REFLEXOLOGY

Reflexology, also known as zone therapy, is an 

alternative medicine, is an alternative
medicine involving application of pressure, is
an alternative medicine involving application of
pressure to the feet and hands with specific thumb,
finger, and hand techniques. It is based on a 
pseudoscientific system of zones and reflex areas that
reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands,
with the premise that such work effects a physical
change to the body.
 There is no consensus among reflexologists on
how reflexology is supposed to work; a unifying
theme is the idea that areas on the foot
correspond to areas of the body, and that by
manipulating these one can improve health
through one's qi. Reflexologists divide the body
into ten equal vertical zones, five on the right and
five on the left. Concerns have been raised by
medical professionals that treating potentially
serious illnesses with reflexology, which has no
proven efficacy, could delay the seeking of
appropriate medical treatment.
 Reflexologists posit that the blockage of an
energy field, invisible life force Reflexologists
posit that the blockage of an energy field,
invisible life force, or Qi, can prevent healing.
Another tenet of reflexology is the belief that
practitioners can relieve stress and pain in other
parts of the body through the manipulation of the
feet.
One claimed explanation is that the pressure
received in the feet may send signals that 'balance'
the nervous system or release chemicals such as
endorphins that reduce stress and pain.
Methods of reflexology:
● Two methods of reflexology that have been accepted
internationally are Ingham method and Rwo Shur
method.
● The first method does not use any tools in its practice
● second method utilizes the use of tools such as a
wooden stick.
Theories of How Reflexology Works
There are numerous theories of how reflexology
works, among them:
● Psychological--This theory proposes that the
power of suggestion is the primary factor, and
includes the claim that it is a placebo.  the
psychological explanation states that reflexology is
simply a method of showing care and concern for
patients
● Lymph--Since the lymphatic system removes toxic
or malignant products and includes the immune
system, it is assumed that reflexology enhances its
function and restores proper chemical balance in
the body. 
● Electrical Potential--It is believed that a
difference in electrical potential in various parts of
the body constitutes a corresponding malfunction
in another part of the body. Reflexology remedies
this difference. 
● Ki Energy--It is believed that foot reflexology
works in the same way as acupuncture and shiatsu:
by bringing balance to the flow of energy along the
body's meridians.
● Counter Irritation--The human body speeds up repair
when it receives an insult to its equilibrium. Reflexology
provides this insult. 
● Proprioception--A foot reflexology session with its
exertion of pressure, stimulation of muscles and
re-angulation of joints, sends false reports of position and
sensation to the brain. The brain responds to reposition the
body that results in a relaxation of the muscles.
● Foot reflexology produces its relaxing effect by relieving
tension and stress related to physical problems. This
relaxation affects the autonomic response, which, in turn,
affects the endocrine, immune, and neuropeptide systems
● Nerve Endings/Crystals--It is believed that nerve
endings are unable to transmit their impulses
because of crystalline deposits that build up and
block their pathway.
A variation of this theory is that the crystalline
deposits impede the grounding connection of the
foot with the earth. Reflexology is believed to clear
these crystalline deposits. 
Most recently, a Dr.Jesus Manzanares has found, by
conducting biopsies, that sensitive reflexes have an
accumulation of nerve endings. 
● Neurological Theory
● The Nerve Theory is the universally held theory of the connection
between the reflexology body maps on the feet, hands, and ears, to the
rest of the body.
● Substance “P”
● One theory suggests that when imbalance (tension, stress, discomfort,
illness, pain, etc.) occurs in the body, a chemical made by the body,
scientifically known as “Substance P”, accumulates around nerve
endings found in the reflex areas of the feet, hands, and ears that
correspond to the stressed part of the body. For example, when there is
neck tension, blockage (Substance P) accumulates in the neck reflex
area of the feet, hands and ears.
● By using touch techniques specific to the study and application of
Reflexology, nurturing pressure is applied in ways to break down and
dissipate the Substance P. With the Substance P and other chemicals
having been broken down and dissipated from the reflex area, people
report feeling better.
Principles of reflexology:
● The guiding principles in the practice of reflexology are:
● Practitioners do not heal patients - the body heals and repairs itself.
● The practitioner is only a participant and not the healer.
● The human body responds to touch which encourages healing.
● It is possible for both the client and the practitioner to "feel" the move
