Is reflexology an effective intervention?

Last year UK complementary medicine expert Dr Edzard Ernst presented a thorough study on the effectiveness of reflexology. What did the report of the book ‘Trick of Treatment‘ report? “Reflexology: ‘bodywork on your hands & feet!‘“ Reflexology was described in the study as a technique that involves applying pressure to various parts of the foot or hands, which is said to have a beneficial effect on other parts of the body. Ernst searched six databases and found 217 trials on reflexology, of which only 18 randomised controlled trials were considered good enough to be analysed. Of these 18 trials, only five yielded positive results, says Ernst. Ernst describes: “Most of the higher-quality trials did not generate positive findings. The best evidence available to date does not demonstrate convincingly that reflexology is an effective treatment for any medical condition.” Ernst says proponents of reflexology argue the method is risk free but he argues it could be “life-threatening” if patients relied on it to treat a serious condition. “There is little doubt that a foot massage is pleasantly relaxing, however specific medical claims should always be supported by sound evidence.” SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER READING: • Four benefits of a reflexology massage! • Reflexology: ‘you can do it yourself’! • Is reflexology an effective intervention? A systematic review of randomised controlled trials. [ABSTRACT] Reflexology relates to various massage techniques.

Reflexology – ask Krissy

Reflexology

Reflexology as an alternative massage?: “I have heard a lot about reflexology and am interested in it because I think I would benefit from massage. But I am not a fan of being touched. Do you think reflexology would be a good alternative to a full body massage?” Mike, Cape Coral. SOURCE: Reflexology news

Krissy’s answer:  Reflexology is very popular! In your foot, there are many reflexology points that, when massaged, you are able to reach all parts of the body. It is also a great way to correct different problems you may be having physically, because you are able to also pinpoint different organs, etc. Since you do not like your full body to be touched, you will be happy to know that you will receive the benefits of a full body massage every time you receive a reflexology treatment.So, I recommend you jump into this treatment feet first and enjoy! LEARN MORE ABOUT REFLEXOLOGY: REFLEXOLOGY CHARTS | FOOT REFLEXOLOGY HAND REFLEXOLOGY | EAR REFLEXOLOGY

Reflexology Charts

Reflexology charts

Reflexology Charts: Reflexology Charts are valuable tools for working on the zones of the body (the feet, hands, ears, or other body parts). Reflexology Charts describe how to treat organs within the corresponding zones of the body. SOURCE: Reflexology Charts

There are many reflexology charts available – the above refexology foot chart is just one example – demonstrating the areas of the feet that practitioners believe correspond with organs in the “zones” of the body. LEARN MORE ABOUT REFLEXOLOGY CHARTS: FOOT REFLEXOLOGY CHARTS | HAND REFLEXOLOGY CHARTS EAR REFLEXOLOGY CHARTS | REFLEXOLOGY COURSES

Popsugar Reflexology

Reflexology treatment

Reflexology at Popsugar: Some Western doctors believe that reflexology is nothing more than a relaxing foot massage, but it’s a widespread practice across Asia, and much of Chinese Medicine (such as acupuncture and acupressure) is based on these ‘lines of energy’, in the body. SOURCE: Beauty glossary reflexology

Reflexology is a holistic treatment, which takes the view that the feet – and hands– work as maps of the body’s state of health and wellbeing. Reflexology practitioners divide the feet into zones that run from the toes, to the brain, through different parts of the body. There are ten vertical zones, or energy lines – and as pressure is provided to the feet, these lines are stimulated so that the energy is able to flow.For what to expect from a reflexology treatment, just read more.LEARN MORE ABOUT REFLEXOLOGY: REFLEXOLOGY CHARTS | FOOT REFLEXOLOGY HAND REFLEXOLOGY | EAR REFLEXOLOGY

Reflexology foot chart

Reflexology foot chart

The very first ‘Reflexology foot chart’: The first ‘reflexology foot chart’ was developed by Eunice Ingham in North America during the 1930′s. Her reflexology foot charts showed exactly how particular parts of the foot relate to other parts of the body. SOURCE: Review of reflexology charts

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Reflexology in London

Reflexology in London

Reflexology in London: Reflexologists and reflexology centers can be found in London at: the Central London College of Reflexology (14-16 Betterton Street, Covent Garden); London School of Reflexology (13 Brookfield Mansion, Highgate West Hill), and the London Foot Care Center (94 Snowfields, London Bridge SE1 3SS).” SOURCE: Reflexology in London

