Reflexology- What Are The Benefits?

What is Reflexology?

Foot Reflexology or the firm but gentle manipulation of reflex points or areas in both feet, has been passed on from generation to generation for centuries. When humans first placed their feet on the earth's surface, they were naturally stimulated by walking and running over the uneven ground.

The History

Ancient Gre introduction of sandals and shoes has reduced the foots inborn sensitivity.ece

Throughout history feet have represented mobility, security and grounding. According to Greek legend, the feet symbolized the soul, with any lameness being perceived as weakness of spirit. Until AD 200, many flocked to the Delphi health resort in Greece to relax in the sacred waters of the hydrotherapy pools. Before retiring to a sleep temple, Reflexology and body massage were administered to evoke memories and insight into dreams.

Egypt
The earliest known reference to Reflexology is more than 4000 years old. Illustrations found on the wall of the Physicians Tomb at Saqqara, Egypt dating to around 2,330BC shows the therapeutic benefits of manipulating specific points on the hand and feet. According to the Papyrus Institute in Cairo, the hieroglyphic writing above the scene reads "Do not let it be painful" says one of the patients. "I do as you please" is the reply.

The Egyptians contributed greatly to the development of science and medicine. Before the Egyptian culture, healers used witchcraft to drive out evil spirits from the body which were blamed for causing disease. The Ancient Egyptian doctors were the first physicians to study the human body scientifically. They studied the structure of the brain and knew that the pulse was in some way connected with the heart. In addition they became masters at setting bones, caring for wounds and successfully treating many illnesses.

The early Egyptian artists contribute to our knowledge of the medical procedure of their time. They carefully recorded scenes of daily life which included the medical practices of the day (the date was 2,330 B.C.) Their medical wall paintings and engravings preserve a history of surgical operations, anatomical observation and medical treatments. Both papyri and wall paintings bear witness to the part played by medicine and physicians in that culture. Evidence that the medical profession was held in great esteem is found in the tomb of Ankhmahor, a physician who was the most influential official, second only to the King. It is in his tomb at Saqqara that the scene depicting the practice of Reflexology can be found. Egyptian physicians did not only practice medicine. Some physicians were also engineers, architects, master builders, metaphysicians, astrologers and scribes. The knowledge a physician had and was entitled to practice was painted or engraved on the wall of his tomb. Ankhmahor's tomb has six wall carvings which include circumcision, child birth, pharmacology, embalming, dentistry and Reflexology. These scenes were carved not only to honor the physician but also for religious purposes.

It was believed that when the spirit or soul of the physician sought to return to the body from the Afterlife, it was guided by the information on the tomb walls to the correct body. Sincere there were many physicians, the scenes which record the activities of a person's life were to the soul, like reading that person's biography. They aided the soul in selecting the proper body as it returned to earth.

According to the Papyrus Institute in Cairo, the hieroglyphic writing which appears above the scene reads "Do not let it be painful" says one of the patients. "I do as you please" is the reply. This particular wall scene is a raised relief, without colour, carved into the tomb wall. This carving is only part of the scenes depicted in the pyramid, other scenes show the therapeutic application of pressure on hands and shoulders.

China
The Chinese are also known to have used Reflexology in conjunction with acupuncture. Dr Wang-Wei, a Chinese doctor in the 4th century BC evidently used to position acupuncture needles in his patients' bodies and then apply very firm pressure with his thumbs to the soles of their feet. This pressure was maintained for several minutes until the desired therapeutic effects were achieved.

Dr. Wang-Wei maintained that as the pressure was applied and maintained, healing energy was released in the patients. bodies.

The fact that ancient Egypt and China both seem to have shared the same, or similar knowledge of healing techniques, raises the question of whether these two great civilizations had been in contact with each other, or is it just a coincidence?

Ironically in order for foot Reflexology to be accepted into modern China, the principle of Ear Reflexology which has been known and well accepted in China for centuries, was first addressed, and because of its proven effectiveness, within the last decade Foot Reflexology or foot massage was given official governmental acceptance.

Here is some basic information on the subject as explained in “TUINA - A Handbook for Students and Practitioners" by Yan Lu, L.Ac. and Joyce E. Shields, L.Ac., Christina Walker Smith, L.Ac., M.Ed.. Heilongjiang.

What is the evidence?

Available scientific evidence does not support claims that reflexology cures cancer or any other disease. However, it has been shown to help promote relaxation and reduce pain in some people. Most evidence regarding reflexology is based on individual (anecdotal) reports or small studies.

A 2003 study looked at patients with cancer pain and found that reflexology seemed to help symptoms for a short time. However, the effects were gone 3 hours after the treatment. A recheck at 24 hours showed no difference between the groups. A 2007 study of 86 people with metastatic cancer compared reflexology administered by patients' partners to reading to patients by their partners. The reflexology group reported less anxiety and less pain just after the reflexology was given.

A study done in 2002 looked at symptoms in menopausal women. All the women received either a reflexology treatment or a placebo foot massage. They all reported improved menopausal symptoms, with no difference between the foot massage and reflexology groups.

