Reflexology

TheEssentialGuideforApplyingReflexologytoRelieveTension,

EliminateAnxiety,LoseWeight,andReducePain

TableofContents

Introduction

Warnings

Chapter1:WhenShouldYouUseReflexology?

Chapter2:HowReflexologyWorks

Chapter3:TheEssenceofaReflexologySession

Chapter4:ApplyingReflexology–SomeThingstoBearinMind

Chapter5:UnderstandingFootReflexology

DiagramA:FootReflexologyChartMap

Chapter6:TheFiveMethodsofReflexologyTreatment

Chapter7:PerformingFootReflexology

Chapter8:UnderstandingHandReflexology

DiagramB:HandReflexologyChartMap

Chapter9:PerformingHandReflexology

Chapter10:SevenDo-It-YourselfTechniquesforVariousAilments

Chapter11:ReflexologyforWeightLoss

Chapter12:ReflexologyforInfertilityandDuringPregnancy

Chapter13:ReflexologyforAnxietyDisorders

Chapter14:ReflexologyforBackPain

Chapter15:ReflexologyforAddiction

Chapter16:UnderstandingtheDifferentStylesofReflexology

Conclusion

Introduction

Reflexologyisanalternativetypeofmedicine,aformofhealingwhichinvolvestheapplicationofpressureorthemassagingofcertainpointsonthehands,feetandoftenears,usuallywithouttheuseofoil, lotionorotherlubricants.Thisisachievedwithafewspecificthumb,fingerandhandtechniquesusingarecentlydevelopedmodernpracticethat’srootsareancient,withitsoriginsbeingfoundinmanydiversecultures.Itisverydifficulttodetermineexactlywherereflexologywasfirstusedandbywhom, but the first known instance of if being recorded was found in theEgyptiantombofAnkhamordatingabout2550-BC,intheformofapictograph.ThePhysicianstombalsofoundinEgyptdatingfromaboutthesametimeshowshieroglyphicsthathavephysiciansapplyingpressureormassagingthefeetorthesoles of their patients using their hands or fingers. Another example, if earlyreference to reflexology, canbe found ina chapter in “TheYellowEmperor’sClassicofInternalMedicine”,aChinesemedicaltextbookwrittenabout1,000-BC,titled“ExaminingFootMethod”thatisabouttheconnectionsbetweenareasonthefeetandaperson'slifeforce.OtherChinesemedicaltexts,somedatingasfarbackas400BC,toutedthehealthbenefitsofstimulatingthehandsandfeetwithvarious formsofmassage,ointments, andheat.Ayurveda, avastbodyofmedicalknowledgethatoriginatedinIndia,practicesatypeoftreatmentsimilartoreflexology.TheancientEgyptiansalsousedaformofreflexologyasfarbackas 2300 BC. The aboriginals of Australia a culture that has not changed forthousands of years, estimated to have first evolved 60,000 years ago alsopracticed their own form of reflexology. Ancient cave painting’s suggest footmassagewas often used to treat ailments, they claim the teachings to do thiscametotheirmedicinementhroughtheir“Dreamtime”atypeofmeditationandspiritualtrancereachedthroughchanting,dancing,songandotherrituals.Thereis evidence to suggest that the native peoples of North America who had anadvanceformofnaturalmedicinealsoengagedinfootmassagetocurevariousailments.

The renowned Italian world traveler Marco Polo in the 1300’s translated aChinesebookthatmentionedseveraldifferentformsofmassageincludingfootmassage. This introduced the theory of how different parts of the body couldaffect others for the first time into European medicine. Doctors Adamus andA’tatispublishedtheirbookcalled“ZoneTherapy”in1582itisbelievedthisisthe first published European written account of what in later years wouldbecome modern reflexology Dr. Bell of Leipzig, Germany published anotherbookonthissubjectaboutthesametime.The first time thewordReflexologywasusedwaswhen itwasmadeupbyaRussian psychiatrist in the 1800’s. Physicians in Russia and many MiddleEasternCountrieswerewidelyusedtheapplicationofpressureorthemassagingofcertainpointsonthehandsaswellasdifferentpartsofthebodyincludingtheearsandheadtorelievepain,discomfort,generalbodytensionaswellasforitspsychological benefits. Dr. Ivan Pavlov and Dr. Vladimir Bekhterev werepioneersintheearlyRussianresearchintoreflexresponsesinthebodyandtheirbenefits.SirHenryHeadaMedicalDoctorandresearchScientistdemonstratedthattherewasalinkbetweentheskinandtheotherbodyorgansinthe1890’s.In the 16 th century, Europe again began expanding its trade and militaryinfluenceintoAfrica,theMiddleEast,andAsia.Indoingso,Europeandoctorsstarted learningmore about other forms of healing, and began incorporating anumberofthemintotheirgrowingrepertoireofmedicalknowledge.ItwasaroundthistimethatbookswerewritteninGermanandHungarianaboutthe topic of healing through hand and foot massage. Some of these weretranslatedintotheEnglishlanguageandbecomeafadinBritain,tilltheyfelloutoffashionduetoongoingmedicaladvances.Reflexologywas nearly forgotten about in the English-speakingworld until itwas rediscovered at the turn of the last century by an ear, nose and throatspecialist,Dr.WilliamHopeFitzgerald,heintroduceditintotheUnitedStatesin1913. In 1915, a Dr. Edwin F. Bowers wrote an article for Everybody’sMagazineentitled“ToStopThatToothache,SqueezeYourToe”.

Dr. Bowers claimed to have been studying the drugless therapy of Dr.Fitzgerald,andpraisedhismentorforadvancingmedicalscience.”Dr.Bowers,publishedaverywell readarticles inwhichhe toldeveryone thatbyapplyingpressuretoonepartofthebody,itwaspossibletoeasethepaininanotherpart.People triedDr.Bowers’ recommendations, found that theyworked,andZoneTherapybecameanimmediatehit.Fitzgerald called the systemZone Therapy, because he believed the body hascertain“zones” thatconnectedorgans tospecificareasof thebody.Twoyearslater,heco-authored thebest-sellingbook,ZoneTherapyorRelievingPain intheHomewithDr.Bowers andDr.GeorgeS.White.The publishers couldn’tkeepupwiththedemand,however,soin1919,theycameupwithanenlargedandupdatededitioncalledZoneTherapyorCuringPainandDisease.ItisimportanttonotethatDr.Fitzgeraldwasnosnakeoilsalesman.Heearnedhis medical degree in 1895 from the University of Vermont, and practicedmedicineattheBostonCityHospitalforseveralyearsbeforemovingtoEurope.There,hecontinuedhismedicalpractice, first inLondon,and later, inVienna,where he worked under Dr. Ádám Politzer and Dr. Otto Chiari, the leadingmedical experts of their day. Returning to America, Dr. Fitzgerald became aseniorsurgeonat theSt.FrancisHospital inHartford,Connecticut,andwasanactivememberofseveralAmericanmedicalsocieties.Viennawas,andstillis,aleadingcityformedicalresearch,havinggivenusthelikes of Carl Gustav Jung and Sigmund Freud, among others. It is thereforebelievedthatFitzgeraldrediscoveredtheartofZoneTherapyduringhisstintinthatcity.Dr. Fitzgerald had already published a number of treatises in variousmedicaljournals before portions of his work on Zone Therapy was published inEverybody’sMagazine .Manydoctorsbelieved that his informationhad tobemadeaccessible to everyone.Noneof themcouldhavepossibly foreseenhowpopularDr.Fitzgerald’sworkwouldbecome,orwhat itwouldeventually leadto.

OtherpeopletookupandexpandedonDr.Fitzgerald’swork,themostnotablebeing Dr. Eunice Ingham, a trained Nurse as well as a physiotherapist. Shedevoted forty years of her life to the study and application of Zone Therapy,subjecting it to scientificexperimentation,Dr. Inghambelieved thataperson’shandsandfeetwereespeciallysensitiveandeachspecificareaonthehandsandfeet, had a direct connection with other parts of the body. Her workingknowledgeandexperienceleadhertomapoutwhatpartsofthehandsandfeetcorrelatetodifferentpartsofthebody,anddevelopthehandandfootdiagramsthatallReflexologistsstillusetoday.Thefirstuseof theword“reflexology”canbe tracedback toDr. Ingham.Shecoined that termbasedon thebody’s involuntary “reflex” responses to certainstimuli.Themethods shepioneeredaswell as similar techniquesandmethodsdevelopedbyanotherreflexologistLauraNormanareusedbymanyoftoday’sReflexologists. DR. Ingham’s work was continued by her nephew, DwightByers, who set up the International Institute of Reflexology to preserve herwork.There is a large amount of controversy around many “Alternative Medical”techniquesorhealthideas.Conventionalormainstreammedicinemostlyrefusesto accept just about all alternative forms ofmedicine and lobbies strongly forgovernments not to recognize these treatments, including reflexology. Theydemand that scientific evidence and physical proof be presented first, almostalways refusing to accept anythingoutside their preferred ideaof germ theorymedicine and evasive practices. Despite the fact that huge numbers of peoplefindcomfortandreliefusingreflexologyandotherassociatedtherapiesthatuseapassiveapproachthatconsidersthatourbodyisacompleteunitwithallpartsinterconnectedandworkingtogether,aswellasbeingequippedandabletocureall ailments itwouldencounter in anaturalworld ifweallowedourbodies tolivenaturally.Ourbodyevolvedusingawiderangeofnaturallyavailablefoodsin its hunter gather lifestyle; these foods not only nourished the body, butprovidedtherawmaterialsneededforself-repair.Manycountries,includingtheUnitedStatesconsiderthatreflexologyitisnotalegitimate medical discipline. In Australia the Government’s Department of

Health has published the results of a review they undertook of 17 differentalternative therapies, in order to determine if they had any validity for beingcoveredbyhealthinsuranceandgovernmentsubsidies.Theirfindingswerethattherewasnoevidenceoftheeffectivenessofreflexologyandithadnoeffectonthehumanbody.Thesefindingsarenotsurprisingasthesetypesofreviewsandstudiesareusuallypartiallyifnotfullyfundedbybigpharmaandheavilybiasedintheirfavor.BigPharmadoesnotlikecompetitioninanyform,especiallythatwhichofferspeoplealternativestopurchasingandusingtheirdrugs.ThisisveryevidentasothercountrieswherebigPharmahaslessofahold,havedonetheirown studies that prove reflexology has a positive effect on people in manyapplications. In fact, research studies all around the world are validating theeffectivenessof reflexologyonawidevarietyofconditionsonaregularbasis.Somechronicconditionsthatarehardtotreatwithconventionalmedicineseemtorespondespeciallywelltoreflexology.In theUnitedKingdomtheComplementaryandNaturalHealthcareCouncilorCNHC coordinates reflexology through a voluntary system where thoseregisteredarerequiredtoabidebythecouncil’sstandardsofproficiency,butthisbeing voluntary anyone who wishes to can describe themselves asReflexologists. Reflexologists are prevented from claiming they can providecure for illnesses, because of a lack of factual scientific evidence that theadvertising standards commission requires in order to advertise alternativetreatmentsortherapiesasacureandthegovernmentdoesnotrecognizeitasamedicalservice.InCanadatheReflexologyAssociationofCanadahasregisteredtherapistsinallprovinces, but the government does not recognize them and any expensesincurred by anyone for reflexology are not eligible as a medical claim fromincometaxesorinsurance.In Denmark and Norway reflexology is the most popular alternative medicaltreatmentused.ItisrecognizedbythenationalgovernmentandisintegratedintothenationalhealthcaresystemtheUnitedKingdomhasalsorecentlystarted torecognize it officially. In China it is used together with Traditional ChineseMedicine.

Research studies, have shown that reflexology treatments and therapies haveprovided some improvement to 95% of the over 18,000 cases covering 64illnessesinover300individualstudiesinChina,wherereflexologyisacceptedby the central government as a means of preventing and curing diseases andpreservinghealth.Several large multi-national Corporations in Japan and Denmark have beenusing reflexology in their health care programswith the result theyhavebeensaving thousandsofdollarseachyearonpaidoutsicknessbenefitsandsavingmuchmorebecauseofincreasedproductivity.TheworkdonebytheearlyReflexologistsFitzgeraldandInghamhasbeentakenupbymanyotherswhohaverefinedandstreamlinedtheirprocedures,thisalsohelpstoexplainwhytherearenowbasicallythreeschoolsofreflexology.

1)TheoriginalFitzgerald-BowersschoolpromotedbytheModernInstituteofReflexology,2)The“InghamMethod,”and

3) Other schools which incorporate Chinese acupressure points, amongothers.

Although there are “purists” who earn diplomas from the various reflexologyschools around the world, most incorporate many different styles into theirpractice.Assuch,thisbookwillneitherdistinguish,norpromote,oneparticularmethod. It will instead explain the basics commonly understood and used bymostpractitioners.Therehasbeenaresurgenceofinterestinalternativehealingtechniquesoverthelast fewyears, especiallywith the failureofmodernmedicine to combatmostchronic illnesses such as cancer, diabetes heart diseases and respiratoryconditions;withoftenthetreatmentisasbadasorworsethanthecure.

Reflexologyworks.Fortunately foryou, thisbookwill explainhow itdoes so(sort of), why it is so effective for some things, and how you can do it onyourselfandonothers.

WarningsReflexology therapy is not advisable for people who have the followingconditions:deepveinthrombosis,thrombophlebitis,osteoarthritis,andcellulitison the feet or legs, acute infection with a high fever, strokes or an unstablepregnancy. Ifyouhavea foot fracture,unhealed footwound,oractivegout inthefoot,donothavereflexology.

