Reflexology practitioners believe that stimulation of the proper reflex point in the foot will affect a particular organ, gland, or body part and can alleviate many health problems. It can be used to relieve stress and tension, to promote deep relaxation, and improve circulation and overall health.

	Reflexology is based on the premise that there are reflex points in the hands and feet that correspond to every part of the body.

Reflexology employs no instruments or devices and involves only the application of pressure by hand on certain spots on the sides, soles, and tops of the feet. It is therefore safe for everyone when performed by a qualified therapist. There may be slight pain during the treatment when pressure is applied to specific points. It should, however, not be painful once the pressure is lifted.

Reflexology has its roots in the ancient civilizations of several different non-Western cultures, first appearing in the West in the early 20th century. "Zone therapy," started by American physician William Fitzgerald, divided the body into ten vertical zones. In the 1930s, the physiotherapist Eunice Ingham used this therapy and found that her patient's feet were by far the most responsive areas to work, so she created a map of the entire body on the feet. Viewing the soles of the feet as a miniature representation of the body, she charted the toes as reflecting the head and neck; the soft balls of the feet, the shoulders and chest; the upper arch, the area from the diaphragm to the waist; the lower arch, the waist and pelvic area; and the heels, the sciatic nerve. The inside and outside curves of the feet as well as the ankles also corresponded to certain body areas.

	Reflexologists believe that pressure on reflex points can release and clear blockages, improving the body's internal message-sending system.

Reflexology employs the principle that these "reflex points" on the feet, when worked by hand pressure, will reflexively stimulate energy to a related muscle or organ and subsequently promote healing. Although reflexology is medically unproven and no one really knows exactly how it works, it is known that the thousands of nerve endings in the feet have extensive interconnections through the spinal cord and can send messages via the brain to all areas of the body. Reflexologists believe that communication is essential to good health and that pressure on reflex points can release and clear blockages, improving the body's internal message-sending system. This action improves circulation and makes the body able to transport oxygen and nutrients more efficiently while promoting the elimination of toxins.

During a reflexology session, the reflexologist will ask the patient about medical history and health conditions, as well as habits, work, and lifestyle. Patients remove their shoes and socks, have their feet wiped, and cream or powder is applied. The practitioner then works the reflex areas using several manual techniques, employing the thumbs or fingers. Blocked areas or blocked energy is often felt as deposits under the skin, and the practitioner targets these areas for breakup by manipulation and pressure. This can be slightly painful, although most people report feeling more relaxed after treatment. The number of treatments varies, but most find that the best results are achieved over four to six sessions. As of 1993, there were nearly 25,000 certified practitioners around the world. In certain countries, like Thailand, people can get a reflexology treatment on the street, and in Denmark, it is the number one alternative health treatment.

About the Author

Dr. Randi Fredricks, Ph.D. is a psychotherapist and author specializing in the treatment of mental health using integrative medicine and natural therapies. She works with individuals, couples, and families at her office in San Jose, California and is the founder of All Things Well, a certified provider of The Listening Program. Dr. Fredricks' publications include the landmark book Healing & Wholeness: Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Mental Health. No part of this article may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems. Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Dr. Randi Fredricks as articles often present the published results of the research of other professionals. Copyright © 2012.