According to the science of reflexology, each area of the foot corresponds with an organ and system of the body. Professional reflexologists apply varying degrees of pressure to the foot to relax and heal the corresponding area of the body. Reflexologists use foot charts to guide them as they apply pressure to specific areas.
Several studies indicate that reflexology may reduce pain and psychological symptoms, such as stress and anxiety, and enhance relaxation and sleep. Given that reflexology is also low risk, it can be a reasonable option if you’re seeking relaxation and stress relief.
Reflexology is sometimes combined with other hands-on therapies and may be offered by chiropractors and physical therapists, among others.
Source: Mayo Clinic
Origin of Reflexology
Modern reflexology is based on an ancient form of therapy, dating as far back as 2330 BC. There is evidence to suggest that the Chinese, Egyptian Pharaohs and North American Indians all practiced some form of foot therapy for their health.
It was only in the early 20th century that Dr. William Fitzgerald introduced the concept of Zone Therapy (applying pressure on areas of your feet has an anaesthetic effect on other areas of the body) and published several articles and a book on the topic:
“Six years ago I accidentally discovered that pressure with a cotton tipped probe on the muco-cutinous margin (where the skin joins the mucous membrane) of the nose gave an anaesthetic result as though a cocaine solution had been applied. I further found that there were many spots in the nose, mouth, throat and on both surfaces of the tongue, which, when pressed firmly, deadened definite areas of sensation. Also, that pressure exerted over any bony eminence of the hands, feet or over the joints, produces the same characteristic results in pain relief. I found also that when pain was relieved, the condition that produced the pain was most generally relieved. This led to my ‘mapping out’ these various areas and their associated connections and also to noting the conditions influenced through them. This science I have named “Zone Therapy”.
Another pioneer of reflexology was Dr .Joe Shelby Riley who brought the science of Zone Therapy to the public. A physiotherapist working with Dr. Riley, Eunice Ingham, the extended the work of Dr. Fitzgerald and mapped the feet with all the corresponding organs and glands of the body.
Source: International Institute of Reflexology
How it works
Zone Therapy suggests that there are reflex points on the feet that correspond to every organ, gland and part of the body. The left foot represents the left side of the body and the right foot represents the right side of the body.
By applying pressure to the area on the foot, the reflexologist helps to remove any blockage that may be affecting the corresponding organ or system in the body.
If a particular part of the body is out of balance, the corresponding reflex may feel tender or sore during the treatment and the reflexologist will focus their attention on removing that blockage to restore balance.
How it can help you
Aside from the obvious benefit of relaxation and reduction in stress and anxiety, reflexology can help to reduce pain, improve general wellbeing, boost your immune system, fight infection, correct hormonal imbalances, boost fertility to help you fall pregnant, improve digestion, clear-up sinus, treat headaches and ease arthritic pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your reflexologist will advise during your first meeting how many treatment sessions are required, and this depends on your health issue.
Each treatment sessions generally lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. For babies, a 15-minute treatment is recommended.
Absolutely. With reflexology, your practitioner works on an area on your feet that is ‘blocked’ using varying degrees of pressure to release the blockage, improve your health and wellbeing and restore balance. A foot massage on the other hand focuses on relaxing the muscles of the feet and restoring only your feet to comfort, not any other area of your body.
Reflexology sessions are available for individuals, couples and groups. Brand New Reflexology offers reflexology treatments for private events and even wellness days at corporates.
Reflexology has been used for fertility, pregnancy and childbirth for centuries, helping would-be parents cope with the anxiety and stress of not being able to conceive or when giving birth.
Several studies also indicate that fertility issues such as polycystic ovaries, cervical problems, pelvic inflammatory disease, hormonal imbalances, endometriosis and damaged or blocked fallopian tubes can be eased through reflexology.
Our first-hand experience shows that reflexology certainly helps some struggling couples to fall pregnant.
Reflexology can have great benefits for babies and children – helping them to stay calm, be more focussed and sleep better. In teenagers, reflexology assists with energy levels and hormonal issues such as acne.
Reflexology is not advised for people who have suffered with DVT (Deep-Vein Thrombosis).
Check whether your reflexologist is a member of the Allied Healthcare Professional Council of South Africa (AHPCSA). Medical Aids will only cover the cost of your treatment if you’ve received an invoice with a valid practice number.
Consult your GP before you begin any reflexology treatments. It is however important to find a reflexologist who has particular experience with pregnant women.
Reflexology can help expectant mothers with morning sickness or heartburn. It can also be used during labour to stimulate contractions.
When patients experience pain in certain points on their feet, this indicates congestion of weakness on a specific meridian or organ. The reflexologist will adjust her pressure to alleviate any discomfort. This pain also eases with continued treatment and once the patient’s health improves.
You may experience tenderness after a session or nothing at all. Some patients are ticklish initially, some like to chat throughout the treatment and some are so relaxed they even fall asleep.
After treatment, some patients could experience side-effects from the detox, including headaches, irritability or tiredness. Others find they are more energised, more thirsty or hungry.
Different patients react and respond differently to reflexology.
This initial consultation will provide your reflexologist with a medical history, allergies and insights into any health issues. You do not need to undress, but your feet will be disinfected.
Using her thumb and forefinger, the reflexologist will then probe the soles of your feet to diagnose areas of your body that are not functioning optimally. The firmness of the pressure applied depends on how sensitive your feet are to touch.
A session will last between 30 to 60 minutes and typically patients are treated over five to 10 sessions depending on the health condition which requires reflexology treatment.