of energy from reflex points on the feet, hands and ears to other
corresponding parts of the body.
● Reflexology cannot replace medical treatment
● Reflexology is used as an alternative treatment or a complementary
therapy
● Reflexology differs from foot massage
● Reflexologists state that most health problems are stress and tension
related.
Benefits :
● So far, there’s limited evidence that reflexology may
help to:
● Reduce stress and anxiety
● Reduce pain
● Lift mood
● Improve general well-being
● In addition, people have reported that reflexology helped
them:
● Boost their immune system
● Fight cancer
● Get over colds and bacterial infections
● Clear up sinus issues
● Recover from back problems
● Correct hormonal imbalances
● Boost fertility
● Improve digestion
● Ease arthritis pain
● Treat nerve problems and numbness from cancer drugs
(peripheral neuropathy)
THINGS TO NOTICE:
● circulatory problems in the feet
● blood clots or inflammation of your leg veins
● gout
● foot ulcers
● fungal infections, like athlete’s foot
● open wounds on your hands or feet
● thyroid problems
● epilepsy
● a low platelet count or other blood problems, which
can make you bruise and bleed more easily
● Foot injuries
● Patients with foot fractures, unhealed wounds, or
active gout in the foot should avoid reflexology.
Patients with osteoarthritis that impacts the foot or
ankle, or those with vascular disease of the legs or feet,
should consult with their primary provider prior to
beginning reflexology on the feet. You can, however,
still get reflexology treatment on your hands and ears.
● Pregnancy
● For women in early pregnancy (the first 6 weeks), the
reflexology session is altered by treating the uterine
and ovarian reflex points more gently or by avoiding
them altogether. In general, caution should be
exercised during pregnancy because of reports that
stimulation may cause contractions.
Blood clotting issues
● Clients who report current thrombosis or embolism
(which is an obstruction of the pulmonary artery or a
branch of it by a free-floating blood clot or embolus)
should not receive reflexology therapy. Since
reflexology improves circulation, it could potentially
cause a clot to move towards the heart or brain.
Open wounds
● In general, practitioners will stay away from open
wounds, and may choose to wear plastic gloves or not
to treat areas that are compromised.
Indications/Contraindications
● Improves:
● Pain (acute and chronic), anxiety, BP, pulse,
temp, hormone levels, circulation, breathing,
elimination, relaxation, detoxification, healing,
immune system, sleep, and wound healing
● Caution in:
● Fever, phlebitis, severe idiopathic pain, skin
eruptions or rashes, enlarged varicose veins,
burns, infections, recent sx, and acute
conditions
RESEARCH REVIEWS
 Eight RCTs suggested that reflexology is effective for
the following conditions: diabetesEight RCTs
suggested that reflexology is effective for the following
conditions: diabetes, premenstrual syndromeEight
RCTs suggested that reflexology is effective for the
following conditions: diabetes, premenstrual
syndrome, cancer patients, multiple sclerosisEight
RCTs suggested that reflexology is effective for the
following conditions: diabetes, premenstrual
syndrome, cancer patients, multiple sclerosis,
symptomatic idiopathic detrusor over-activityEight
RCTs suggested that reflexology is effective for the
following conditions: diabetes, premenstrual
syndrome, cancer patients, multiple sclerosis,
symptomatic idiopathic detrusor over-activity and 
 The significant decrease in anxiety observed in this
sample of patients with breast and lung cancer
following foot reflexology suggests that this may be a
self-care approach to decrease anxiety in this patient
population.
The patients' decrease in heart rate and diastolic
blood pressure and increase in skin temperature were
evidence of their increased relaxation.
Reflexology treatments during an eight-week
period in a randomized controlled study decreased
premenstrual signs and symptoms (including anxiety)
significantly more in an intervention group than in the
placebo group (n = 35)
EXPERIENCED BENEFITS OF
REFLEXOLOGY:
● Different use of reflexology and the effect of reflexology are listed
below:
● 1.LOW BACK PAIN MANAGEMENT
● A study by an author found that patients who suffered from low back
pain usually show good effect in terms of their pain management when
they have reflexology as the complementary treatment. In this study,
the author used VAS scores to indicate the level of pain of the patient.
The author added that this complementary treatment can be used as
one of the treatment to reduce low back pain but further study on it
must be conducted.
● 2.MIGRAINE/HEADACHE
● Patients were referred to a physiotherapist for the six months and the
effect of the therapy was recorded by several methods such as
qualitative interviews, headache diaries, and questionnaire. The results
came out with 55% of them experienced relief, 23% expressed no
further recurrence of symptoms, and the rest 11% stopped taking their
medications.
● 3.STROKE
● Stroke is the condition where the blood supply to the brain is
interrupted because of some reasons that may cause many health
