Reflexology Massage, also known as zone therapy, is an alternative medicine technique in which massaging, stroking, squeezing, pressing, rubbing, and pushing on very specific areas of the feet, hands, and ears is applied to promote or stimulate beneficial effects in other corresponding remote parts of the body such as the vital internal organs (heart, liver, brain, stomach, bladder, sinuses, spleen, gall bladder, pituitary gland, adrenal gland, pancreas, kidneys, ureter, colon, small intestines, thyroid, bronchial tubes, coccyx, lungs, and appendix) and other essential systems (voice, neck, throat, eyes, ears, armpits, shoulders, arms, breasts, solar plexus, sciatic nerve, diaphragm, and Peyer’s patches). The intent is to improve the overall health of the body as a whole and the mind.
The Association of Reflexologists claims that Reflexology Massage results in improved blood circulation, detoxification of metabolic wastes, reductions in tension and the facilitation of the body’s capability to heal itself. The Association also claims that Reflexology Massage is effective for back pain, migraines, infertility, arthritis and a long string of other mind and body problems.
Since studies and research have failed to reach clinical conclusions about the effectiveness of Reflexology Massage, medical professionals of the Western persuasion have repeatedly expressed concerns that belief in this practice may dangerously delay treatments of potentially serious health conditions. They have even resorted to calling reflexology’s claim to manoeuvre energy (chi) pseudoscientific, as there is no scientific evidence for the existence of life energy, crystalline structures or pathways in the human body. In the United States, the same medical critics and others disapprove of the lack of medical training and the short duration of training. They further disparage the fact that there is no central regulation for accrediting and licensing Reflexology Massage therapists. Conversely, several European countries, among them Switzerland, require reflexologists to be trained and licensed medical practitioners with a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology.
However, based on ancient Chinese healing, reflexologists claim that the human body contains an invisible energy field which is the life force or chi, and they insist that a blockage or an obstruction of this life force prevents or delays the body’s natural inclination for self-healing and the improvement of health and wellness.
Dr William H. Fitzgerald, an ear, nose and throat specialist, and his partner Dr Edwin Bowers are said to have been the first to pioneer reflexology in the United States in 1913. Referring to their theory as “zone therapy”, Drs Fitzgerald and Bowers claimed that, in fact, imposing pressure at some very specific sites of the body provides analgesic and anaesthetic effects on other distant parts.
In the 1930s and 1940s, Eunice D. Ingham, a nurse and a physiotherapist, declared that the hands and feet are particularly receptive and proceeded to diagram the entire body into associated impulse or reflex points on the feet. By doing so, Ingham changed the previously known “zone therapy” to “reflexology” or “reflexology massage”, and her charted reflexes are still followed today.
Whether Reflexology Massage truly attains the exact results it alleges to attain is, in my opinion, not all that important. The more important issue here is the fact that a vigorous massage to the hands and feet feels so very good, especially after a hard day’s work, that it must be therapeutic in one way or another. Or maybe it just feels good and that’s OK too.
In the realm of reflexology massage, five notable types have garnered attention for their therapeutic benefits:
This classic technique involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet, believed to correspond to organs and systems in the body. It’s renowned for its relaxation-inducing properties and its ability to alleviate various ailments.
Similar to foot reflexology, this method targets pressure points on the hands, offering an alternative for those with foot sensitivities or injuries. Hand reflexology is valued for its accessibility and effectiveness in promoting overall wellbeing.
By stimulating points on the outer ear, auricular therapy aims to address imbalances in the body. It’s praised for its versatility and its ability to complement other forms of reflexology.
Integrating reflexology with stretching and massage techniques, Thai foot massage targets reflex points on the feet to promote relaxation and restore balance. It’s celebrated for its invigorating effects and its holistic approach to well-being.
This modality focuses on pressure points on the face, offering benefits such as stress relief, improved circulation, and enhanced facial tone. While less common, facial reflexology is gaining recognition for its rejuvenating properties and its ability to address both physical and emotional tension.
These five types of reflexology massage are among the most popular and widely practised, each offering unique benefits and approaches to promoting health and wellbeing.