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Chapter1:WhenShouldYouUseReflexology?Reflexologycanbeanenjoyablemassagein itself. It isoftenusedregularly toprevent theonsetofdisease,aswellas tomaintainoptimumlevelsofphysicalandmental health.Manypeople have anopinionon reflexology, somepeopleexcept it as a necessary and useful legitimatemedical technique while othersthinkof it as another shamor fad cure, but often their viewon reflexology isgleamed from secondhand or third hand advise or information from someonewho doesn’t really know the facts to start with, much of the media anti-reflexologyhypeispropagatedbythosewhohaveavestedinterestindemotingit,suchasthelargedrugcompaniesandtheorthodoxorcontemporarymedicalestablishment who are always jealous of competition. As always with everybranch of alternative medicine, there are those who make extravagant andunsubstantiated claims, but those who use and administer the therapies ofreflexologyandalsothosewhohavebenefited,knowthetruthofthematter.Myhopeisafteryouhavereadthisbookyouwillbeabletoformyourownbalancedopiniononreflexologybasedontherealfactsandbeableassesitstruevalue.Ihope youwill then decide to use it for your own and your associates’ healthbenefits, whether you intend to use it privately or would like to make it aprofession.Mostpeopleusereflexologyinconjunctionwithothertreatments,afewresorttoitinordertocureanailment,however,asreflexologyispainless,drugless,anddoesn’tinvolvesurgery.Reflexologyisusedbymillionsofpeopleofallwalksoflifeinallpartsoftheworld;ithasbeenusedtocomplementothertreatmentsfor such conditions as headaches, anxiety, nervous disorders, PMS, sinusitis,asthma,diabetes, eatingdisorders,obesity,kidney functionpeniledysfunction,cardiovascular issues and cancer treatments. But it is not used to diagnose orcure health issues or disorders on its own. You should not give up onconventionalmedicine–especially ifyouarealreadyundergoingtreatmentforan existing condition, but use reflexology in conjunctionwithor aswell as it,and inconsultationwithyourdoctororhealthcareadvisor.Reflexology isalsooftenusedasapreventivemeasurebecause it isable tohelprelievestressandunblockthevariousdifferentcellcommunicationpathwaysinthebody.

Ourbodies tookmillionsofyears to evolve, inorder todo so; theyneeded tohave theirownselfcuresystems.Without theseself-curesystemsinplaceandworking to optimum efficiency our species could not have survived. Theunnaturalexternalrepairserviceprovidedbydoctorshasintermsofevolution,onlybeenaround foraverybrief instant,but longenough to seriouslydisruptour natural healing abilities. Reflexology helps our bodies own systems to dotheirjobinagentle,non-evasiveway,withnosideeffectsofhealthconcerns.TheNational Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) hasfoundthat reflexologyhasnosideeffects,whatsoever.Thisdoesn’tmeantheythink itworks,mindyou --only that they findnoharm in it,whatsoever.TheBritishComplementaryandNaturalHealthcareCouncil(CNHC)concurs.It is very important that you thoroughly understand that last paragraph. TheAmerican NCCIH and the British CNHC are government regulatory bodieswhich looks into and monitors alternative forms of medicine. Reflexologyqualifies as an alternative form of medicine, a category it shares withacupunctureandothersuchformsoftreatment.These governmental organizations have looked into the claims of reflexologyfromamedicalperspective,andhavecomeupwithverymixedreviews.StudiesconductedbytheNationalCancerInstitute,bytheNationalInstitutesofHealth,andbyothers,haveshownthatwhilereflexologycanindeeddeliveronsomeofitspromises,itsotherclaimsareratherdubious.Reflexologycanallegedlytreatthefollowingproblems:

1)Anxiety2)Arthritis3)Asthma4)Backpain5)Depression6)Diabetes(sometypes)7)Digestivedisorders

8)Fertilityproblems9)Hormonalimbalances10)IrritableBowelSyndrome(IBS)11)Migraines12)Pregnancyissues13)Preparationforlabor14)Relaxation15)Respiratoryconditions16)Sinusitis17)Sleepdisorders18)Sportsinjuries19)Stressreduction20)Toothaches

Some reflexologistsmakeevenmore spectacular claims,which include cancerrelief and others. This is not supported by the science, however, nor by otherreflexologists.Ithasbeenproventhatreflexologycanindeedreducepainandstressinthesameway thatmassage and taking adeepbreath can–by relaxing thebody.Manydiseasesareactuallytheresultofstressandanxiety,whichiswhyplacebosworksowell.Ifyoudon’tknowwhataplacebois,it’snothingmorethanasugarpill.Doctorstell theirpatients that it is awonderdrug, andbecausemostpatients trust andbelieveintheirdoctors,theytakethepillandfeelbetter.Thisdoesn’tmeanthatsugarisamedicine.Allitmeansisthatsincetheillnesswasinthemind,itisthemindthatdidthehealing.Putanotherway:itwasthepatient’sbeliefintheplacebo’sefficacy,notthesugarcontent,whichcuredthepatient.Thisdoesnotmean,however,thatreflexology’sefficacyisallinthehead.Thehealthbenefitsofmassagehavelongbeenestablishedandisanacceptedtenetin

themedicalfield,afterall.Thatmatter dealtwith,modernmedical science is awork in progress.This isevidenced by the fact that established medical theory and practice keepchanging.Whatwasyesterday’sindisputablefact,istodayanoutdatedtheory.In other words, more andmore people are beginning to understand that theirdoctors don’t know everything.Nor do they always have our best interests atheart.Thepharmaceuticalindustryisfartooclosetomanymedicalpractitionersforcomfort,whilethecommercialmotiveofmanytreatments(andreputations)leavemuchtobedesired.That aside, reflexology must never ever be used in lieu of conventionalmedicine, especially if youhavea seriousmedicalproblem.Reflexologymustonlybeusedasanaid,notareplacement,forconventionalmedicaltreatment.Ifyou are undergoing treatment for something, talk to your doctor first beforeundergoingareflexologysession.Withthatinmind,reflexologyisaneffectivetreatmentforrelievingsomeformsofpain,especiallyheadachesandmigraine,anxiety,depression,sinusproblems,stress,andmanyotherailmentswhichwillbecoveredingreaterdetaillater.Asaformofmassage, ithasnosideeffectsatall. It is thereforesafetodoonyourselfandonothers.Justdon’texpectittobeacure-all.A fewstudieshavebeendone todemonstrate theeffectivenessof reflexology,onestudyin2000ontheeffectthatreflexologyhadoncancerpatientsfoundthatfoot reflexology significantly reduced their symptoms of anxiety, and alsohelpedwithnauseaandpainmanagement.Thisisimportantbecauseanxietyandstresscanhaveabigeffectonthewayandtimeittakesforsomeonetorecoverand itcanalsohamperaperson’sability to respond toother treatments.Thereare specific regions on the foot that will help change the entire energy flowthroughoutthebodyifstimulatedproperly.

Thehandhasvariousareasthatcanbetouchedandmassagedtohelptheentirebody relax.When someone’s hands are tensed it can be a sign that your andpossibly your whole body could be physically stressed. By using the reflexpoints in your hands, reflexologists release the trapped tension and let yourentirebodycalmdown.Peopleoftenshowtheyarestressedbyhavingaclosedorclenchedhandwithtensefingers.Anopenpalmwithloose,danglingfingersis a sign you are more relaxed. To demonstrate what they are doing whileworkingonyourhandsareflexologistwilloftenshowyouachart thatdepictsvariousregionstheyareusingtostimulateorrelaxyouonyourownhand.Ifyougetfrequenttensionheadachesorstressheadaches,thiscanbeasignthatyourentirebodyisstressed.YourreflexologistmaytargettheareaofyourheadusingvariouspointsinyourFeet,handsorears.Sometimescortisolproductionand epinephrine can take over your normal system, in which case yoursympatheticnervoussystemwilldominate,makingitextremelydifficultforyoutorelax.Althoughitislesscommon,therearesomereflexologistwhonowuseFaceReflexologyTechniquestotargettheheadregiontohelpyoucalmdown.Thestomacharea isaverycommonpointof focus in the treatmentofanxietywithreflexologyisthestomacharea.Workingtosoothethisareawillhelpcalmdownanoveractivenervoussystem,knownasachakra(orenergysystem)thatis located between your rib cage and navel system.The idea is to reduce thatuncomfortable feeling in your stomach; some peoplewith this condition havebeen known to suggest they feel like they have a knotted stomach or a lot ofbutterfliesintheirstomach.Reflexologywillhelptocalmdownthesefeelingsinthisareaandrelaxyouallowinghealthybreathingandreduce thephysical tollthatstresshastakenonyourbody.Reflexologyissometimesmistakenforacupressure,butthesetwodisciplinesarecompletely separate – although some reflexologists do dabble in acupressure.ThelatterisbasedsolelyonTraditionalChineseMedicine(TCM)andworksalloverthebodyandthehead,thoughitalsostimulatesacupointsonthehandsandfeet.Reflexology is not just great atmitigating or getting rid of pain, but it is alsoeffectiveatgettingtotherootcauseofthatpain.Itislittlewonder,then,thatit

has become one of the most popular forms of complementary medicine. Thealternativeistousedrugs,whichcanbeveryexpensive,atbest,orhavenegativeside effects, at worst. It’s also a lot cheaper thanmost conventional forms oftreatment.

Chapter2:HowReflexologyWorksNoonereallyknows.Differentschoolsandpractitionershavetheirowntheory,whichisanotherreasonwhyreflexologyisconsideredtobeanalternativeformof medicine. The accepted definition of Reflexology is that it is a gentlemanipulationorthepressingoncertainpartsofthefoothandsorearstoproduceaneffectelsewhereinthebody.Manypractitionersof reflexologyworkon the theory that theymanipulate thenaturalenergy,lifeforceorQitoequalizeandmaintainthenaturalflowsinthebody’s energy fields between cell and organs, these flows are the body’scommunicationsystemsbetweenthebrainothercellsandorgans.Thebodyusesseveraldifferentpathwaystosendmessages,somemessagesaresentbyminuteelectricalpulses,otherare sentusingchemical compounds that are releasedasneeded.Many recent studies have revealed our bodies are negatively charged under“normal” circumstances, this negative charge can be changed to a positivecharge by not being connected to the ground. All animals are almost alwaysconnectedtothegroundorgroundedwhichkeepsthemnegativelycharged,butourmodernhumanlifestylehasoftenremovedusfromournaturalgroundingbythewearingofsyntheticfootwear,theinsulatingofourhomeswithcarpetsandvinyl floor coverings, wearing clothing that produces a static positive charge,rubbing against synthetic materials and the influence of electrical wiring andelectronicdevicesnearthebody.Allofthesecancauseoursystemstobecomepositively charged until we become grounded so the charge dissipates. Thischangeofthebodyfromneutralornegativetopositivecancauseabnormalitieswithin the system, often in the form of blockages or damage to the pathwayscausing stress and or pain as well as preventing natural and other types ofhealing.There is some suggestion this couldbe amajor factor inmanyof thechronicillnessesthatplaguemodernmanespeciallycancers.Reflexologyisveryuseful in helping the body to repair these blockages or abnormalities ensuringthat the right signals or messages are sent and received by the cells they aresupposedto.

Another communication system within our bodies are the chemical pathwaysusingourblood,whichalsoprovidesnutrientsandoxygentoourcellsandthelymphaticsystemwhichis largelythewastedisposalsystemofourcells.Boththesecarryimportantchemicalmessages,usuallyintheformofenzymes,fromcells to other parts of the body. These systems can be disrupted by traumacausedbyaccidentsor even surgeryaswell as fromchemicals thathavebeenintroduced intoour system fromourdiet and also fromelectrical interference.Theovereatingofproteinshasalsobeenshowntohaveadramaticeffectonallthe body’s systems,when excess protein is brokendown it forms a variety ofdisruptivecompoundssuchassugars,ammoniaanduricacid.Oursystemsarealso exposed to toxic preservatives, flavorings, colorings, fungicides andpesticides all ofwhich pollute our systems; these are usually consumed alongwithprocessedsimplecarbohydratesthataddtohighbloodsugarlevels,addingmore complications to an already stressed system.Apart from themany otherproblems that are causedbyconsuming thesehazardous,unnatural, introducedchemicals,theycanplaceahugeamountofstressonallofourdelicateinternalsystems, causing inflammation, irritation and blockages which reduce theefficiencyof the immune systemand sometimes can causevaryingdegrees ofpain. Reflexology can be used as a preventative strategy to strengthen thedifferent systems,making them less likely tobeaffectedby thesehazardsandalsotoassisttherepairofthesesystemswhentheyarestressed.Theothersystemthatmanydifferent“AlternativeMedicineDisciplines”aswellasalmostall“CulturalBasedMedicine”suchasAustralianAboriginal,NativeAmerican, Chinese, Indian and other Eastern types of Medicines use are the“LifeEnergy”,“TheLifeForce”,“Chi”,“Qi”,“TheHumorBuzz”orforthoseofuswho remember theStarWarsmoviewhere theydescribed the energyas“TheForce”, theseareconceptsmanywesterners findhard tograsporaccept.Theysaythatthereisnoscientificevidenceforthem,althoughtheywilltellyoutheyaccept such thingsasLuck,BadLuck,Fate,Destiny,Divine Interventionand UFO’s, things which are also in the category of “without substance orhavinganyscientificevidencetoprovetheyexist”.MostpeoplefromEasternorAsian, aswell as from so called primitive cultures accept these ideas as basicfundamentals of life.This is an area that is difficult to describe andhas to betakenon trustor faith,but ifyourefer to thepreviouschapteraboutplacebo’sefficiency in conventional medicine, it appears to me there is very littledifference, it is amatter of having confidence in yourHealthcareProfessionalandtheirabilitytoprovidequalityhealthcare.