These kinds of study results are often seen with the placebo effect, in which patients feel some temporary improvement in symptoms after they receive a treatment they expect to be effective, even if the treatment is known to be inactive. For example, some patients feel better after taking a pill that contains sugar or some other inactive ingredient, or after a sham procedure. It sometimes takes careful studies to distinguish out this type of effect from a real benefit due to a treatment. In evaluating reflexology, for example, it is not very useful to compare reflexology to no treatment at all or to a completely different treatment, such as listening to someone reading. It is more helpful to compare a reflexology treatment to an ordinary foot massage that is not guided by reflexology theories. So, this 2002 study suggests reflexology and an ordinary foot massage both may help women to relax or may distract them from menopausal symptoms. On the other hand, these results do not support the idea that a particular part of the foot can affect the female reproductive system and specifically improve symptoms of menopause. The placebo effect is still being studied to learn more about how and why it happens; see our document, Placebo Effect.

A 2010 review looked carefully at all the published studies of reflexology to see how each study was done and how it came out. The reviewers concluded that the best evidence they could find did not convincingly show reflexology was an effective treatment for any medical condition.

The Benefits

Foot reflexology is based on the premise that there are reflexes in the feet that correspond to all parts of the body and that stimulating these reflexes brings about physiological changes. Reflexology is an ancient healing technique, and evidence that reflexology was first practiced around 2500 to 2300 B.C. was found in the form of carvings on the wall of the tomb of an Egyptian doctor.

RELAXATION

Foot reflexology is effective in bringing about a deep state of relaxation. The solar plexus is the nerve center where stress is stored. When the solar plexus reflex point is pressed, it is as if all of the stress in the body is eliminated. Because stress can greatly affect the immune system and leave one vulnerable to serious illnesses such as cancer, it is important to relieve it. Reflexology can help in this way.

IMPROVED CIRCULATION

Reflexology can improve blood circulation in the feet and throughout the body. The gentle stroking of the feet and the application of certain hand and finger techniques improves blood flow to vital organs. Blood delivers oxygen and nutrients to these organs, nourishing body tissues. If a part of the body is injured, foot reflexology can help repair the injured tissue.

REDUCTION OF PAIN

Foot reflexology is effective for pain management. When reflexology is applied to the feet, more endorphins are produced to block pain signals to the brain. Endorphins are painkillers that are stronger than morphine. People who are experiencing pain may get significant relief through reflexology.

REGULARITY

Foot reflexology can bring balance when constipation is an issue. Stimulation of the intestine, colon and other corresponding reflexes can make elimination easier and return it to a normal state.

IMPROVED MEMORY

Because oxygen is required to keep the cells of the body in a healthy state, foot reflexology can help to deliver vital oxygen to brain cells. Stimulation of the brain reflexes on the feet improves circulation of blood to the head. Foot reflexology, when administered routinely, will help improve a forgetful mind.

IMPROVED RELATIONSHIP

Reflexology can make your relationship stronger. Touching the feet can be sensual and relaxing, and reflexology can put your partner in a state of relaxation that will heighten the lovemaking experience. Giving your partner a reflexology session is a wonderful expression of love and caring.

Hand reflexology is a method of stimulating various points in the hand to create positive health effects in other parts of the body. The Ontario College of Reflexology reports that hand reflexology delivers four main benefits: relaxation and stress relief, improved circulation, normalization of the metabolism and complementary treatment to medical care. Do not attempt to use reflexology as the sole form of treatment for a serious medical condition; always consult a medical professional if you are ill.

STRESS RELIEF

A 2008 study conducted by the Cardiff School of Health Sciences in Wales indicated that reflexology may be useful in treating stress in the workplace, but more research is necessary to provide conclusive evidence. Decreased stress can benefit numerous systems in the body. Elevated levels of stress are associated with heart disease, stroke, a depressed immune system, gastrointestinal problems, sleep problems, headaches and muscular pain.

How does hand reflexology massage work?

Our hands are perhaps the most active parts of the human body these days. Most of our daily activities such as typing on a keyboard, using a cell phone, or driving a car, involve the use of the hands. It is no wonder that most people's hands are in such agony. An increase in sedentary lifestyles and lack of exercise also means that people are becoming more and more unfit. The increasing obesity of our generation makes the body susceptible to many diseases.

Fortunately, help is at hand in the form of hand reflexology. It can not only help get rid of all the aches and pains in your hands, but also promotes the proper functioning of all the organs, thus paving the way to better health. Hand reflexology is easy to administer. During a typical session, a therapist will use fingers, thumb, and wooden instruments to stimulate the various pressure points. It is one of the easiest forms of therapy to administer and does not require expensive equipment or oils.

