Intuitive Reflections

Foot Reflexology

by Barbara Lee

"You may be walking on the solution to what ails you."

Reflexology can help with almost any issue or ailment, so whatever you've been through or whether your pain level seems like a number 1 or a 10, you can benefit from Reflexology. But remember, it may take a few sessions to reverse your health condition that probably took a few years to create. Give it some time; the symptoms will soon begin to disappear and your condition will improve.

Reflexology is a science, the idea being that there are reflex points in the hands and feet that correspond to all the glands, organs, and other parts of the body: your big toe represents the head, the lower back corresponds to the heel, and so on. The technique used is a thumb-walking action, as well as finger-walking, on certain reflex areas, such as the toes and lymph areas, and includes many relaxation techniques.

Reflexology works on the theory of zone therapy, developed by Dr. William H. Fitzgerald. In 1917, he wrote a book about Zone Therapy, entitled "Zone Therapy or Relieving Pain at Home" and is touted as "the discoverer of Zone Therapy." In his book, he describes his success of relieving pain by working on the hands and feet in the different zones of the body that corresponds to his client's pain in various parts of their bodies.

To understand where these zones are, draw an imaginary line down the middle of the body (median). Then draw five additional imaginary vertical lines on each half of the body, going from the head down the body to the toes. Starting with both big toes, number them #1, #2, #3, #4, and #5 (the baby toe). These are the ten, longitudinal zones down the body, five on each half, from the big toe to the little toe. Whatever is in any of these zones will be helped by Reflexology.

Reflexology can (1) relieve stress and tension, (2) promote relaxation, (3) improve blood supply and promote the unblocking of nerve impulses, (4) help nature achieve homeostasis, (5) improves circulation and many more benefits, too many to list.

When your body is relaxed, it has an increased ability to fight off infection and to heal itself. Foot Reflexology works because there are thousands of nerve endings located in the bottom of the feet, and specific techniques are used that stimulates circulation and brings fresh blood supply to the organs and tissues of the body. This not only increases blood flow, but also relaxes the person so healing can occur. By stimulating these nerve endings or points, your health can be normalized. The whole idea is that when the body is relaxed, the body can heal itself.

Reflexology helps with all conditions from muscular pain to depression. Reflexology also releases metabolic wastes; I always feel better after a session and drink lots of water to flush my system. When working on pregnant women, I avoid any deep work around the ankles and heels. These points represent the uterus, ovaries, and reproductive system.

If a person has a very sore shoulder, too sore to touch, one can access the shoulder reflex point on the bottom and on the top of the foot near the little toe. That person will feel better, as if the body is being worked on from the inside. This is also true for other corresponding areas of the body: if someone sprained their right ankle, one could work the right wrist and the right ankle would benefit. It is also recommended to avoid the use of any gadgets on the feet—these can sometimes cause unnecessary bruising.

What would the world be like today if husbands and wives everywhere rubbed each other's feet on a regular basis? They would most definitely be more relaxed. You don't have to be an expert at Reflexology to rub the feet of a loved one. What about our children and all those nasty ear aches? The ear reflex is located on the bottom of the feet at the base of the toes. I have heard that rubbing the toes can help with snoring (it does work).

My husband Charles and I keep each other healthy. Anytime one of us feels that we are coming down with something, we go to each other's feet. One Sunday evening, coming home from class, I noticed his left ear was red. He had the beginning stages of an ear ache. I did reflexology on him for half an hour and the heat and pain in his ear was completely gone.

You owe it to yourself and your family to learn this ancient art of Reflexology that has been around as early as 2330 B.C. The history of Reflexology extends into ancient Egypt with inscriptions found in the physician's tomb. Remember the different passages from the bible about Jesus washing the feet? . . .well, hum, I wonder what they were doing. They didn't have any technology back then, but they used their hands and herbs. They probably even used rocks. However, I recommend just using your hands—that way you don't run the risk of injuring someone.

Reflexology is so simple—all you need are your hands and a willingness to do the work. It certainly takes longer than a weekend to get certified in Reflexology, so it is always important to use discernment when inquiring about a Reflexologist's credentials. You can also purchase a quality book and teach yourself—you don't have to be a professional Reflexologist to use it in your own life. Our society has gotten away from touch by prescribing many pills, sometimes covering up the deeper issues.

As a Reflexologist, I do not diagnose or treat for a specific condition, and this modality is not intended to replace your doctor's advice. It is complementary medicine. Self-diagnosis is not recommended, but research and practicing on yourself is. If your foot is sore in any one particular spot, it does not mean there is something wrong with you, but those are the areas that need help. You may have your issues, but we all do.

Copyright ©November 2003 by Barbara Lee. All rights reserved.

Barbara Lee lives in Post Falls where she has a practice as a certified Reflexologist, Massage Therapist, Reiki Master Teacher, she has been practicing Reflexology since 1993. She can be reached at 1-208-773-7822.