Reflexology is primarily used to stimulate the body to start repairing itself,Reflexologists usemanipulation of the various points that they know relate tospecificareas(ascanbeseenonthereflexologymapsonpageXXX)torelieveany stress blockage or pain. When these areas are stimulated they send amessagetothenervoussystemtellingittoreleasechemicalssuchasendorphinsthatare thebody’snaturalagents ituses to reducestressandpain.As is tobeexpectedtheconservativemedicalcommunityrejects theseideasoutright,withthestatementthatthereisatotallackofscientificevidenceanditiscontrarytothe time proven formofmedicine they use,which is largely a slash and burnapproachtoremovethesymptomssothatthediseasewillcureitself,nevermindthecause,medication(drugs)willcureandtreatall.Therehavebeenallmannerofargumentsanddebatesabouttheprosandconofreflexology,isitatreatmentormerelyatricktoextractmoneyfromtheunwary.Oneinterestingfact is there isashortageofpeoplewhohaveundergoneafullreflexology treatmentbyaqualifiedReflexologistwhoclaim ithadnobenefitfor them personally.Where the opposite is true in that there are thousands ofpeople all over the world who will testify to the positive effects they havepersonallyexperiencedafterundergoingreflexology,andmillionsofpeoplewhoregularly opt for having reflexology sessions.Obviously, peoplewould not bewilling tospendtheir timeandmoneyif theyfoundtherewasnobenefit fromundergoingthesetreatments.Functionalmagneticresonanceimaging(fMRI)hasproventhatreflexologydoesindeedhaveanimpactoncertainorgans.Pressingcertainpointsonthefeethasbeen found to increase blood flow to the kidneys and intestines, for example.Whatdoctorsstilldon’tunderstand,however,iswhyitdoesso.Imagingscanshavealsofound thatpressingdifferentpartsof thefeet tends tolightupreceptorsinthebrainandbaroreceptors(whichareneurons)intheheart.Again,nooneyetknowswhythishappens.Lackingconclusiveandscientificallyverifiedanswers, therefore, reflexologistsresort to fourmajormainstreammedical theories to explain how their systemworks:

1)CentralNervousSystemAdaptationTheory

Thisstates that there isa relationshipbetween theskinandorgans through thenervous system, because the nervous system suffuses the entire body. As aresult, you can’t get hurt in one part of your bodywithout having your entirebodyreacttothatpain.Soevenifyoujustprickyourthumbwithaneedle,yourwholebodywillreflectivelyjerkinresponsetothatpuncturewound.This theory suggests that the central nervous system creates stronger links (toavoid being too technical) between different parts of the body. If you’ve everbumpedyourelbowtherightway,forexample,thenthetipsofyourfingerswillgonumb–aphenomenonknownasthefunnybone.Yetitwasyourelbow,notyour fingers, that got hit, right? That’s a “strong connection” between yourelbowsandfingersrightthere.Itisnowunderstoodthatthisisbecauseoftheulnarnerve.Thisnervelet’syourbrain become aware of your fourth and fifth fingers, and lets you sense andcontrol movement in your hand. Hit your elbow the right way so it bumpsagainst (or squeezes) your ulnar nerve, andvoila!There’s that funnybone foryou.Ithasbeensuggested,therefore,thatthecentralnervoussystemhasasimilarsetup which directly connects certain points in the feet and hands with variousorgansinthebody.

2)GateControlTheory

Thisone’sabitmorecomplicatedandhas todowithhowthebrainfunctions.Haveyouevercutyourself,butdidn’trealizeyoudid,tillyousawtheblood?Orhaveyoueverbeenhungry,butdidn’t realize it, tillyousaworsmelledfood?Wellofcourseyouhave.Discomfort is your body’s way of telling you that there’s a problem.Maybe

you’vebeensittingdowntoolong,orperhapsyouhaven’tchangedpositioninawhile,soyouarecrampinguporalimbhasfallenasleep.Itcouldalsobetellingyouthatyouneedtoeatordrinksomething.Painisthebody’swayoftellingyouthatthere’saseriousproblem–itcouldbeasickness,aburn,acut,anopenwound,orahardbump.Itisyourbody’swayoftellingyoutolookatandaddresstheissuerightaway.Sohowtoexplainbeinghungryorgettingcut,butnotrealizingit?Medicaltheoristssuggestthatalthoughwehavepainreceptorsalloverourbody,they’renogoodunlessourbrainsregisterthatpainordiscomfort.Ifyougethurt,forexample,andfallasleep,youdon’tfeelthepainwhileyouaresleeping.Thecauseofyourpainhasn’tgoneaway.It’sjustthatyourbrainnolongerregistersthepainwhileyouareasleep.So this theory states thatwhile the damage is in your body, the experienceofpainisinyourhead.Sincereflexologyisaformofmassagethatrelaxespeopleand improves theirmood, the brain gets lulled into a statewhere it no longerregistersthepain.

3)VitalEnergyTheory

Also called the Yin and Yang Theory, this is based on Traditional ChineseMedicine (TCM).According toTCM, the body needs vital life energy, calledchi,inordertofunctionproperly.Channels,calledmeridians,suffusetheentirebodylikeveins–exceptthatmeridiansflowinstraightlines.Thesemeridiansarewhatallowsthechitoflowunimpededtowhereveritneedstogetto.Ifthesemeridiansareblocked,thechicannotflowproperly,resultingin lower energy and illness. This is also the theory behind how acupunctureworks,bytheway.

Reflexologydoesn’tmakeuseofneedles,however,nordoes it stimulateotherpartsofthebodyasacupuncturedoes.It thereforesuggeststhateveryorganinthebodyhasacorrespondingacupointinthehandsandfeet.Bymassagingtheproperacupoints,theblockedmeridiansbecomeopened,allowingchitoflowatoptimumlevelstowhereveritneedstogo.

4)ZoneTheory

This states that every body part is represented in the hands and feet. Dr.Fitzgerald couldn’t explain the exact hows and whys of the system, but heseemed to side with the Central Nervous System Adaptation Theory. NotknowingaboutTCM,hepositedtheideathatthebodyhasseveralverticalzoneswhichareinter-related.Assuch,theleftfootaffectstheorgansontheleftsideofthebody,whiletherightfootcontrolstherightside.

Chapter3:TheEssenceofaReflexologySessionIn short, no one really knows exactly how or why reflexology works, butmillionsofpeoplearoundtheworldswearbyit.Tomakeitsimple,allyouneedtounderstandarefivebasicprinciples:

1)Thatthebodyisdividedupinto10longitudinal(headtofeet)zones,2) Eachofthesezonesarefurtherdividedupintofivezones–fiveontheleftandfiveontheright,

3)Variouspointsonthehandsandfeetcorrespondtodifferentpartsofthebody,4) Aprofessionalreflexologistcanthereforesenseanyabnormalityinthebodybyfeelingthehandsandfeet,and

5) Massaging the appropriate points or zones stimulates blood flow tocertainorgans (whichhasbeenproven),nutrients (unproven),andstimulatethe flow of energy (maybe) to maintain health (perhaps), mitigate pain(proven),andcureahostofills(proveninsomecases).

However,thepressureorzonepointsinthehandsandfeetareconnectedtothebody’s organs, they will be stimulated to ease pain or to strengthen areas ofweaknessinthesystem.Althoughreflexologycanbeconsideredtobeaformofmassage, no lotion or other formof lubricant is normally used throughout thesession.Ifyouchoosetohaveasessionwithatrainedpractitioner,itwillbeginwithanintakeprocedure.Thismeansthattheywillaskyouquestionsaboutyourhealthandlifestyleinordertobetterunderstandhowtotreatyou.Dulylicensedpractitionersarerequiredbylaw(at least inAmerica) toexplainthatreflexologycannottreatspecificillnesses,andthatitmustnotbeusedasa

replacement for conventional medical treatment. You will also be required tosign a consent form to prove that you understand these points, as well as goreleasethemfromanyliabilityclaims.YourReflexologist isa trainedprofessional so thatyoucanexpect thatduringyour session with them, they will be polite and respectful of your individualneeds and desires. Theywill stay focused, present and groundedwith a calmmanor and centered state of awareness, with your consultation as their onlypriority. In return you are expected to be honest and open and show them anequalmeasureofrespectandcommoncourtesy,inthesamewaythatyouwouldforanyotherprofessionalwhoishelpingyou.ReflexologylikeotherformsofAlternativeMedicineisopenandupfront,yourwellbeingisthemainconcernandwiththatthemeinmindtheideaistomakeyou feel comfortable and relaxed. Unlike conventional medical consultations,wheretheaskingofquestionsisfrowneduponand“heavenforbid”,havinganopiniononanypartofyourhealthisjustnotallowedortolerated.Whenyouarebeing treatedbyaReflexologistyouareencouraged toaskquestionsandgiveyour opinions and observations on your condition. This not only helps yourReflexologisttodeterminetheirbestapproachtoyouandyourtherapy,buthelpsyoutoberelaxedandreceptiveaswellasunderstandingwhatishappeningandwhy.Itisimportanttounderstandthatreflexologyisnottodiagnoseortreatanycondition, but to help your body to relax and treat its self or sometimes tocomplementorimproveothertechniquesthatyoumaybeusingtotreatorcureanailmentordisease.Reflexology focuses on the entire pattern of reflexology therapy, not on anyhealthconditionorconditionsyoumayhave.Forexample, ifyouarehavingareflexology session because you suffer from migraine headaches or anotherconditionsuchasarthritisthewholesessionwouldstillbethesameregardless,startingatyourtoesandworkingdownthefootorstartingatthefingertipsandworkingdownthehand.Havingoneortwospecificconditionsasthereasonforyourconsultationgivesthereflexologistareasontobealittlemorecarefulwhenworkingtheareaorareascorrespondingtotheconditionyouareseekinghelptomanage,butthereflexologistwillstillworkcarefullyonallareasofthefeetandhands with a gentle pressure because the reflexology theories are based onpromoting the relaxation of the whole body and relieving the congestion or

blockage of all nerve pathways throughout the body, as the body works as awholeunitnotjustasindividualsections.ItshouldbeunderstoodthatthereflexologytherapistorReflexologiststimulatesthenervoussystem,thisistocauseyourbodytorespondortodoalltheworkoffixing or correcting problems, but it is not the therapist who does the fixing.WhenyourReflexologist findsanareaof congestionor tightness that requiressomeworkorremediesduringyoursessiontheywillapplythenecessarypropertechniquesrequiredtobringthewholebodybackintobalance.Ifyourtherapistfinds an area or areas of pain theywill work on that area unlit they feel thatharmony is restored to that area. Sometimes thiswill be accomplished in onesession,butusuallyitwilltakeseveralsessionstocomplete,thereasonforthisisbecause thebodyneeds time to recover and recuperate, it is rare forquick fixmethods towork.Thegoalof the reflexologysession isnot to tryand fixanypain,itistobringthewholebodyintobalanceandthenthebodywillreducethepainthroughitsownnaturalmethods.AReflexologist’sjobistobringasenseoftogethernessandoverallbalancetoyour body their purpose is not to diagnose or tell you about any congestion,tensionorproblematicareatheyobservethatmaysuggestthereisaproblemoranabnormality.The reflexologysession is todealwith stressandopenup thenervepathwayswiththemaintheorybeingthatthebodywillnurtureandrepairitselfwhen stress has been relieved or addressed. If aReflexologist finds thatyour body is extremely stressed they would most likely refer you to anappropriate healthcare professional or medical team, but they will not givemedicaladviceordiagnosis.Thisisnottheirfieldorjob.Althoughthefocuswillbeonyourhandsandfeet,somepractitionersalsopayattention to the ears. According to TCM, the ears are also a rich source ofacupoints, so your treatmentwill also dependon the school your reflexologistreceivedtheirtrainingfrom.Thereas statedearlier3different schoolsof reflexologysoyourReflexologistmayuseslightlydifferenttechniquesdependingonwhichschooltheytrainedat,buttheyareallverysimilar.Becauseyourtherapistwillworkallpointsofyourfeet, hand and probably ears, theywill cover or address all parts of the body,

including the internal organs, glands muscles and muscle groups, bones andnerves,duringanormal session. Ifyouhaveanarea that isof concern toyoudiscuss thiswithyour therapistand theywill thenbeable to return to itat theendofyoursessiontoensureithasbeenaddressed.ManypeopleareabitapprehensiveabouttheirfirstvisittoaReflexologist,butonceyouknowtheprocedure,theapplicationandtheexpectedresults,itmakesitaneasierdecision togoaheadwithhavingaconsultation, the fact that therearenodrugsinvolvednotestsandnopaininvolved,makesthewholeexperienceanenjoyableexcursion.Dependingon the person there is awide rangeof reactions people experienceduringareflexologysession.Manypeopleexperienceasenseofrelaxationandasense of awareness of the area or areas connected to the specific points thetherapist is working on. It is not unusual to feel a slight lightness or tinglingsensation in the body, somepeople get a feeling ofwarmth, a sense of thingsopeninguporenergystarting tomovewhen their therapistappliespressureorworksonaspecificarea.It isalsonotunusualforpeople tosenseafeelingorhave a physical perception that there is energy flowing throughparts or all oftheirbodyandthatthereissomeformofinternalcommunicationtakingplace.Whenyoufirstarrive,youwillbeasked to removeyourshoesandsocks,andyour feetwill bewashedwith amoist cloth and/or soaked in a solution, afterwhich they’llbedried.Reflexology isusuallyperformedwithyou lyingdownon your back and with your feet sticking out over the edge of the bed. Analternative is with you reclining on a La-Z-Boy type of chair with your feetelevated.Thereflexologistwillexamineyourfeet,lookingforanyopenwounds,rashes,sores, warts, bunions, and so forth. If you suffer from athlete’s foot or otherfungusthatyoudidnotdiscloseduringyourintakeprocedure,theymayrefusetotreatyou.Thesamemayapplyifyouhaveanysimilarconditionswithyourhands.Some reflexologists will not treat diabetics or women in advanced stages of

