Reflexology

Reflexology is a form of therapeutic foot and hand massage. It is based on the connection, through the nerves, of the various parts of the body and the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands. This is, because the body's nerves all have endings in the feet and hands, there is a reflex action back to a particular body part when the specific associated area on the foot or hand is stimulated.

The points used in Reflexology are similar to the Acupressure points except that they follow the neurological pathways instead of the meridians. Although not based on the meridian system and therefore not strictly a form of Acupressure, Reflexology is a beneficial self-treatment technique that is complementary to the various styles of Acupressure. All systems of the body are related: therefore, several important Acupressure points on the hands and feet coincide with the nerve reflex points used in Reflexology. Added effectiveness is the result of utilizing both systems into a holistic health practice.

As with Acupressure, Reflexology has developed as a folk practice from first hand experience passed down from generation to generation as people discovered a connection between certain health disorders and specific tender spots on the extremities. The locations of these sensitive points were eventually charted and their benefits correlated and, in the early 1900's, Dr. William F. Fitzgerald verified that pressure on certain reflex points affected specific organs in the body.

There are many variations of the Foot Reflexology Charts available. We have selected this chart from the popular web-site www.about.com because of it's simplicity in understanding the reflex points associated with specific body organs.

1 Top of Head

2 Sinuses

3 Pituitary Gland

4 Temporal Area

5 Neck, Cervical

6 Upper Lymph Area

7 Parathyroid Gland

8 Ears

9 Eyes

10 Thyroid Glands

11 Shoulder

12 Lungs and Bronchi

13 Heart Area

14 Heart

15 Spine, Vertebra

16 Pancreas

17 Solar Plexus

18 Stomach

19 Liver

20 Spleen

21 Spleenic Fixture

22 Gall Bladder

23 Adrenal Glands

24 Hepatic Flexure

25 Kidneys

26 Transverse Colon

27 Waist

28 Ureters

29 Ascending Colon

30 Descending Colon

31 Lumbar

32 Small Intestines

33 Sacral

34 Bladder

35 Ileo-Caecal Valve

36 Appendix

37 Sigmoid Flexure

38 Hip & Lower Back

39 Coccyx

40 Sciatic Area

Source: www.about.com

	41 Rectum 42 Uterus 43 Prostate 44 Breast 45 Lymph Drainage 46 Fallopian Tubes 47 Lymph Nodes (Arm Pit) 48 Sacro Iliac Joint 49 Ovary or Testicle 50 Lymph Nodes (Groin) 51 Maxilla/Submaxilla (Jaw) 52 Tonsils
Source: www.about.com

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Reflexology (Foot Chart)

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Reflexology (Hand Chart)

When there is an imbalance or weakness in an area of the body, it will register in the corresponding points of the hands and feet as well, and crystallized calcium and acid deposits will accumulate over the nerve endings where these points are located. By pressing on these points these crystals can be broken up and dissolved; at the same time, the pressure stimulates the nerves to balance the affected area of the body. Do you ever wonder why you find yourself rubbing your feet? You are actually performing a "natural massage" but perhaps not knowing for certain that it is affecting not only your foot you are rubbing, but also stimulating an organ.

The amount of pressure used in Reflexology will vary from person to person and from point to point. The pressure should feel good, but should be firm enough to stimulate the point. If the amount of pressure is too much for the person to relax into, the trained Massage Therapist (MT) will ease up and hold the point more lightly until it releases a bit and then go a little deeper. For very sore spots, gradual prolonged light pressure is best: touch rather than press these spots. As the point is held, the tension will ease up and more pressure will become appropriate. In any case, the MT will work smoothly and carefully so as not to produce any jarring pain.