Foot Reflexology

Foot reflexology is a way of treating the whole body through the feet. It is an ancient system, based on the belief that the feet reflect all parts of the body. According to reflexology, the body is divided into ten vertical zones ending at the feet (and also the hands). When pressure is applied to the end of a zone on the sole of the foot, everything in that zone is affected.

What is the mechanism by which this occurs? Reflexologists believe it is subtle energy, what the Chinese call "chi." That is, the practitioner of reflexology is helping the client to unblock energy pathways so that healing can take place, just as the acupuncturist unblocks energy pathways using needle stimulation.

One of the most common effects of a reflexology session is the induction of deep relaxation in the client. Reflexology is also well known to help with detoxification via the lymphatic and excretory systems. Actually the list of ailments that can be helped with this method is very long because in principle all ailments are due to an imbalance or blocking of energy.
 

For further reading:

• Eunice D. Ingham, Stories the Feet Can Tell Thru Reflexology, and Stories the Feet Have Told Thru Reflexology, Ingham Publishing, Inc., 1984.
• Dwight C. Byers, Better Health With Foot Reflexology, Ingham Publishing, Inc., 1983.
• Laura Norman, Feet First, Simon & Schuster, Inc., 1988.