reflexology

Reflexology, or zone therapy, is the practice of stimulating points on the feet and hands, in the belief it will have a beneficial effect on some other parts of the body, or will improve general health. Scientists and medical professionals consider reflexology to be a pseudoscience^[1] , offering no more benefits than ordinary massage.

The most common form is foot reflexology. Practitioners believe the foot to be divided into a number of reflex zones corresponding to all parts of the body, and that applying pressure to tight or "gritty" areas of a person's foot will stimulate the corresponding body part and cause it to begin healing itself.

History

Eunice Ingham developed Reflexology in the 1930s, based on earlier theory by Dr. William Fitzgerald known as "Zone Therapy". In 1913, Dr. Fitzgerald noted that specific parts of the body could have an anesthetic effect on another area. Developing this theory, he divided the body into ten equal vertical zones, ending in the fingers and toes. He concluded that pressure on one part of the zone could affect everything else within that zone.

Theory

In reflexology, it is believed that there is a "vital energy" that is circulating between organs of the human body, that penetrates into every living cell. Whenever this energy is blocked, the zone of blockage will be affected, and the reflex zones can indicate the blockage of energy in different organs. Therefore, if someone has a problem in a particular organ, a reflexologist will press on the corresponding reflex zone or zones, and the person will experience pain. This pain is claimed to originate from the deposition of crystals in the reflex zone and, with massage, these crystalline structures can be broken down and the pain relieved. Simultaneously, the pressure applied to the reflex zones by the reflexologist is claimed to pass through the nerves to dissipate energy blocks.

According to John Campbell, World famous in Reflexology, "Reflexology is a powerful natural health science that studies the relationship of the reflex areas in the feet, hands and the ears to the rest of the body so that these areas can be worked on with the fingers and thumbs in a manner that will lead to improved health and the maintenance of good health."

Reported reactions

Case studies, not statistical conclusions, demonstrate that people treated by experts in reflexology report a lot of reactions, including the following: ^{citation needed]}

During treatment

• Feelings of relaxation, comfort, or well-being
• Nausea or discomfort due to emotional reactions
• Client may feel like laughing or crying
• Client may sigh, yawn, or fall asleep
• Temperature change either hot or cold
• A tingling sensation in the feet or through the body
• Pin-stick type feelings in the feet over congested areas

After treatment

• Cold-like symptoms such as a running nose as sinus congestion is cleared
• A cough, as mucus is cleared from the lungs and respiratory passages
• More frequent urination, bowel movements, or flatulence
• Headaches, increased sweating, skin rash, or thirst
• Yawning and tiredness or "Energizable"

Alleged long-term effects

• Reduced stress and induced relaxation

Many people try reflexology as their first foray into the world of massage, finding the treatment more relaxing than a general body massage. During the treatment, clients are only required to relax and expose their feet to the reflexologist. Treatment components also include soft music, essence oil and soft lighting, which combine to create a drowsy effect. Clients often fall asleep and describe the experience as the most relaxing hours of their day. After the treatment, they describe themselves as feeling "refreshed".

Approximately 75% of all illnesses are said to be related to stress. Stress can lead to headaches, neck and shoulder stiffness, as well as contracting the common cold and the more serious influenza. "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure", it is said, and so it is not surprising to see the growing popularity of reflexology as a means of relieving stress.

• Feeling of increased energy

It is claimed that reflexology opens pathways to renew ourselves and boost our energy level, immediately after treatment and for several days afterwards. It could keep us free from the feeling of lacking motivation, tiredness, and inability to concentrate. Reflexology advocates say that reflexology not only relieves symptoms, but also acts on improvements of our body as a whole.

• Other alleged effects
  • Acute and chronic conditions
  • Stress related conditions
  • Sleep disorders
  • Sports injuries
  • Preventative therapy
  • Improvement of mental alertness
  • Stimulation of creativity and productivity
  • Helping to improve inter-relationships between body systems

Current practice

Reflexologists apply pressure on "reflex zones" found on the feet and hands which are said to correspond to the different parts of the body. Application is done through thumb, finger and hand technique. Reflex areas, like hand and foot, composed of 7200 nerve endings are stimulated by pressure applied. An improved instruction to every gland, single part and organ of the body could be achieved by such a health science. The body is then believed to pursue a biologically correct, strengthened and reinforced state.