pregnancy,whileotherswill. It is thereforebest toshoparoundbeforesettlingonapractitioner,andtobeashonestasyoucanduringyourintakeprocedure.Sessionsusuallybeginatyourfingersandtoes,beforemovingontotherestofyour hands and feet. The reflexologist may work to address one issue in thebeginning,butduring thesession, theymaydetectother issues thatneed tobeaddressed.Although reflexology can ease pain, that is not its primary goal. Reflexologyaims to bring the body back into balance.Themore it can do so, the less thebody is likely to call out in pain by manifesting a condition like headaches,nausea,orfever,amongothers.A session can therefore last anywhere from thirty minutes to an entire hour.Dependingontheissuethatneedstobedealtwith,youmaybeaskedtoundergothreetosixtreatmentsforoptimumresults.Theseareusuallydoneconsecutivelywithin the span of a week, but if your schedule won’t allow it, let yourpractitionerknowsotheycantailoryoursessionsaccordingly.Dependingonyourstate,city,andfacility,treatmentsinAmericaaverageabout$30forahalfhoursession,andaround$55forafullhour.Thoughlotionisnotgenerallyused,somepractitionersliketoapplyaromatherapyoil,inwhichcase,expecttoseethatreflectedintheprice.Althoughasessionisessentiallyamassage,andyoumaythereforeexpecttofeelthe physical sensations associated with one, some people become emotionalduringtreatment.Thisisbecauseemotionsarenotjustfleetingthingsthatoccurinthemind.All emotions, especially those that are repressed, manifest in our bodies incertainways.Thisiswhypeoplewhosufferalotofstresseventuallysufferfromheartconditions,experienceheadaches,lackofsleep,orevenpanicattacksfromoutoftheblue.

Your stateofmind affects yourbody, yourorgans, andyour focus.So just asprolongedstresscanaffectyourbody,sovariousemotionswillhaveaneffect,aswell.Duringreflexology,someofthesedeepseatedemotionsmightcometothefore,especially if their causes are not addressed or ignored. Some people findthemselvesstartingoutasessioninacalmandrelaxedmanner,onlytodevolveintofitsoflaughterordepression(sometimesboth).This is perfectly natural, however, and even expected. This phenomenon iscalled “releasing,” which occurs when your body and certain internal organsrelaxenoughtoletsuppressedemotionsthrough.Reflexologydoesn’t justhealthebody, inotherwords. It alsohas thepower to releasepentupemotions soyoucanletgoofthem.Physicalsensationsmayinclude:

1)Coughing2)Disappearanceofallpainanddiscomfort3)Feelingasifallorgansarehangingfreely,notconnected4)Feelingcoldorchilled5)Feelinglight-headed6)Looseandrelaxedmuscles7)Musclecontractions8)Overwhelmingdesiretosleep9)Perspirationofhandsorfeet10)Sighingdeeply11)Thirst

Once a session ends, youwill be asked to relax for amoment and not get uprightaway.Sinceitiscommontofeelthirstyafteratreatment,youmaybegivensomewatertodrink.Onceyou leave,othersymptomssometimesoccur.Thesecanhityouhoursorevendaysafterasession,whichinclude:

1)Bettersleep2)Emotionalorpsychologicalrelease3)Flu-likesymptoms4)Frequentbowelmovements,diarrhea(astoxinsgeteliminated)5)Increasedenergy6)Increasedmucus7)Kidneystonescomingoutwithurine8)Moremobilejoints9)Nasaldischarge10)Relieffrompain11)Skinrashes,spots,orpimples(againduetotheeliminationoftoxins)12)Tiredness13)Vaginaldischarge

These are all normal reactions to a reflexology session and are no cause foralarm.Besuretoletyourreflexologistknow,however,sotheycanmonitoryourprogress.At theriskofbeing toorepetitive,also informyourGP,especially ifyouareundergoingtreatmentforsomething.Sessionsarealsoopentothosewithoutailmentsasaformoftune-upinordertomaintainhealth,balance,andfocus.

Chapter4:ApplyingReflexology–SomeThingstoBearinMindSincetherearenoside-effectswithreflexology(astatementbackedupdoctorsand medical researchers on the payroll of the American and Britishgovernments), it is also perfectly safe to do on yourself. You must havemassagedyourownhandsandfeet,atsomepoint,soyouknowitistrue.There are 12 things you need to keep inmind, however,when you decide toperformasession,eitheronyourselforonanother.Theyare:

1)BeComfortable

Reflexologyhastobedoneinacomfortableandrelaxedsetting.Itmustnotbehurriedorstressed,somethingthatappliestoboththepractitioner,aswellastotheoneundergoingthetreatment.If you are, it’sworking on another person, have them lie on their backswiththeirfeetdanglingovertheedgeofthebed.AnalternativeistohavethemgetonaLa-Z-Boychair(orsomethingsimilar)andhavethemreclinecomfortablyonitwiththeirfeetupandeasilyaccessible.If you are working on yourself, you might want to sit up in a chair with acomfortableback.Youdon’twanttoslouch,orthat’llhurtyourback,butneitherdo you want to be too stiff. It is important that you find the right balancebetweenmaintaining a proper posture, while still being able towork on yourfeet.

2)StartwiththeFeet

Whenstartingout,dosowiththefeet.Thisishowitistaughttostudentsduringformallessons,becausethere’ssomuchdataonhowpartsofthefeetaffectthedifferentorgansandglandsofthebody.Itisalsoeasiesttoworkon,becauseitis

alsobiggerthanthehands.When working on yourself, you can only use one hand, obviously; whileworkingonyour feet allowsyou to use both hands. It is also been found thatstimulatingthefeethasafastereffect inmitigatingpain,whileworkingonthehandstakeslongertoseeresults.Bearinmind,however,thatthehandsandfeetarenotmirrorimagesoftheotherinreflexology.Sinceyourheart isontherightsideofyourbody,forexample,thenheartconditionsaretobetreatedthroughyourlefthandsandfeet.

3)CommittotheWholeTreatment

Youhavetodothehandsandfeet,notjustfocusononeortheother.Ifyouhavea toothache, for example, it is tempting to just pinchyour toes and leave it atthat,butyouhavetogobacktothefourbasictheoriesonhowreflexologymight(ormightnot)work.Reflexology is an alternative form of treatment, and likemost suchmethods,doesnotseethebodyasmadeupofdistinctandindependentparts.Reflexologysees the entire body asbeingmadeupof inter-dependent parts, rather, soyoucan’tjustfocusononebodyparttogetridofaparticularacheorpain.Ifyoudohaveatoothache,itisnotjustyourteethtellingyouthatyouneedtogo to the dentist. Your teeth are connected to your gums, which are in yourmouth,whichareinyourhead,whichareonyourshoulders,etc.Thatpaincanalsobesymptomaticofsomethingelse(likehighbloodpressure,forexample),soyouhavetostimulateallorgansbypressingallthepressureorzonepointsonthehandsandfeet.

4)CreamsandOilsAreUsuallyOnlyforMassage

Whichdoesn’tmeanyoucan’tusethemforreflexology,asmanydo.Ifyouarestressed and need a break, use the cream or the oil, by allmeans. But if you

reallywant to address some problem (like a toothache), it is best to set thosebottlesaside.Althoughyouhavetostimulateallthepressurepoints,therearespecificwaystodoso,whichwillbeaddressedlater.Oilsandcreamsmaketheskintooslippery,whichcanmakeithardertotargetspecificpoints.There isalso the temptation to justdoakindofglidingSwedish-likemassageovertheskin.Whilepleasurabletotheonereceivingthemassage,however,suchglidingmotions ignores or ends up giving too little attention to the spots thatneedmorepressurethanothers.

5)MassageIsOptional

Manyprofessionalsincorporatesometypeofmassageintotheirsessions,soyoucandoso,too.Ifyouchoosetodothis,youmightwanttostartwitharegularmassagefirst,especiallyifyouaregoingtouseoilorlotion.Oncethemassageportionisfinished,besuretowipeorwashtheskintogetthecreamoff, thenuse thepowder to absorb the excess.An alternative is to startwith the session, then wipe the powder off if you want to use some type ofcream.Afarbetteralternativeistolearnsomemassagetechniquesthatcanbeappliedwithout having to use some sort of lubricant. Swedish massage is out of thequestion since it relies on rubbing motions. Shiatzu, which requires pressingacupoints,isidealforsuchcases.

6)UseTalcumPowder

Baby powder works just as well, though if you are really desperate, so willbakingsoda(butonlyifyouareinapinch).Sprinklethisonthehandsandfeettoabsorbthebodyoilandminimizeslippingorgliding.

Thereisamethodcalledthumbwalking(againtobedealtwithlater),whichwillbehardtodowithoutpowder.Ifyoureallylikethebellsandfrills,getapowderwhichcomeswithsomeniceandrelaxingfragrancetoliftthespirits.Avoid strong, astringent scents which might encourage sneezing or be toostimulating.Reflexologymustbedone inacalmandrelaxedsetting. It shouldneverbehurriedorstressed.

7)BeSensitive

If you areworking on someone else, pay attention to how they react.A bodybuildermightbeabletotakemuchgreaterpressurethanachild,elderlyperson,or someonewho’s sick. It is evenpossible that due to an injury, certain spotsmightbemoretenderthanothers.Although knowingwhich spots to pinpoint is important, it’s also important towatchout for thepersonyou aregiving a session to.Somepeople try tohidetheir feelings (especiallymenwho like to “suck it up”), but if you pay closeattention tohow they tenseorhold theirbreathat somepoints,you’llknow ifyouaregoingtoofarornot.Your pressure should not be even, therefore. Some people can take morepressureonsomepartsoftheirhandsandfeet,butnotasmuchonotherparts.Alsotakenoteof thebones.Mostpeoplecantakemorepressureonthefleshypartsoftheirhandsandfeet,butlesssoonthebonierparts.

8)SomeNo-no’s

Manyreflexologyschoolscautionstudentsnottoperformreflexologyonthosewhohavebeeninbedfor24to48consecutivehours–thebed-ridden,inotherwords.Others cautionagainstperforming itondiabetics,while still others saythesameaboutpregnantwomen.

In such cases, a massage might be more advisable. It should be made clear,however,thatnotallschoolsareinagreementonthoseaforementionedpoints.What all do agreeon, however, is sensitivity to the area tobe treated.Donotperform a session on an open wound, a bruise, or suspicious rash. If saidconditionsappearonyourownhandsandfeetandyoustillwanttodoit,thengoright ahead. Do be careful if they appear on another person you intend toperformasessionon,however.

9)HowLongShouldaSessionLast?

Thirtyminutestoanhour,thoughsomegofor45minutes.Asyouareobviouslynotaprofessional (orelsewhyareyou reading this?), it isbest todo it foraslong as you comfortably can. Or for as long as the person you are doing asessiononcantakeit.

10)DealingwithEmotionalResponses

Thiswasalreadycoveredinchapter3,butjustasareminder–somepeoplereactemotionally to a reflexology session. If a novice like you is likely going toperformasessiononsomeoneyouknow,howyoudealwithitisuptoyou.Justknow that an emotional reaction sometimes happens, soworking on a perfectstrangerisnotadvisable.

11)Don’tMakeAnyPromises

Attheriskofsoundingrepetitive–pleaserememberthatreflexologyhasnotyetbeenproventocureanything,atleastasfarasconventionalmedicalscienceisconcerned. Ithasbeen found tobeeffectiveatmitigatingsome formsofpain,butnotall.Andwhilemanyswearthatithashelpedthemwithvariousconditions,manyofthoseclaimshavenotyetbeensubjectedtoscientificscrutiny.Whatthismeansforyouisthatyouareinnopositiontotoutitasacure,norforwardyourselfas

thepersontodeliverthatcure.Creatinghighexpectationsinothers,aswellasgivingyourselffalsehope,servesnothing.Tryoutthefollowingexercisesandseehowwell(ornot)theyworkforyou. Share your success stories (if any) by all means – but never make anypromisesaboutreflexology’sability(oryours)toactuallyhealanything.Thatisneitherrightnorproper.InAmerica,italsobordersonbeingillegal–justlookatwhathappenedtoDr.Oz.Andhe’sacertifiedhealthprofessional.

12)DrinkWaterAfteraSession

Since reflexology helps to purge toxins from the body, it is advisable to helpthosetoxinsontheirwaybydrinkingaglassofwaterafterasession.Manywhoundergoasessionfeelthirstywhenisitover,yetanothersignthattheirbodiesneed to get rid of impurities.This is alsowhyprofessionals providewater fortheirpatients.Justbesurethatitisjustplainwaterandnotsomethingsweetorcarbonated.Sincesomepeoplegetchillsaftera fullsession,ahotcupof tea issometimesoffered. It all depends on how they (or you) feel after it’s over. This is againnatural, and not something to be alarmed about.While unsweetened tea, likegreen tea orOolong is best, if you can’t get your hands on them, then a littlesugarisacceptablewithregulartea.