problems. It usually occurs due to blood vessels ruptures. Many
patients have tried reflexology as the alternative therapy in order to
recover from strokes. The practitioners believe that pressure that they
exerted on a particular point on reflex areas may induce a positive
outcome and physical changes to the body.
● 4.STRESS REDUCTION
● In 2000, Hayes and Cox published a paper in which they described that
there are significant reduction in stress in which can be determine by
measuring the heart rate, respirations, and mean atrial blood pressure
of the patients who have about two to three sessions of five minutes
foot massage.
● It generally improves body health condition and well-being in terms of
physical, emotional, and spiritual level. In simple sentence, people
choose reflexology because1.The treatment is free from any drugs and
chemical, and it is a wide option for many health problems.
● 2.Its ability to reduce pain.
● 3.It helps body to maintain the dexterity and locomotion ability.
● 4.It promotes general sense of relaxation especially overused or tired
hands, feet, and the whole body parts.
● 5.It stimulates the release of body's pain-relieving chemicals.1
● 6.As a prevention from any illness.
● 7.It promotes recovery process from any injury particularly at any
region at hands and feet.1
● 5.MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
● An author found that a patient who afflict multiple sclerosis and
choose reflexology as the complementary treatment for a period of
time had notable symptom relief. It is measured by considering urinary
symptoms, parenthesis, spasticity, and muscle strength as the
parameters. All parameters showed a remarkable improvement except
for muscle strength.
● 6.PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY IN DIABETES MELLITUS
● Previous research has showed that reflexology can reduce the
peripheral neuropathy of a patient who suffers from type 2 diabetes
Previous research has showed that reflexology can reduce the
peripheral neuropathy of a patient who suffers from type 2
diabetes mellitus. 76 patients ranged from 40–79 years old were listed
from public health centres in Busan City. Tactile response to
monofilament and intensity of the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy
were used as the variable outcomes in this study. The author added that
the reflexology can be used as one of the interventions for encouraging
foot care in patients who have diabetes mellitus. It also can be
measured based on glycaemic controlPrevious research has showed
● 7.Asthma
● 20 asthmatic patients were chosen to be the subject for active treatment and another 20 patients were chosen to have
reflexology session. According to a recent research conducted by the author, there are no significant differences
between the groups having active session and placebo session of reflexology. 33However, when the analysis of the
symptoms diaries was carried out, the results showed that there were significant differences between both groups
especially when it was conducted together with subconscious unblinding pattern of study. 33
● 11. Evidence-based practice
● From ten systematic reviews, it is safe to conclude that until now reflexology does not have sufficient evidence to
support its clinical use.
● There are also many conditions of patients where we need to avoid applying reflexology because it will give unwanted
adverse effects.
● 1.Pregnancy but only for the first trimester period
● Practitioners may be accused to have caused the case if there is unlucky miscarriage after the therapy. So practitioners
must take the precaution steps by avoiding patients in their first trimester of pregnancy.
● 2.Diarrhoea and vomiting
● Reflexology may cause overstimulation of the body system and may exasperate the condition of the infections.
{Traditional and Complementary Medicine Division, 2011 #340}
● 3.Localized skin disease at hand, feet, and ears
● Hand, feet, and ears are the area of reflexology. If there are infections on this area, reflexology can be hurtful and
exasperate the existence conditions. 2
● 4.Localized inflammation or swelling of the feet, hand, and ears
● Similar situation will happen as the skin diseases worsen due to the practitioner's hand or finger motion on the area of
therapy.2
● 5.Fever and any infectious diseases whether systemic or localized
● In order to fight the infection, the body system which is already stressed will be over stimulated in the patient who
suffers from any infections and at the same time having this therapy. 2
● 6.Continuing extreme negative reaction to reflexology
● If the patient feels uncomfortable and their body health continuously worsens after having this therapy, it is advisable
to reconsider the suitability of reflexology for the client.
Zone therapy
In zone theory, the body is divided into ten
zones, one representing each finger and toe.
Applying pressure to one part of a zone creates
an effect along the zone. For example, pressure
applied to the index finger creates a reaction, a
relaxation response, along zone 2 anywhere in the
body.
Reflexology chart
Techniques of reflexology
Thump walking