The reflex zones are organized in a way that represents the whole body.

First of all, there should be a preliminary talk with the practitioner before treatment. The reflexologist then begins to work on the client's feet, or hands if necessary, noting problem areas. There may be discomfort in some places, but it is fleeting, and also an indication of congestion or imbalance in a corresponding part of the body. For the most part, the sensation is pleasant and soothing. Reflexology can help relax the client and is believed to stimulate the body's own healing mechanisms. Usually a treatment session lasts for about one hour. For some cases, a treatment can last nearly two hours. A course of treatment varies in length depending on the need of the client body. The reflexologist will discuss this with the patient at the first session.

Reflexology is a widespread practice in Asia, where foot reflexology (also known as foot massage) is quite popular. Although many people are skeptical about the concepts underlying this practice, its use is spreading, perhaps because it is being taken simply as a relaxing massage therapy. Reflexologists do not use foot reflexology only, but a combination of foot and hand reflexology to obtain a much better result.

Sales of foot reflexology equipment, such as rollers, are increasing rapidly. In addition, many new instruments using the same principle are being marketed, such as whole body vacuum cans. Socks printed with reflex zone footmaps were developed based on reflexology. By wearing the socks, people can easily locate appropriate areas to apply pressure to. Though not generally used by professionals, these "reflexology socks" have gained popularity in Taiwan and China. Inexpensive how-to books enabling people to perform the exercises by themselves are also available for self-help practice. Reflexologists advise caution in applying the techniques to oneself, and recommend people to consult an expert before using them if they are pregnant or have a chronic disease.

Advocates claim reflexology is just as effective when used on children as on adults. Some advocates go further and claim it is more effective. Advocates have also suggested that reflexology can also help children create an awareness of self. ^{citation needed]}

Scientific view

Western scientists and medical professionals consider reflexology to be a pseudoscience^[1] and claim there are no reliable scientific studies proving its effectiveness as a medical treatment, or that there is any form of link between specific areas of the feet and the various organs of the body. Furthermore, the 'crystalline structures' rationale is unsustained by current understanding of physiology. There is no scientific evidence that healing can be achieved by it or that the claimed "energies" and their supposed pathways through the body even exist. However, research shows the relaxing and pleasurable nature of massage has many medical benefits.

Prominent skeptic Stephen Barrett, M.D., contends there is no scientific support for any of the theories of Reflexology, and refers to several scientific studies that have shown Reflexology is no better than random chance detecting medical problems.

In a paper titled "Reflexology: A Closer Look", Dr. Barrett concludes: "Reflexology is based on an absurd theory... Claims that reflexology is effective for diagnosing or treating disease should be ignored. Such claims could lead to delay of necessary medical care..." ^[2]

William T. Jarvis, Ph.D. says: "Reflexology has almost no potential for direct harm, but its ability to mislead well-meaning people into believing that it can be used for screening for health problems, or that it has real therapeutic value could lead to serious problems..." ^[3]

On the TV program Bullshit!, Penn Jillette compared reflexology to hitting the tires of your car in order to change the sparkplugs.

Notes

See also

• Alternative Medicine
• Acupressure
• Acupuncture
• Auriculotherapy
• Metamorphic Technique

External links

• Reflexology FAQ
• Skeptics Dictionary: Definition of Reflexology
• Reflexology: A Close Look by Stephen Barrett, M.D. – an article on Quackwatch, a guide to quackery and health fraud
• Scientific Research into Reflexology by William T. Jarvis, Ph.D.
• Seven "Theories" how Reflexology might work
• www.reflexology.org
• Reflexology Organisations in Different Countries
• Interactive Reflexology Chart for the Feet
• Reflexology Works - Case Studies As To Why It Works