| Reflexology is based on the Chinese belief that a vital | | | | use of the finger, thumb and hand to apply pressure |
| energy, called chi, flows through the body along | | | | to the designated areas. |
| paths known as meridians. As long as this energy | | | | Unlike other forms of massage therapy, oils and |
| flows smoothly, the body is in balance. If the flow | | | | creams are not used. The patient usually sits in a |
| becomes blocked for whatever reason, the body is | | | | chair and removes only socks and shoes. Sessions |
| out of balance and becomes stressed. Reflexology is | | | | are scheduled in time increments of thirty minutes to |
| a tool in which certain movements are implemented | | | | an hour. Both feet will be treated using pressure, |
| to restore the energy balance. | | | | stretch and movements. A reflexology treatment is |
| According to reflexology, all the organs and parts of | | | | usually applied to the entire foot. Reflexology differs |
| the body are mapped on the feet and hands. The | | | | from ordinary foot massage in that it works through |
| left side of the body is mapped on the left hand and | | | | the nervous system applying the techniques to the |
| foot while the right side of the body is reflected on | | | | reflex points in the hands and feet. |
| the right hand and foot. Applying pressure to the | | | | When the session is completed, the patient should |
| zones of the feet and hands will result in a physical | | | | feel relaxed. How long one can remain in this state of |
| change in the body. | | | | relaxation depends on the effectiveness of the |
| Kevin and Barbara Kunz, international authorities in the | | | | session. |
| field of reflexology, take the basic premise a little | | | | One does have to be careful in the choice of a |
| further. According to their theory, when the body is | | | | practitioner. There are many schools available, which |
| stressed, it enters a "fight or flight" state. This brings | | | | offer short classes that do not deliver all the |
| about an adrenal surge that enables the body to | | | | information a qualified practitioner should know. |
| respond effectively to a sudden emergency. | | | | There is a Reflexology Association of America, which |
| However, the flight will be done with the feet and | | | | certifies practitioners after they have passed a |
| the hands will be used to fight. There are nerve | | | | comprehensive exam. They maintain a list of certified |
| sensors in the feet and hands, which communicate | | | | practitioners which can be accessed from their |
| the individual's choice to the other parts of the body. | | | | website. The association is also active in research and |
| Reflexology can manipulate the various nerve endings | | | | education. |
| to interrupt the stress signals and effect relaxation | | | | At this time there is considerable controversy as to |
| thereby reducing the stress. | | | | whether reflexology is useful in treating other forms |
| Practitioners of reflexology first use a series of touch | | | | of disease. Consequently, several research studies |
| techniques to assess signs of stress by judging the | | | | have been and are now being conducted. But the |
| patient's sensitivity to the practitioner's touch. This | | | | benefits of reflexology is easing stress have already |
| allows the reflexologist to determine the areas of | | | | been documented and one can safely employ it for |
| stress and implement the techniques that will provide | | | | that purpose. |
| relief to these areas. These techniques all involve the | | | | |