Training, "Credentials," and Legal Status

Since reflexology is not recognized by law, no formal training is required to practice reflexology or call oneself a reflexologist. However, some nurses and massage therapists offer reflexology as part of their licensed practice. Some courses are accredited for continuing education for nurses and massage therapists. The most widely publicized training source is probably the International Institute of Reflexology, of St. Petersburg, Florida, which claims to have 25,000 members worldwide [9]. Its seminar on the "Original Ingham Method of Foot Reflexology" are taught by Ingham's nephew, Dwight Byers. Its "Certified Member" status requires 200 hours of instruction plus passage of written and practical tests. As far as I know, this certification process has neither legal nor medical recognition. The Institute's Web site states:

The Ingham Method™ of Reflexology is used primarily for relaxing tension. Doctors agree that over 75% of our health problems can be linked to nervous stress and tension. Reflexology improves nerve and blood supply, and helps nature to normalize.

The International Institute of Reflexology® wishes to make it perfectly clear that it does not purport to teach medical practice in any form; or is the Ingham Method™ of Reflexology intended to replace conventional medical treatment.

Reflexology is a unique modality in the health field. Its purpose is not to treat or diagnose for any specific medical disorder, but to promote better health and well being in the same way as an exercise or diet program. Its practice should not be compared to massage or any other kind of manipulative procedure.

Reflexologist works each reflex, it triggers a release of stress and tension in the corresponding area or body zone, as well as an overall relaxation response. The release of tension unblocks nerve impulses and improves the blood supply to all parts of the body. Because reflexology works from the inside, it also has a balancing effect on each gland, organ and body region. . . ." Diagnosing or treating disease would constitute the practice of medicine and would be illegal for anyone who does not have a professional license to do these things. Although many diagnose and treat disease, I am not aware of any prosecutions. In some states that license massage therapists, unlicensed reflexologists might also be prosecutable for practicing massage therapy without a license. Sandals, shoe inserts, foot-massage devices and a steering wheel cover based on reflexology theory are being marketed. As far as I know, no such product has a plausible rationale or been scientifically tested. Any medical claims made for such devices would make them "medical devices" under the law and therefore illegal to market without FDA approval.

Research Findings

Although the claims of reflexology are so far removed from scientific reality that testing them might seem a waste of time, a few competent researchers have conducted investigations.

• The first study I know of was supervised by William T. Jarvis, Ph.D., a professor who taught research methods to graduate students at Loma Linda University. Using questionnaires, 70 subjects were asked to state whether they had had health problems during the previous two years in any of 43 anatomical areas. These data were then compared with the findings of a reflexologist as recorded on a report form. The results did not differ from what would be expected by blind guessing. To prevent the reflexologist from asking questions or observing subtle clues, the experimental subjects were asked to remain silent and a curtain was placed so that their feet were the only part of their body visible to the reflexologist
• In another study, 35 women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) were randomly assigned to ear, hand, and foot reflexology or to placebo therapy done on sham reflex points. The women kept a daily record of 38 possible symptoms selected from previous PMS research questionnaires. The treatment group reported significantly fewer symptoms than the placebo group, and these improvement persisted for 2 months after treatment. Many women in this group fell asleep during the 30-minute sessions and reported feeling more energetic during the next day. The placebo group reported that they thought they were receiving genuine reflexology, The authors note, however, that it was very difficult to develop a credible placebo control group, which may have been the study's flaw. Normally, reflexology is soothing, but the placebo treatment was described as "either overly light or very rough. Thus the differences could have been differences in the quality of the massage being administered. The study suggests that massage may relieve PMS symptoms, but it does not validate the alleged connection between reflex points and body organs
• In another study, three experienced reflexologists examined 18 adults with one or more 6 specified conditions identified from their medical records. The data showed no significant relationship between the patient's medical diagnoses and the reflexologists' findings.
• Another study compared the effects of foot reflexology, simple massage, and conversation on 130 patients who had undergone abdominal gynecologic surgery under full anesthesia. The patients were asked how they felt, and data were recorded on general condition, pain intensity, movement of the bowels, urination, and sleep, from the day before the operation until until the tenth day afterward. Simple massage turned out to be a relaxing, positive experience, whereas foot reflexology had various effects, some of which were negative. The researchers concluded that foot reflexology is not effective in acute, abdominal postsurgical situations in gynecology and can occasionally trigger abdominal pain [15].
• Another study examined the popular claim that reflexology treatment benefits bronchial asthma. Ten weeks of active or simulated (placebo) reflexology were compared in a controlled trial of 40 outpatients with asthma. Objective lung function tests (peak flow morning and evening, and weekly spirometry at the clinic) did not change. Subjective scores (describing symptoms, beta2-inhalations and quality of life) and also bronchial sensitivity to histamine improved on both regimens, but no significant differences were found between groups receiving active or placebo reflexology. The researchers concluded that they had found no evidence that reflexology has a specific effect on asthma beyond placebo influence .
  The Bottom Line

Reflexology is based on an absurd theory and has not been demonstrated to influence the course of any illness. Done gently, reflexology is a form of foot massage that may help people relax temporarily. Whether that is worth $35 to $100 per session or is more effective than ordinary (noncommercial) foot massage is a matter of individual choice. Claims that reflexology is effective for diagnosing or treating disease should be ignored. Such claims could lead to delay of necessary medical care or to unnecessary medical testing of people who are worried about reflexology findings.