Chapter5:UnderstandingFootReflexologyYou’ll find the foot chart on the very next page, but before you get there, itmight help to understand the basics of it so you don’t panic. Once youunderstandhowtolookatthefootasareflexologistwould,itbecomeseasiertopinpointwhatpartof thefootcorresponds towhatpartof thebody.There isaverysimplelogictothesystem,andonceyouunderstandit,thechartbecomeseasiertoread.TheFootIsaModeloftheEntireBodyItisnotatallcomplicatedonceyourealizethatthefootisconsideredtobethemicrocosmoftheentirehumanbody.Thisiswhyareflexologisthasyoulieonyourback(orpartiallyreclined)withyourtoespointingupward.Inthisposition,youarepresentingathree-dimensionalmodelofyourself.Byworking on themicrocosmof your foot, themacrocosm that is the rest ofyourbody is impacted.Your toes representyourhead, so the restofyour feetrepresentsthelowerpartsofyourbodyinthesameorder.Yourheels,therefore,representyourpelvicarea,all thewayto theknees,whichareaboutas lowasyoucangetinfootreflexology.HeadandNeckThe top, rounded, and fleshy part of your toes are manipulated to deal withproblemswhichaffectthehead,andotherthingsintheheadregion.Followingthis logic, the throat andneck are representedby the jointswhich connect thetoestotherestofthefoot.SpineAt thebottomof the toe joints,where theyconnectwith the foot, is thespine.There’s a lot more to this, of course, so you’ll have to refer to the chart for

furtherdetails.ChestThechestareaisrepresentedbytheballsofthefeet.Ifyouputonefootontheother lap so you can see the bottom, fleshy part of it, you’ll notice that thefleshiest balls of your feet are below your big toe and your smallest toe – analmostmirrorimageofyourchest.Basedonthis,youdevelopaprettygoodideaofwhere to find thepoints targeting theheart, solarplexus, andotherparts inthatgeneralregion.WaistThe skinniest part of your feet (width-wise) are located about an inch or twoabove your heels, depending on the size and shape of your feet. Stomachailments and other things to do with the waist area, are addressed here.Following reflexology’s logic, things dealing with the groin, rectum, and soforth,arethereforebelowthisregion.

DiagramA:FootReflexologyChartMap

Nowthatyoucansee thechart, the logicbecomesclearer.Asit represents thebottomviewofsomeone’s feet, it should thereforebeobvious that the footontheleft(yourleft)representstheotherperson’srightfoot,whilethefootontherightrepresentstheirleft.Bearinmindagain,however,thatthefeetarenotmirrorimagesofeachother.Althoughthehumanbodyissymmetrical,itsinternalorgansarenot.Theheartislocated in the left side of the body, for example, so you’ll only find itscorrespondingpointintheleftfoot.Thegallbladder,ontheotherhand,isonlyfoundintherightsideofbody,soyou’llonlyfinditscorrespondingpointontherightfoot.

RememberDr.Fitzgerald’s tenzones?That topic isabit tooadvanced for thescopeof thisbook,butrememberingthat itrunshorizontally,fromtheheadtothe feet, helps to understandwhy the feet do not have symmetrical points.Tomakeitsimpler,justrememberthattheleftfootislikeavoodoodolloftheleftsideofthebody,whiletherightfootservesthesamepurposefortherightsideofthebody.Tobetterhelpyoulocatecertainpoints,suchastheeyesandnose,considerhowtheyappearonyourface.Yournoseislocatedbetweenyoureyes,soyou’llfindits point in the outer big toe (the part that faces away from the smaller toes).Usingthisreference,thepointsfortheeyescanbefoundinoneoftheinnertoes(themiddleone,actually).

Chapter6:TheFiveMethodsofReflexologyTreatmentAlthoughreflexologyisnotmassage,mostreflexologistsincludeitasasortofwarm up in order to relax their patients. If the conventional medicalestablishment iscorrect that theonly therapeuticbenefitsof reflexology lies intherelaxing,stress-bustingaspectofit,thenitcan’thurttodoitonyourselforonanother,nowcanit?Sostartbyholdingonefootinbothhands,suchthatyourfingerscupthetophalfof the feet,while your thumbs do the actualmassaging on the fleshy bottom.Beginwiththetoesfirstandmovegentlytowardstherestofthefoottillyouendupattheheel.Don’tworryabout theproper zone spots in thebeginning, since this isonly amassagetorelaxthepatient.Sinceyoucan’ttouchanypartofthebottomofthefeetwithoutimpactingtheorgans,anyway,thesessionhasalreadybegun.Beverycarefultopayattentiontotheperson’sreactionasyoudoso.Aretheywincing?Ifso,youarepressingtoohard.Aretheytryinghardnottolaugh?Oh,they’relaughingalready?Thenyouareprobablyputtingtoolittlepressureandareticklingthem.Onceyoufindtherightpressureandthepersonisrelaxed,youarereadytobegintheactualsession.Reflexologistsusefivebasicmethodstostimulatethepoints,whichare:

1)ThumbWalking

Thumb walking is the principle method used in reflexology. To betterunderstandit,lookattheupperjointofyourthumb.Yoursolefocusshouldbeon the area covered by your thumb nails. Or more specifically, on the padsoppositeyourthumbnails.

Youraimistoimitatethewayawormmovesbyusingthetipofyourthumbtopullthelowerpartforward,orbyusingthejointofyourthumbtopushthetipofyour thumb forward. Start by pressing your thumb firmly against the skin,puttingmorepressureonthejoint.Thenyoumovethepressuretothetipofyourthumb till it digs into the flesh. This is made easier with the help of talcumpowder.Besure tocutyournailsandkeep themtrimmed. Ifyouhave troubleexertingsufficientpressureon the foot,useyour fingers topull it forwardagainstyourthumb.Forextrapressure,youmightalsowanttoleanforwardwithyourupperbodyasyoupull thefoot towardyou.This isespeciallygoodatmitigatingthestrainonyourthumbstoreducetirednessorsorenessonyourpart.

2)FingerWalking

Thisisdoneonthetopandsidesofthefeet,especiallyasthey’rebonierandarethereforemoresensitive topain.This requiresmoreexperience,butyoumightwanttouseitforthewarm-upfootmassage.Thismethod is similar to thumbwalking, except thatyouuse theupper tipofyourindexfingers.Toreducetirednessandkeepthefootorhandbalanced,besureyourthumbsfollowyourindexfingersontheoppositeside.Essentially,youare squeezing thehand and foot you areworkingonbetweenyour thumbandindexfinger.If your index finger gets tired, replace it with yourmiddle finger. Be sure toavoidthebonesonthetopofthefeet,oryou’llcausepain.Youmustonlyfingerwalkinthehollowbetweenthebones.

3)HookandBackup

Press your thumbsdeeper into a point and keep them there for a few secondslonger. Then you ease the pressure and repeat the process on the exact samespot.Thisobviouslyrequiresmorepressureonyourpart,soyoumightwantto

leanforwardwhilepullingthefoottowardyou.Againbecareful,however, lestyouhurt theotherperson.Pushgently,atfirst,whilepayingcarefulattention to their reaction.Onlypressharder if theydon’tflinchor cryout.Whendoinghook andbackup, special caremust bedone toavoidthebones.Thistechniqueisonlyusedonthesofterpartsofthefeet,soitmustneverbedoneonthetoejoints.

4)RotationonaPoint

Thisisdoneontheballsofthefeet.Pressyourthumbsbeneaththeballsofthebigandlittletoes,technicallyknownasthemetatarsalheads.Usebothhandstorotatetheballsofthefeetandthetoes,firstinonedirection,thenthenext.

5)PressandSlide

Pressthetipofyourthumbagainstthefootabovetheheel.Nowslideituptillitreaches the balls of the feet. You want to maintain an even pressure frombeginningtoend.Thisisaneffectivewaytotargetallorgans.Againbecarefultomonitortheperson’sreactiontomakesureyouarenothurtingthem.UsetheZonesasaGuideWhen you use these five techniques, pay attention to the zone you work on.Lookatthetoes.Nowimaginethateachtoehasanimaginarylinewhichrunsallthewaydowntotheheels.Youwanttoworkalongthesezonessothatyoucanmoreeffectivelytargetthecorrespondingbodypartyouneedtoreach.Thumbwalkfromthesideoftheheeltotheballbeneaththebigtoe.Returntotheheel and thumbwalkbackup to thenext toe, and soon till you reach thesmallestone.

Chapter7:PerformingFootReflexologyRotatetheToesGrabthebigtoeandgentlytwistitfromsidetoside.Workyourwaylowertillyou reach the joints.Somepeoplehavevery sensitive toe joints, sobecarefulwith thepressureofyour squeeze.Asageneral ruleof thumb, the thinner theskin above the bones, the more sensitive and prone to pain it is. Repeat thisprocesswiththeothertoes.StimulatetheToeTipsHoldandstabilizeonetoewithonehand,thenusethethumbofyourotherhandtopressdowngently.Thisisn’tacupuncture,sodon’tworryabouttargetingtherightspot.Solongasyoucancovertheentiretoetip,youaregoodtogo.Holddownforabouttenseconds,anddothesameforalltheothertoes.ThumbWalktheToesStartatthebaseofeachtoewhereitmeetsthefoot.Thumbwalkupwardstothetipofthebigtoe.Repeatthisprocesswiththeothertoes.ThumbWalktheBallsoftheFeetThe chest area stimulates the lungs, chest, arms, shoulders, esophagus, solarplexus, and esophagus, all of which are great for breathing, respiration, andenergy.Startatthebottomoftheballbeneathyourbigtoeanddothesamewiththerest.Youmaythenthumbwalkvertically,startingfromonesideofthefootandmakingyourwaytotheotherside.FingerWalktheTopoftheFeet

Startatthegapbetweenthebigtoe(alsocalledthehallux)andthelongtoe(theonerightnexttoit),andfingerwalkyourwayuptotheankle,takingcaretostaybetweenthebones.Repeatthisprocesswiththeothergaps.Besuretofollowtheindexfingerwith the thumb,so thatyouarepinching thefoot.Thechestarea,thelymphaticsystem,andthegroinareaarealsofoundonthetopofthefoottotheankle.EndingtheSessionOnce the reflexology session is over, you can massage it again, followed bygiving the foot and toes a gentle shake. Some also give the ankles a gentletwisting.Thoughdifferentschoolsandpractitionershavetheirownmethods,thisendingsessionissimilartothewaymasseursgivetheirclientsafewquick(andgentle) karate chops on the limbs and back in order to “resettle” the internalorgansandmuscles.

Chapter8:UnderstandingHandReflexologyUnderstandinghowtoreadahandreflexologychartisalittlemorecomplicated,butitgenerallyfollowsthesamelogicasafootchart.Togetareallygoodgraspofit,youjusthavetopinpointcertainmarkers.HeadandNeckThe pads of the fingers represent the head and brain. The thumb tips, on theother hand, directly impact the pituitary gland (a pea-sized organ in the brainwhich controls the hormones responsible for growth, metabolism, and bodymass).Youalreadyknowthat themiddle toescontain thepointswhichcorrespond totheeyes,soitstandstoreasonthattheircorrespondinghandpointscanbefoundinthemiddlefingers,aswell.Usingthatsamelogic,thehandpointsforthenosecanbefoundontheouterpartofyour thumb(thepartwhichfacesawayfromtheotherfingers)besidethefleshy,paddedportion.Since thepoints for thenose canbe found in the thumbs, the rest of theneckmustthereforefallbelowthispoint.Thethumbsarethereforethemarkerforthecentralpartofthebody–head,neck,stomach,groin,etc.UpperBodySince the thumbs represent the central portion of the body, then it stands toreasonthatthefurtheryougetawayfromthem,thecloseryougettothesidesofthebody.Withthisasyourguide,youshouldbegintounderstandhowtherestofthebodyrelatestothehands.Belowthepinkyfingers,forexample,arewhereyou'llfindthosebodypartsandorgansthatcanbefoundbelowtheshoulders,suchastheheart(inthelefthand)andtheappendix(ontheright).

SolarPlexusThis is the sole exception to the layout. Although the solar plexus is in themiddle of the body, its corresponding point on the hand is not beneath thethumbs.You’llfinditbeneaththeballsofthemiddlefinger,slightlyabovethecenterof thepalms.Basedon thismarker, however, you thenhavean ideaofwhereonthehandtheotherbodypartscanbefound.LowerBodyThepointsbeneaththesolarplexusmarkercorrespondtothelowerbody.Sotofind the points which relate to the stomach and sexual organs, they mustobviouslybelocatedbelowthesolarplexuspoint.

DiagramB:HandReflexologyChartMap

Some schools believe that hand reflexology is not as effective as footreflexology, although those whomake use of TCM disagree. Dr. Fitzgerald’sbooks includedmany exercises for the hand, including gripping the teeth of ahairbrush,aswell asusingclothes lines to squeeze the tipsof the fingers.Assuch,thosewhousehistechniquesarealsoindisagreementregardingthispoint.Whatever thecase,all schoolsemphasize theneed to stimulateboth thehandsandfeetinordertocompleteasessionandinordertoachievemaximumresults.Ifthefootcannotbemassagedforsomereason,perhapsbecauseofaninjuryorfungalinfection,thenfocusingonthehandwilldo.Insuchcases,however,itisbelievedthatpositivebenefitstakelongertomanifest,somoresessionswillberequired.