REFLEXOLOGY MASSAGE | PALMTHERAPY | MASSAGE THERAPY

World record for Taiwan (2): foot massage reflexology

Photo impressions from the event: About 1 000 Taiwanese will sit down for a world record reflexology foot massage in Taipei on Tuesday 8 july. SOURCE: http://www.reflexology-news.com/reflexology/reflexology-news.htm

FOOT REFLEXOLOGY | HAND REFLEXOLOGY | PALM THERAPY

Reflexology diagram

Reflexology Diagram

Reflexology Diagram: A reflexology diagram helps you to recoginize the reflex zones on the foot, hand, or the ear. For a reflexologist it is very important to have a detailed reflexology foot diagram, or a reflexology hand diagram in your head. For then it becomes much more easy to include intuitive processes for the benefits of the reflexology client. SOURCE: Reflexology Diagram

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Hand Reflexology Chart

Hand Reflexology Chart

Hand Reflexology Chart: Hand reflexology may not be as popular as foot reflexology. However, hand reflexology does provide some benefits compared to foot reflexology. For example: our hands are much more accessible than our feet! So the hands make a great self-help tool for adults and children, which explains why hand reflexology charts are also very popular. SOURCE: Hand Reflexology Chart

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Reflexology offers mental and physical health

Interview: Kim Smith, a Registered Canadian Reflexology Therapist   SOURCE: Reflexology offers mental and physical health benefits for all ages

Always looking to try something new, I decided to visit the new reflexologist in Lindsay. Kim Smith, a Registered Canadian Reflexology Therapist and owner of Solely R and R, just so happens to be a foot reflexologist. Not being much of a foot person myself, I have mixed feelings about this new endeavor. For me, feet are ugly, smelly and while I respect their purpose and function, I’d rather not think about mine – or have them touched. So for this occasion, I had polished and primped my feet as much as possible to pretty them up, prepping them for the treatment ahead. Soft-spoken and welcoming, Ms Smith had me lie back in her surprisingly comfortable chair with my feet up, putting relaxing music on the CD player to enhance the mood. Ms Smith explained that the treatment can be very personalized according to the client’s comfort level and she tries to make each experience suit the client. She began with one foot, and because the treatment tends to make people cold, she gave me a soft blanket for my body and wrapped the other foot in a towel. After a brief warm-up to get the circulation going, the actual reflexology treatment began. The textbook definition for reflexology is ‘a natural healing art based on the principle that there are reflexes in the hands, feet and ears which correspond to every part, gland and organ of the body. Through application of pressure on reflexes, reflexology relieves tension, improves circulation and helps promote the natural function of the related areas of the body.’ As Ms Smith described it, each part of the foot corresponds to a part of the body. She began at the top of the big toe of my right foot reflexology, explaining that it represents my head. Using a series of techniques with her fingers including hooking, walking and compression, she worked her way down my foot. It did not take long for me to relax and enjoy the treatment, completely forgetting that the thought of a stranger touching my feet had freaked me out just a short time before. As she worked the inner length of my foot (which represents my spine), I could distinctly feel a pleasant tingling run up and down my back. We chatted about Ms Smith’s new business and she explained why she felt reflexology and other natural treatments are the perfect answer to today’s fast-paced world and all its stresses. “Everyone is in such a hurry these days. Everything is so fast-paced on a daily basis. I think it’s important for everyone to just take some time out for ourselves – whether it be reflexology or yoga or whatever.” There are also more practical benefits then relaxation, she said, “It helps to cleanse your body and it will help your organs function better. It is extremely relaxing.” By the time she moved on to my left foot reflexology, I had nearly stopped talking and was lying back and enjoying what feels like a foot massage. Ailments can also be detected through reflexology Ms Smith said, like a disturbance she discovered on the ball of my foot directly below my pinky toe, representing my shoulder. There is a distinct grinding sound as she works the area, and she spends more time on it then the rest of the foot. By the time I got up from the chair I couldn’t believe how relaxed I felt – almost too relaxed; considering that I had to go back to work for the rest of the day. All I wanted to do was slip under some covers and have a nap. The experience was everything that was promised: relaxing, soothing and ultimately very interesting. I was intrigued to learn that our feet, probably the most underestimated part of the body, can be the gateway to total body health. Specific ailments that reflexology is meant to help include: migraine headaches, constipation, arthritis, back pain, allergies, diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure and many others, but Ms Smith is quick to say that everyone can get some measure of benefit from reflexology. “In the long-run, basically everyone benefits from it. Let’s face it; no one is in perfect health.” Having just opened, Ms Smith is looking for new clients, and can also make house calls for those who are most comfortable in their own environment. To contact Kim Smith at Solely R and R, call: 705-324-1327

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