sign up for 3 or more sessions and get a discount, for example). Others reduce their fee for seniors etc.
Yes – definitely. Many of my students decide to take the certification course because they have seen the benefits for themselves in their lives or for someone they love who has benefited from their acupressing a few points of the feet. There are certain specific points, for example, that are commonly known to help for headaches (at the juncture of the index and thumb of the hand, in the soft, fleshy part), breathing issues (the lung reflex points are on the "balls" of the feet and hands), inflammation etc. The brain reflex points are found on the tips of the fingers and toes (e.g. students who drum their fingertips on the desk when thinking about the answer to a question during an exam). There are 4 main endocrine points in the thumbs and big toe alone. Just by acupressing, for example, the middle of the fatty part of the toe or thumb, you can stimulate the point for the pituitary gland, which is known as the "master gland" located in the mid-brain.
Reflexology can do no harm, and our main goal is always to relax the person receiving. A reflexologist is taught to work with care and respect in accordance with the level of health, wellbeing and age of the client. There are very few contraindications. But for pregnant woman, for example, the reflexologist would avoid working directly on the reproductive reflex areas of the foot. For the very sick, we would use a light relaxing pressure and shorten the session. These and other situations are covered in detail during the course.
Given the many nerve endings in the feet, and the fact there is a larger area to work on, it is more effective to work with the feet. Having said that, hand reflexology is very useful in certain situations, such as a hospital setting, or in addition to work already done on the foot. Research in China has shown that even 15 minutes of hand reflexology can help alleviate some of the side effects of chemotherapy in children.
There is an ongoing, growing body of research on reflexology today, especially in countries such as Denmark, the U.K. and China, where Reflexology is very popular and part of the medical mainstream. At least one hospital in Switzerland offers Reflexology in its dialysis unit. In Denmark, out of all the complementary alternative modalities available, reflexology is the prime therapy of choice. In the U.K., reflexology has been around since the 50's and is integrated into palliative care hospices, hospitals, maternity centers and seniors residences.
There exists a wealth of anecdotal stories and testimonials from people around the globe about the wonderful healing effects of reflexology on the body (and sole).
Well, reflexology is known to be of help in cases such as arthritis, diabetes, asthma, bronchitis, fatigue and depression to name a few. Children benefit from just a few minutes and elderly people feel the effects – many say they feel "more alive" and generally have more energy after a session.
Ask the reflexologist if he/she is a member of a recognized association such as the Reflexology Association of Canada (RAC), which has set standards and a code of ethics and code of conduct for its members. RAC has been around since 1976 and represents reflexologists from coast to coast. It also has a very respected teaching arm – the R.A.C. courses are offered in almost every province in Canada.
Check the Reflexology Association of Canada's website
(www.reflexologycanada.ca)
or this website
(www.reflexquebec.com)
“The feet don't lie”