Hand reflexology alone can also be performed in situations where taking offyourshoesandsocksmightnotbeappropriate,suchasinaformalofficesetting.Youcanusehandreflexologyforrelieffromconstipation,headaches,shoulderaches,andanumberofotherailmentswhichwillbedescribedlater.

Chapter9:PerformingHandReflexology

The techniques for doing hand reflexology are not quite the same aswith thefeet.Yourfingersmustsupportthebackofthepalm,whileyourthumbsperformthemassage.Ifyouareworkingonsomeoneelse,holdtheirhandsinbothyourown,workingononehand at a time.Thiswill obviously be impossiblewhenyouaredoinghandreflexologyonyourself.As with foot reflexology, divide the hands into five horizontal zones byimaginingalinerunningfromthefingersallthewaydowntothewrists.Startingandendinghandreflexologyalsoinvolvesabriefmassageandperhapsabitofashaking,aswellasthegentletwistingofthewrists.Thefollowingaresomegenerichandexercises:ThumbWalkthePalmThumbwalkyourwayfromthewriststotheballsofthefingers.Startwiththethumbzonesandmakeyourwaytothepinkyzones.Nowreversethat,workingfromtheballsofthefingersandmakeyourwaybackdowntothewrist.ThumbWalkuptheFingersStartingatthebaseofthethumb,thumbwalkyourwaytothetip.Dothesamewiththeotherfingers.Becarefultoeaseuponthepressurewhenyougettothejoints,asthesewillbethemoresensitiveparts.Nowmakeyourwaybacktothethumbtipandworkyourwaydown.ThumbWalkHorizontallyThepalmscanalsobedividedintothreezones:(1)theballsbeneaththefingers,(2) themiddle of the palm, and (3) the two thick pads, one at the base of the

thumbandtheotheratthebaseofthepinky.Thumbwalkyourwayhorizontallyalongthesethreezones.BetweentheKnucklesTurnthehandoversothebackofthepalmfacesyou.Althoughyoucanfingerwalkyourwaybetweentheknuckles,thumbwalkingwillalsodoifitiseasierfor you. Be careful, however, as this is the bonier part of the hand and canthereforebesensitive.Again,paycloseattentiontohowtheotherpersonreacts.Nowworkinreverse,fromthewristsbacktothegapbetweentheknuckles.TwisttheFingersGentlyholdthethumbbetweenyourthumbandfingers.Nowtwistgentlybackandforthforaboutthirtyseconds.Dothesamewiththefingers.Donotattempttocrackthem.RotatetheFingersSecuretheperson’shandbygentlyholdingtheirwrist.Startingwiththethumb,slowlyrotate it incircles, firstclockwise thencounterclockwise.Again,donottrytopoptheknucklesorfingerjoints.StimulatetheFingerTipsUse the index and middle finger of one hand to grab the back of the otherperson’sthumb.Withyourthumb,pressdownontheotherthumbforabouttenseconds,asifholdingajoystickandpressingdownonthebutton.Repeat thisprocesswiththeotherfingers.Iftheotherperson(oryou)haslongfingernails,itisalrighttopressdownonthefingertipbelowthenails.SqueezingtheFingers

Ifyouareworkingonanother,holdtheirwrist tosteadytheirhand.Withyourother hand, gently pull the finger toward you, letting your hand slide downtoward the tips of their fingers. Do not try to pop the knuckles, simply pullgentlyandslowlytoactivatethepressurepointsalongthelengthofthefingers.Ifthetalcumpowderprovidesinadequatelubricationforthis,uselotion.SqueezingtheFingerTipsAtthebaseofthefingernails,oneitherside,aremorereflexpoints.Gentlypinchthefingertipsonbothsidesatthebaseofthenails,andsqueezeslightly.Thereisaslightdepressionabovethetopmostfingerjoint,whichiswhatyouareafter.ThumbWalktheWristStart at thebottomof thewrist, about two inchesbelow themeatypart of thehand. Fingerwalk yourway up toward thewrist. Start at the zone below thethumb andmakeyourway to the other side.Nowdo it in the opposite order,startingatthetopofthewristandworkingyourwaydowninthedirectionoftherestofyourarm.RotatetheWristHoldtheperson’sarmabovetheirwrist.Withyourotherhand,gentlyrotatetheentirehandfirstinaclockwisemanner,thenreverse.

Chapter10:SevenDo-It-YourselfTechniquesforVariousAilmentsTheexercisesinthepreviouschaptersfeelgreat,ifyouaretheonereceivingitthat is. They’re very basic exercises that can be used to promote health andwellbeingontheirownaspartofaregulartune-up.Foramoreeffectivetune-up,however,getyourselftoaprofessional.For more specific remedies, however, you might want to try the followingremedies:

1)ToRelieveHeadaches

Thefootiswhereyouwanttofocusonforthis.Youcancrossyourlegsinfulllotussoyoucanworkonbothfeetsimultaneously,butitisbesttoworkononefoot at a time.Usingyour thumb, rub thebottomofyourbig toe ina circularfashion,whichwillrelaxyourneck.Next,putsomepressureontheupperpartofyourtoes,astheycorrespondwiththehead.Youshouldalsomassagethesoftpadsofyourfingertips,asthesealsocorrespondtotheheadandbrain.

2)ToDealwithSleepProblems

Rememberhowthefleshypartofthethumbaffectsthepituitarygland?Thisisthepointyouneed to target if youhavedifficulty sleeping.Find the centerofyour thumb pad and give it a good squeezewith the thumb tip of your otherhand.Next,squeezethesidesofyourthumbatthepointsjustabovethejoints,oneithersideofthebaseofyourthumbnail.Dothesamethingforyourbigtoes.Taking care to avoid caffeine and other stimulates before going to bed alsohelps, by theway.Youmight alsowant to avoid theglareof aTV, computermonitor, or cellphone, as the presence of light stimulates alertness and can

interferewithdeepsleep.Studieshavefoundthatyoucangetagoodnight’ssleepeverynightbyworkingonyourrelaxationresponses;reflexologyhasbeenshowntobeveryhelpfulforimprovingyour sleepquality.Todoyourown reflexology for improvingyoursleeping, on your left foot, work your right thumb across the diaphragm line,from the inside to theoutside edge.Whileyouaredoing this try to rockyourtoesbackandforthacrossyourleftthumbandedgeyourrightthumbalongyourdiaphragmlineeachtimeyoubendyourtoesover.

3)ToMitigateStress

Theheadzonesarecoveredbythesoftpaddingofyourtoes,whiletheneckisinthefleshybitofyourouterbigtoes.Sincestressusuallymanifestsastensionintheseareas,youwanttosqueezetheircorrespondingzonesonyourtoes.Anothertechniqueistoplaceyourthumbinthemiddleofyourinnerwristwithyour palm facing you. Place your index,middle, and ring finger on the outerwrist directly opposite. Now move your thumb and opposing fingers up anddownsotheyrolltheskinofyourwristfromsidetoside.Doingsorelaxesthesciaticnerve,thelargestoneinthebody.

4)ForColds,Sinus,andFlu

Your sinus zones are in yourmiddle finger, just above the topmost joint andbelowthefleshierbitontop.Yournoseisrepresentedbythefleshy,outerpartofyour thumb,whileyour throat lies in the fleshybitbelow the index fingersjust above the“V” itmakeswith the thumb.Theseare thepointsyouneed tostimulatetogetridofcoldsandflu.Findtheircorrespondingpointsinyourtoes,aswell.

5)ForAsthmaandBronchitis

The lungs are targeted by pressing against the balls of the feet, about an inch

belowthetoes.Forthehands,targetthesoftpaddingatthebaseofyourfingers.Turnyourhandover.Pressdownon thegapsbetween, anda littlebelow, theknuckles.

6)ForDigestionRelief

Takeatennisball,orsimilarlysizedball.Ifyourhandsaresmall,agolfballwilldo,orsomethinglikeit.Oneexerciseinvolveslockingyourfingerstogetherandsqueezingtheballashardasyoucan,whichstimulatesthedigestivetract.Youcanalsorolltheballbetweenyourpalmsasifyouareshapingtheball,butputsomepressureintoit.

7)BackPain

The spinal zone for thehands startson theouter thumb justbelow themiddlejoint,andextendsallthewaytothewrist.Startatthewristandthumbwalkyourwayup theouter thumb tillyou reach themiddle jointof the thumb.Youcanalsoputabitoflotiononthespotsoyoucanpressandslideyourwayfromthewristtothethumbjoint.Onyourfeet,thespinaljointstretchesfromtheouterpartofyourbigtoesbelowthemiddlejoint,allthewaytotheheel,endingjustabovetheheelbone.Thumbwalkfromtheheelallthewaytothetoejoint,andusecreamorlotiontopressandslideyourwayup.

Chapter11:ReflexologyforWeightLossToday’s eatinghabits, the typesof foodsand lifestylesweenjoyareoftennotconducivetomaintainingahealthybalancewithinourbody’s,manypeoplenowfinding themselves in the difficult position of being overweight and not beingable to lose the extra pounds. There are a multitude of diets and weight lossprogramsadvertisedinmostsocialmediums,theyallpromiseyouwilllosethatweightandbecomeleanandsexy,butwithouttherightsupportitisoftenverydifficult to stick to your chosen weight loss program. What is required is apractical method to reduce your weight down or back to your preferred oroptimumsizewiththeleaststresspossible,amethodthatdoesnotinvolveharshdiets or strenuous exercise, but will give the desired results. Reflexology hasgivenmanypeopleanedgethatallowsthemtoovercometemptationandremainontheirchosenweightlossprogram.Although Reflexology by itself will not cause you to lose any weight, whatreflexology isable todo isbystimulating thecorrectpointson thefeet,handsandears,itispossibletotriggerresponsesinthebodythatwillreducehunger,stopcravingsandalsoburnupthefoodyouconsumesoitisnotturnedintofat.Reflexologyisalsouseful inraisingpeople’sself-esteem,helpingtocopewithanxiety and depression which are often leading causes of people beingoverweight.Byhavinga suitablediet that is compatiblewithyourbody type, lifestyleandexercise level coupled with regular reflexology sessions to keep your body’ssystemsontrackandtunedtoweightloss,aswellhelpingtoattainaharmoniousandpositiveoutlook,youhaveaverygoodchanceoffindingapleasurablewayto loseweight. (Mostpeopleona regimen to loseweight that theydislike aredoomedtofail,simplybecauseisnotenjoyable).Toloseweightwiththeaidofreflexologyyoucandoityourselfwithafriendorseekaprofessionaltohelpyou.Theareasthatneedtobeworkedarethepointsthat correspond to your spleen, stimulation of the spleen will help to reducehunger. You are digestive organs, stomach, gallbladder and pancreas,

stimulatingtheseorganshelpstoimproveyourdigestion.Anotherareathatwillbenefit frombeing stimulated to control your eatinghabits are your endocrineglands,bystimulatingthemtheywillpromotethesecretionofhormonesthatcanhelp control; your appetite, the thyroid and adrenalswill help to balance youremotional andphysiological stress andalsohelp tomotivateormakeyou feelmorelikelytowanttodosomeexercise.Self-AdministeredFootReflexologyforWeightLossFirstrefer toyour footchartandfindtheexact locationof thepointsyouwish to stimulate. For best results your weight loss reflex points should beworkedatleastfor5minuteseachday.It is important that you feel comfortable and as relaxed as possible in allreflexologysessions.Find themostcomfortablepositionsittingor lyingdown,some peoplemay find it difficult at first to be comfortable, especially if overweigh.Onewayofbecomingcomfortableandrelaxedistouseaflotationdevisesuchas awater ring anddoyour session in apoolor in the sea.Being in thewater allows you to be in effect weightless and it is easier to becomecomfortable and reachorplaceyour foot in a comfortablepositionwhereyoucanwork on it.Although it is preferable for your foot and hands to be dry ifpossible.Thereflexologytechniqueswillstillworkwithwater,aswaterdoesnotcausetheskintobecomeslippery.Somepeoplemayfindthatitisimpracticablefor them to try reflexology on their own feet for a variety of reasons so theyshould try the reflex points on their hands, by using one had to stimulate theother.(Seethedirectionsfordoingthisbelow.)Supportyourleftfootwithyourrighthandanduseyourleftthumbtoworkthespleenpoint.Onthechartitistheoblongareaindicatedontheoutsideedgeofyourfootbetweenyourdiaphragmlineandyourwaistline.Whenyoustimulatethespleenithastheeffectofreducingthefeelingofhunger.Inordertoworkonyourstomachandpancreasreflexpoints,findacomfortablepositionwhereyoucancradleyourleftfootwithyourrighthandandusingyourleft thumb, press eachpoint.On the chart your stomachpoint is on the inside

archofyourfoot,justundertheballofyoursoleandyourpancreaspointisinthecenteroftheinsidearchofyourfoot.Whenyoureachtheoutsidelimitofthereflexarea,changeyourhandsaroundsoyouareworkingthereflexpointsbackin the opposite direction, the stimulation of these points will help to improveyourdigestion.To stimulate your gall bladder, find the reflex point which is a small pointlocated in the larger liver reflexareaonyour right foot, justbelow theballofyour sole, toward the outside of your foot.The gall bladder stores a digestiveliquidcalledbile,thisiscontinuallysecretedbyyourliver,itsmainfunctionistoemulsify fats inyour food that can thenbeusedasenergy in thebody, this isconducivetoweightlossandimprovesdigestion.Balancing your hormone secretion can help you over the cravings for thosefoodsthataremainlysugarsandhelptofeelinclinedtowantfoodsthataremoreappropriate as well as helping to balance your emotional and physiologicalstress. Your endocrine glands are responsible for your response to stress,applyingpressure to the reflexpoints foryour thyroid (at thebaseofyourbigtoe), pituitary gland (in the center of the bottom of your big toe) and youradrenals(betweenyourwaistlineandyourdiaphragmline)willhelptoaddressstressissuesandcanalsohelpyoufeelmotivatedtoexercise.Thelessstressyoufeelemotionallyandthelessstressyouhaveinyourbodythebetterchanceyouhavetostayonyourdiet.Atipforgettingridofthatsweettoothcravingistorinse your mouth with a glass of water that has a teaspoon of baking sodadissolved in it, this detunes your taste buds and with your reflexologystimulation,givesyouagoodchanceofbeatingtheneedforextramunches.Self-AdministeredHandReflexologyforWeightLossFormanyormanypeople it isnotpracticable touse the reflexpointson theirfeet,soitisfortunatethehandsalsoprovidekeyreflexpointstofacilitateweightloss.Using the hand is also very usefulwhen you are on the go or unable toremoveyourshoes.Itisbesttorefertothereflexologyhandchartfortheexactareaswhereyouwill

findthereflexpoints.Ingeneral,thereflexpointsonyourhandsarelocatedinamuchsmallerareathanthoseonthefeetandrequireamuchfirmerpressure,sopressdeeply,usingasinglefingeroryourthumbtoapplythepressure,butnotso as to causeor feel pain, it is alsonecessary tohold thepressure for longerthanyouwouldonyour feet.Thecontacton theskinshouldbemaintainedasyourfingercreepsoverthereflexpoint(s)inminutestages.Thereflexpointforthespleenisbelowyourlittlefingeronyourlefthand.Thereflexpointforyourdigestiveorgansisbelowthelungandbreastareaonbothhands. The gall bladder reflex point is the pad under the little finger on yourrighthand,andtheendocrineglandsreflexpointsareatthemiddleandbaseofyourthumbsonbothhands.

