REFLEXOLOGY

BY:

Grace Koster

Shakirah Hartley

Jessica Cotterill

COMPLEMENTARY THERAPY:

Reflexology - what is it?

popular complementary therapy worldwide
originated from ancient China and Egypt
utilises massage of body parts to detect health issues, promote healing, and whole body wellness

based on the belief that:

-specific parts of the body reflect the whole

-body’s reflex points are connected and correspond to several organs and parts of the body

Reflex points

Feet
Hands
(face & ears)

...reflex points react to pressure and stimulate the bodies own natural healing process by stimulating the body’s nerves and blood flow

Massage VS.

utilise micro movement techniques
focus on reflex points
stimulate nervous system & release tension
work from the inside out

Reflexology

utilise techniques like kneading, tapping & friction
manipulate soft tissue & relax muscles
work from the outside in

What is it claimed to be used for?

relief of pain & tension
boost circulation
stimulate internal organs
restore body functions
aid allergy symptoms
asthma
diabetes
stress
anxiety

gastrointestinal disorders
headaches
skin disorders
cardiovascular issues
premenstrual syndrome
respiratory infections
chronic fatigue syndrome
kidney function
injury recovery (especially foot & hand regions)
relaxation from tired or overused body areas

various health conditions & issues...

Ingham method VS.

very holistic method
pressure applied by the finger or thumb bending & straightening (walking along the area of work)
emphasis on relaxation & harmonising the body systems

Rwo Shur method

mixture of firm pressure techniques utilising the knuckles & thumb sliding
sometimes incorporates use of small wooden sticks
emphasis is on stimulation rather than relaxation

Reflex zone therapy

Left side reflex zone therapy

Meridian	Reflex zone	Corresponding organs
Line 1	Left thumbs and big toes	Pituitary, pineal, brain, hypothalamus, thyroid, sinuses, larynx, nose, trachea, tongue, oesophagus, thymus, heart, spine, pancreas, breast, small intestine and large intestine, prostate
Line 2	Left index finger and second toe	Brain, eye, adenoids, lungs, heart, stomach, spleen, pancreas, breast, small and large intestine
Line 3	Left middle finger and third toe	Brain, eye, lung, breast, stomach, spleen, pancreas, kidney, adrenal gland, small and large intestine
Line 4	Left ring finger and fourth toe	Brain, eye, lungs, breast, large intestine, ovaries
Line 5	Left little finger and fifth toe	Ear

Embong, NH, Soh, YC, Ming, LC & Wong, TW 2015, ‘Revisiting reflexology: concept, evidence, current practice and practitioner training’, Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, vol. 5, no. 4, pp. 197-206.

Right side reflex zone therapy

Meridian	Reflex zone	Corresponding organs
Line 1	Right thumbs and big toes	Pituitary, pineal, brain, hypothalamus, thyroid, sinuses, larynx, nose, trachea, tongue, oesophagus, thymus, heart, spine, pancreas, breast, small intestine and large intestine, prostate
Line 2	Right index finger and second toe	Brain, eye, lung, breast, liver, small and large intestine, adenoids
Line 3	Right middle finger and third toe	Brain, eye, breast, liver, gall bladder, kidney, small and large intestine, adrenal gland
Line 4	Right ring finger and fourth toe	Brain, eye, main lymphatic duct, breast, liver, lung, large intestine, ileo-cecal valve, appendix
Line 5	Right little finger and fifth toe	Ear

Reflexology Maps...

Left hand top & palm

Right hand top & palm

Left foot top & sole

Right foot top & sole

Reflexology session

Approximately 30 minutes - 1 hour
Clients attend multiple sessions over a period of time
Reflexologists work within a client’s pain tolerance
Sessions can be enhanced by additional elements such as - aromatherapy
-peaceful music
-pleasant environment settings