Chapter12:ReflexologyforInfertilityandDuring

PregnancyReflexologytohelpcureinfertilityIn theUnitedKingdom reflexology isbecomingapopularmethod forhelpingcouples conceive. There are some points on the foot and hands that areassociated with a woman's egg production, fallopian tubes and ovaries, bymanipulating these areas reflexologists have had a lot of success in helpingwomen to conceive as this helps to correct the imbalanceswhich can hamperpregnancy,includingunblockenergypathwaysinthebodyandsohelpthebodytoregainitsnaturalbalanceandhealitself.Reflexology has been shown to help couples with fertility problems bypromotingbloodcirculationaroundthebody,strengtheningtheimmunesystem,balancing the hormone production necessary for conception to occur andpromotinggoodstronghealthandvitalityinthereproductiveorgans.Inordertopreparetoconceive,timeisneedforthebodytoadjustespeciallyifyouhavehadproblemsconceivingin thepast.Threemonthsisabout therightamountoftimeitwilltakeforcouplestobecomeready,becausetakesthislongtoproducehealthyspermand1monthforahealthyegg. Itwouldbe ideal forboth themale& female partners to have reflexology sessions or treatments togivethebestchancesoffertilization,thisisespeciallytrueifnoexplanationorreasonfortheinfertilityisunknown.Acouple learning reflexology techniques tomutually stimulateeachother isawinningformulathatmanycoupleshavetriedandsucceededwithwhentryingtoconceive,itcanalsostrengthentheirrelationshipandbringharmonyintotheirlives.

For those coupleswho have chosen to have IVF,Reflexology can be used tohelp reduce the stress and emotional unease and help prepare the bodyphysically.Reflexology isnowoneof themostpopular complementary therapiesusedbywomenduringtheirmaternity,becauseithelpstoimprovegeneralwellbeingandvitality. It also inducesadeepstateof relaxation,allowing the femalebody toadjusttothemanymajorchangeswhicharetakingplace.Reflexologyhasbeenshowntohelptoeaseorpreventmanyofthediscomfortsandailmentswhicharecommonlyassociatedwithpregnancy.LongstandingtrialsintheUKhavefoundthat those receiving regular treatments of reflexology during their pregnancytendtodeliverclosertotermandhaveshorterlabors.Some of themany complaints thatmanywomen suffer fromduring theirpregnancyandafter,thatcanberelievedwiththeuseofreflexologyare:Morning sickness, reduce and normalize high blood pressure, normalize lowblood pressure,Oedema and reducing swelling in feet and ankles, nausea andheadaches, pain and discomfort, backache, stress and anxiety, Improved sleepquality,digestiveproblemssuchasconstipationand the relieforpreventionofheartburn, adjusting to the demands of coping with a new baby, coping withinterruptedsleepandfatigue,decreasedenergylevels,maintainingorincreasingmilk supply, support asyourmenstrual cycle returns tonormal, re-balance thebodyandstabilizingbodyweightandthepreventionofpost-nataldepression.Most Reflexologists will not treat women in the first 13 weeks of theirpregnancy because of the chance of inducing a miscarriage, also mostprofessionalplaceswillNOTdofootreflexologyonwomenbeforetheyare37weeksbecauseofthelabortriggerssoIrecommendthatyoutakeextremecarewith doing any reflexology or massage while pregnant it is better to get aprofessionaltodoitforyouandtreatyourself.Havingsaidthatthefollowingaremethodstoinduceandhelpduringlabor:

Applyfirmpressuretothecenterofthethumbforabout3to4minutesandthenchange to the other thumb and do the same.Keep the pressure on for 3 to 4minutes.Thismethodwillhelptoinducesuterinecontractions.Itstimulatesthepituitarygland,whichreleasesoxytocin,thehormonethatinduceslabor.Thereisapressurepointontheinsidesoftheankles,aninchortwoabovethefoot.Gentlywork arounduntil you find a tender spot and then applypressureusing your fingertips, keep applying the pressure until there is a contraction.Stop applying the pressure to the ankle as soon as you feel a contractionbeginning. When a contraction has completed its cycle, begin to apply thepressureagain.Make sure you are in a comfortable position and using your fingers, applypressure to the space about a finger width between the big and second toes.Continuewiththepressurepointsin15-minuteintervalsuntilcontractionsbegin.Thereisaspotorpointonthearchofyourfoot,infrontofyourankle.Gentlyfeel around with your fingertips until you find it, it will be quite tender orsensitive,pressthisspotgentlyincreasingthepressureuntilyoufeelsomerelief.Thispointhelpsindealingwithpain.Some of the positive benefits ofReflexology during pregnancy are that it canhelp tooxygenate themother’sblood therebyoxygenating and improving theblood flow in turn helping the uterus and the baby’s placenta. It can alsodramaticallyreduceanystresslevelsforthemotherandbaby,aswellashelpingtocarrythebabytoitsfullterm.Manywomenwhoarepost-term in theirpregnancy find itdifficultat times torelax,whenyourbabyisnearingthetimeit isduereflexologytherapistsuseamethod called labor priming, this is where specific reflex points are stronglystimulatedtopurposelycreateaboostofenergytoencouragetheonsetoflaborcontractions.Mostwomenwhoarepost-termrespondwelltothistherapy,withoftenoneortwosessionsbeingnecessary,withtheresultofaquickerandeasierdeliveryforboththemotherandbaby.

YourHealthprofessionalandReflexologistarethebestpeopletodeterminethe suitability of treatment, but there are some conditions where it isuniversallyrecognizedthatreflexologyshouldbeavoidedaltogetherduringpregnancyandtheseinclude:Pre-term labor (less than 37 weeks pregnant), Placenta Previa (low lyingafterbirth)ifgradeiioriiiand32weeksormore,Hydroamnionsif32weeksormore.

Chapter13:ReflexologyforAnxietyDisordersReflexologyisoftenusedforanxietydisordersandstress,becauseofitscalmingeffectandbecauseitdoesnotuseanymedicationstocloudanalreadystressedsituation.Reflexologist’suseittosupplementoraddtoanexistingtreatmentofpeoplewhoarestrugglingwithanxietyandorstress.Oftenit ismoreeffectivethansomeoftheverydangerousandaddictivedrugsthathavebeenusedtotreatthese types of conditions. If you have high levels of stress and anxiety,reflexologymaybeabletohelpyoucalmdownandlearntocontrolyouranxietysymptoms. Most people go to a professional reflexologist for an initialconsultation;thisallowsthemandtheirhealthadvisorstogaugetheirreactionsandtoseewhethertheyrespondtothistypeofalternativetherapy.Reflexologyhasbeenshowntobebeneficial inhelpingwith therestorationofthebody’snaturalenergyflowssotheycanbemaintainedattherightbalanceofbothphysicalandmentalfunctioning,therebypromotingrelaxation.Oneofthemost commonuses for this type of therapy is to help treat stress and anxiety.Reflexologyhasbeenfoundtohelpincreasebloodflowtotheextremities,slowdown heart rate, and decrease blood pressure. Because reflexology therapy issoft and has minimal pressure, it feels soothing to the patient. One of theextremelygreatthingswiththistypeoftherapyisitisaccomplishedwithoutanydrugsormedication,justatrainedprofessional.Although it has been shown that it is not possible to have any negative sideeffects with reflexology, for most anxiety problems it is best at least in thebeginning to seek the help of a trained professional to get the best results.Becauseofthenatureofmostanxietyproblemsandthewayreflexologyworksit is normal to see results over a number of sessions.Once you have begun aseriesof treatments,althoughyoumaynotbeable toseea reflexologisteveryday to receive reflexology treatments, there are things that you can do inbetweentreatmentsessionstohelpkeepanxietyataminimum.Somepeopleusehand reflexology on themselves to help control stress symptoms in betweensessionswiththeirreflexologist.

Usually a professional reflexologist will explain exactly what they are doingwhentheytreatyouandwhytheyaredoingwhattheydo.Theywillalsoadviseyouonanyself-treatmentsyoucanusebetweenvisits.Someof theareas theywill stimulate to try and relieveyour symptomsof anxiety are:Theywill alsoexplainthattheyarenottheretocureyou,buttoassistyourbodytoovercometheproblemsthatyouhave.Inessencetheyareshowingyouandyourbodythewaytohealitself.ThestimulationoftheAdrenalglands,whenexperiencinganxiety,especiallyinheavycasesofanxietyyouradrenalglandswillbeverysensitive.Oftenforsomereasontheyhavebeenkickedintooverdriveandareoverproducingepinephrine,thiswillkeepyourentirebodyonedgeandalert.Whentheseareoverstimulated,you need to take the time to calm them down so that you can successfullyfunctioninsociety.Reflexologyisideallysuitedtohelpingyoutorelax.Our brains are extremely complicated as everyone knows and are also verydelicate; often anxiety is caused through over reaction to stimulants bothphysical and mental. Although some forms of massage will increase brainfunction,reflexologyistailoredtocalmingoursystemsandopeningpathwaystodrain awaynervous energyallowingus to relax. If youare experiencing rapidthinking and are finding it difficult to calm yourself down, this therapy maygradually help. By becoming more physically relaxed, it opens the door forincreasedmentalrelaxationandoftenallowsabettersleep.OurGutisanareathatisnowbeingrecognizedasplayinganimportantpartinouremotionalwellbeinganditisnowbelievedthatalotofstressandanxietyislinkedtoitespeciallywithconditionssuchasirritablebowelsyndrome(IBS)orothercolonissues,reflexologytreatmenthaslongbeenassociatedwithhelpingtoprovidereliefforthistypeofailment.Oftentherearecaseswhereanxietycanhaveimplicationsonthedigestivesystemandcolon,ifyourstressandanxietyislinkedtoanyeatingdisorder.Sleeping Disorders are often linked to the Pineal gland, especially if you arehaving difficulties falling asleep night due to your symptoms of anxiety.Reflexology helps to control the cycle of waking up and falling asleep, bychangingyourrhythmcyclesandhelpingtoresetnaturalfunctioningandaiding

infallingasleepandwakingupatgoodtimes.The Pituitary gland is implicated in stress and anxiety as well as the bodyincreases theproductionof stress hormones, it interferes in thenormalnaturalfunctioning of the pituitary.When the stress levels begin to return to normalbecausethebodystartstorelaxandemotionalissuesareaddressedthepituitaryhelpspromotenormalhormonalactivityandhomeostaticfunctioning.ToboostenergyandarelaxationaidbystimulatingtheadrenalglandFind the point that lies between yourmiddle and index fingers just below thethumb(seethehandchart).Gentlypressthethumbontothereflexpointofyourfreehandandapplyalightpressure.Slowlycurlupthenstraightenyourfingers,abit likemakingafistandrepeatthis10to12timesthedothesamewiththeotherhand.To keep your hormones in good order by stimulating the pituitary andendocrineglandsPlaceonethumbnailinthecenteroftheotherthumbnailandpushitinslightly(not to cause pain) and hold it there for about 30 seconds repeat with theoppositethumbanddothisseveraltimesaday.ToreduceemotionalstressandaidwithsleepingSitwithyouback supported (it shouldbe straight) andwithoutany footwear,gentlyplaceonefootsoitrestsontheotherknee.Trytoplaceitsoyoucanseethebaseofthefoot.Lookforthepointthatliesatthebaseoftheballsofyourfoot(seethefootchart),slightlyabovethearchofthefoot.Placeyourthumbatthe base right in the center and then apply a steady pressure until you feel aslightpainandmassagethepointalittle,thenrepeatwiththeotherfoot.Torelievefeelingsofanxietyandpanic

Grip your right index finger with your left hand and squeeze it gently. Keepholdingyourfingeruntilyoucanfeelyourpulseorheartbeat.Do thiswithallyourfingersthechangehandsanddoitwiththeotherfingers.

Chapter14:ReflexologyforBackPainItisagoodideatoprepareyourlegsandfeetbeforeyoustateyourreflexologysession,todothis,usegentlebutfirmpressuretomassageyourcalves,ankles,solesofyourfeet,andtoesandthenflexyourfootforwardandbackward,andthenrotateyourfoottoloosenupyourankle.ForGeneralBackPainMassage the lower arch-edge of your foot for 5-10 minutes. This areacorrespondstoyourlumbarareaandwillhelprelievegeneralbackpain.LowerBackPainLowerbackpainisbesttreatedbyapplyingpressuretoall thereflexpointsonthesolesofyourfeet, theentireareaaroundyourheelanankle,aswellas theinneredgeofeachfoot.Thespineistreatedbyapplyingpressuretotheareasalongtheinsideedgesofyourfeet.UpperBackPainUpper back pain is treated by applying pressure to the reflex points for yourshouldersandupperback,whichare representedon thesolesand topsofyourfeetjustbeneaththebaseofyourtoes.Useyourthumbtoapplypressuretotheareajustbeneaththebaseofyourtoes,firstonthesoleofyourfootandthenonthetopofyourfoot.Onthesolesofyourfeetthereisalotoffleshsoyoucanalsopressyourknucklesdeeplyintothosereflexpoints.Onthetopsofyourfeet,usealightertouchforthesamereflexpointsbecausethatareaismorebonyandsensitive.

Thereflexpointsforthespinefollowthelineoftheinsideedgeofyourfoot;thesereflexpointsarenotonthesoleofyourfoot.Sitwithyouback supported (it shouldbe straight) andwithoutany footwear,gently place your right foot so it rests on the left knee, with your right footsupported,useyourrightthumbtoworkallofthespinereflexesthatarelocatedalong the insideedgeofyour foot, from the tipofyourbig toeall theway toyour ankle. Startwith your big toe press your thumb firmly into the skin andmoveslowlyalongthewholelengthofyourfootsoyouaresuretopresseveryreflexspot.ToworkonyourSciaticNerveSciatica causes searing pain down the leg because the nerves are compressed,whichcanbetriggeredbyanumberoffactors.Thereflexpointsforthesciaticnervearefoundjustbehindyourankleboneandcontinueup inastraight lineforabout4"or10cm.Working thesciaticnervereflexpointseverydayforafewminutesisagreatwaytopreventapainfulcaseofsciaticaandimprovethebloodsupplytothisarea.Hisisbestdonebyusingyourindexfingerandthumbtopressgentlyonthearea.Moveyourfingerandthumbbackandforth,bringingthemtogetherandthenslidingthemapart.UsingHandReflexologySometimesit ismoreconvenienttousehandreflexology,somepeoplesuggestthat it is not as effective as using foot reflexology, but I feel it is amatter ofpersonal choice and preference, often if the feet are injured or infected theycannotbeusedandpeoplestillgetgoodresults.TheSpine

Thereflexpointsforyourspinearelocatedalongtheoutsideedgeofyourpalm,useyourthumbtoapplypressureandtheswitchhands.ShouldersandUpperBackThereflexpointsforyourupperbackarelocatedjustbeneathyourlittleandringfingeronthetopofyourhand,theyareworkedbyapplyingpressuretothearea,thelefthandcorrespondstoleftsideandrighttorightsideOnthepalmofyourhand,theareaforyourshouldersislocatedjustbeneathyourpointerandmiddlefingers.Thereisalsoareflexpointfortheupperbackonyourpalmjustbelowthebaseofyourthumb,ontheoutsideofyourhand.

Chapter15:ReflexologyforAddictionAlthoughReflexologyisnotacureforaddictionorasubstitutefortherapy,itishowevernowwidelyacceptedandisbecomingincreasinglypopularattreatmentcentersaroundtheworldasaneffectivecomplementtoanyothertypeoftherapyincludingaholisticaddictiontreatment.Reflexology improves blood circulation, which promotes the healthy flow ofoxygenandnutrientstothetissues.Itisbeneficialwhenusedintherecoveryofsubstance abuse and addiction, because it helps remove toxins in the blood,which results in fewer cravings and reduces symptoms of withdrawal. Peopleusing reflexology often report an instant feeling of relaxation, reduction ofanxiety, increased energy and an overall sense of wellbeing after the firstsession,whichmakesiteasyforthemtoengageinfurthersessions.A popular theory of why some people form addiction suggests that peoplebecome dependent on substances like alcohol or drugs because they come toassociatethemwithgoodfeelings.Specificsubstancesinthebloodstreamhavenowbeenidentified,suchasdopamineandserotonin,whichappeartoberelatedtocausingthesefeelings.Everyone feels thisprocessof associationandweall tend tobedrawn towardthings that make us feel good. When you sense or even just think aboutsomething that hasmade you feel good in the past, such a lover or a favoritefood, our bodies are programed to want or crave for another dose of thedopamine that goes along with it. Therefore, people are drawn toward thatstimulus.During a session to help relieve the feelings associated with addition aReflexologistwillwork on stimulating the hypothalamus, pineal, and pituitaryglandstoreleasemoreSerotonin,MelatoninandDopamine,whichareknownasthe happy hormones or mood boosters, because they provide the feeling ofpleasure,theymakeusfeelcontent,happyandsociable.Thereversecanhappen

when these hormones are at low levels or lacking, they can contribute to aperson’s feelingsof irritabilityanddepressioncancontribute to irritabilityanddepression.Studieshavefoundthatintheearlystagesofwithdrawalfromalcoholordrugs,including tobacco have significantly reduced levels of dopamine in theirbloodstream.This causes negative feelings and increases the desire or cravingforthesubstancetheyaregivingup.Reflexologycanhelptoreplacethatemptyfeeling until their bodies readjust and they begin to enjoy other activities andstimuliinplaceofthesubstancetheywereaddictedto.Duringorshortlyafterareflexologysessionforwithdrawingfromanysubstance(andoccasionallywithjustnormalreflexologysessions)somesideeffectsmayoccur as a result of toxins being emitted from the body. Any negative sideeffects which occur are not expected to last any longer than 24 hours. Suchresultsmayoccurinsomeonewhofirstexperiencesreflexology,butareunlikelytooccuragainandareonlytheresultofthepositivechangesbeingmadeinthebody.To helpwith giving up smoking it ismost common for each session to beginwith thestimulationof thepointson the foot linked to thesolarplexus,whichshouldhelpyourelax.Oncethepersonisrelaxed, thenthereflexareasfor thelungsarestimulationalongwithareasforthediaphragmandheart,aswellastheadrenal,pineal,pituitaryandthyroidglandsandthosereflexpointsthatrelatetothefunctionandhealthofthebrain.Thestimulationoftheseareashelpstoeasethebody’scravingfornicotine.Itisoftennecessarytohavesessionsof15to20minuteseveryseconddayoratleasttwiceweeklyaswellaswhenevertheurgetosmokebecomeshardtoresist.

Chapter16:UnderstandingtheDifferentStylesof

ReflexologyThe Main Differences between the Chinese and Western Styles ofReflexologyThe question that is often asked is what is the difference, if any between theChineseandWesternversionsofReflexology?Theyareverysimilar,but theydo have some fundamental differences. The most notable differences are theintensityofthepressureappliedwhilestimulatingthereflexpointsandthatthepositionofsomeofthereflexpointsisdifferent.InWestern reflexology the amount of pressure applied or the intensity of themassageinneversohardastocausediscomfortorpain,withitusuallybeingapleasurablesensationandkeptinsidethe“pleasurezone”,butnotsolightastotickle.Theamountofpressureusedonthehandsisoftenalittlegreaterthanthefoot, because the points on the hands are smaller andharder to find andquiteoftenthehandsareofmoremuscularconstructionthanthefeet.In Chinese reflexology the therapist uses a lot more pressure while doing anexploratoryinvestigationoftheareaandoncetheyhavefoundasensitivespotora spot thatgives thepatient themostdiscomfortorpain theywill increase thepressureandkeepapplyingmorepressureuntiltheyfindthe(lifeforce)“Qi”inthebodyandascertainwhenitistherightintensity.Thesesessionscanbequitepainful,buttheplussideistheytendtohealmorequicklythantheslowerlowpressurestyleoftheWesternworld.InWesternReflexologytheonlythingsthatareusedarethehands,usuallythefingerandthumbtipsandsometimestalcumpowderisusedtostopanyslipping(as opposed to aSwedishmassagewhere oil is used to lubricate the hands sotheyslideeasily).

TheChinesestyleofReflexologyoftenusesasmallrollerandasmallstickthatcanhelpthetherapisttofeelsmallgraindepositsandlocatesomeofthepoints.ThedifferencesbetweenreflexpointsinChineseandWesternReflexology:InChinesereflexologytheHeartisbelowtheballofthefoot.InWesternreflexologyitisinthecenteroftheleftfoot.InChinesereflexologytheThyroidislocatedontheballofthefoot.InWesternreflexologyitisonthebigtoe.InChinesereflexologytheSolarplexusarelocatedinthecenter.InWesternreflexologytheyaretooneside.InChinesereflexologytheStomachisontheinsideedgeofbothfeet.InWesternreflexologyitisbelowtheballoftheleftfoot.InChinesereflexologythePancreasislocatedontheinsideedgeofbothfeet.InWesternreflexologyitisontheballoftheleftfoot.InChinesereflexologytheLiverislocatedintheouterquadrantoftherightfoot.InWesternreflexologyitisinthelargeareaundertheballoftherightfoot.InChinesereflexologytheBladderissmallerthaninWesternreflexology.InChinesereflexologytheKidneyinlargerandlocatedinahigherpositionthaninWesternreflexology.InChinesereflexologytheAdrenalislocatedabovetheKidney.InWesternreflexologyitisdiagonallyacrossandabove.InChinesereflexologytheSciaticNerveislocatedontheedgeofthecalf.InWesternreflexologyitisontheheelofthefoot.InChinesereflexologytheUterus,Prostrate,OvaryandTestesarelocatedinalargearea.InWesternreflexologytheyareinamuchsmallerarea.TheSpleenisofdifferentshapes.

Western Reflexology is based on the Zone Theory originated byDr.WilliamFitzgeraldwhodividedthebodyintotenzoneswiththefootalsodivideintotencorresponding zones. The Chinese Traditional Reflexology is divided intotwelveenergymeridiansorzones,withcontrollingbuttonsonthefeet thatcancontrol the energyor “Qi”of thewholebody.Manipulating thesebuttons andreleasingtheflowofenergycanhelpthebodytorelaxandrecuperate,self-cureorhealitself.TheothermaindifferenceisthatWesternReflexologyisopenandeasytolearnitpractitionersopenlyteachtheirpatientstechniquestoenablethemtoapplyitto themselvesand indeed it canbe learnt ina freecourseon the internet. InasharpcontrastChineseReflexologyisacloselyguardedsecretthatisonlygivento special students andmembers of the family, it is often handed down fromgeneration to generation and remains within the family. Their Reflexology issurroundedwithmysteryceremonyandtradition.

ConclusionAlthoughcontroversialfromaconventionalmedicalperspective,reflexologyhashelpedmillionsofpeoplearoundtheworld–andtheirnumberskeepgrowing.SincethepracticeissimilartoTCM,whichalsoformsthebasisofJapaneseandKorean traditional medicine, the governments of those countries have begunsubjectingthisdisciplinetoscientificscrutiny,againwithmixedresults.But for adherents, it doesn’tmatterwhat the scientific data has to say on thematter. Itworksfor them,andnevermindhow.Nevermind,aswell,what theconventionalmedicalestablishmenthastosayregardingreflexology’sclaims.You can, however, take heart in the fact that at least some its claims aresupportedbythemedicalevidence.Whoknowswhatelsetheymightsayaboutitinthefuture?Ifyou’vedone theexercisesdescribed in thisbookandassuming theyworkedfor you, then you just might come to the conclusion that there is indeedsomething to reflexology. If so, then your next step is to find yourself aprofessional. In America, the government requires all reflexologists to becertifiedwiththeDepartmentofHealth,whileonlyNorthDakotaandTennesseeprovidelicensestoreflexologists.To find out if your local reflexologist is indeed certified, head on over to theAmerican Reflexology Certification Board (ARCB) or to the ReflexologyAssociation of America (RAA). You can also check in with the AmericanCommission for Accreditation for Reflexology Education and Training(ACARET).Ofthosethreewebsites,theRAAhasthemostcomprehensivelistandistheonemost laypeopleuse to lookup reflexologists. It isan independentagency that

meets the standards set by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies(NCAA)andtheNationalOrganizationforCompetencyAssurance(NOCA).Keepinmindthatthisbookisaguidetoreflexologyandcannotpossiblycoverthe practice in its entirety. Its objective is simply to help you understand thebasictheoryandpracticebehindthediscipline,andtogetyoustartedbylearninghowtoself-performit.Butifyou’dliketotakethenextstepandlearnmore,youcan also takemore in-depth online lessons from the School ofNaturalHealthSciences . For a more comprehensive list of certified schools, visit theReflexologySchoolswebsite.Zone therapy was established to provide people with quick, easy-to-do homeremediesforcommonachesandpains.Itisinthatsamespiritthatthisbookisoffered.Thanks for purchasing this book! If you found the information helpful andencouraging,pleasebe sokindas to leavea review for thisbookonAmazon.Now,goandputeverythingintopractice.Youwillnotbedisappointed!