To work on the foot, stretch
the sole with your holding
hand. Rest your working thumb
on the sole and your fingers on
the top of the foot. Drop your
wrist to create leverage, which will
cause the thumb to exert
pressure.
Bend and unbend the thumb
at the first joint, walking the
thumb forward across the sole a
little bit at a time. If your working
hand is feeling stretched, reposition
it and then continue “walking” the
thumb forward.
Finger-walking
This technique enables you to work comfortably on
the top and sides of the foot or hand, where the skin is
thinner and too much pressure can cause discomfort.
Finger-walking involves bending and unbending the
first joint of the index finger—the same principle as
thumb-walking
Hook and back-up
The hook and back-up technique is used for
working specific,usually deeper, points rather than for
covering a large area.Because it is a relatively
stationary technique, it involves only small
movements of the working thumb.
▪ Position your working thumb on the palm of the hand and
your fingers on the top side. Bend the thumb’s first joint
and rest on the edge of the thumb.Now pull back to exert
pressure
Hook and back up
Rotating-on a-point

To apply the rotating-on-a-point technique, you

pinpoint a reflex area with the middle finger of one
hand and then rotate the ankle or the wrist. The
middle finger of the working hand remains stationary
as the joint turns, creating an ”on/off” pressure at the
point of contact between the rotating foot and the
static finger.
DESSERTS:
“Desserts” are techniques designed to create
relaxation, and they are something almost everyone
likes. These techniques can be used at the beginning
and end of a session, as a transition between
techniques, and to soothe if a recipient’s foot is
sensitive. In helping to relax the foot, they make
reflexology work easier, because a relaxed person is
more receptive to technique application.
SPINAL TWIST

As the name suggests, this dessert provides

relaxation for the spinal reflex area along the
inside of the foot. As well as being a dessert the
spinal twist works the spinal area. It also works
well for relaxing people with tired feet. For
optimum comfort, make sure all digits make firm
contact with the foot.
SOLE-MOVER

The aim of this reflexology

technique is to produce
movement in the bones
making up the ball of the
foot. It allows the lung,
chest, upper back, and
diaphragm reflex areas to
relax−all places where
stress regularly builds up.
 Step 1

Working the underside of the toes

The reflex areas in this sequence correspond to parts of the
head and neck. Some of these parts, such as the pituitary
gland, regulate important activities in the body. The head
and brain gather information about the outside world.
Working the reflex areas in this sequence will stimulate
these structures and enhance their functions.

1 Hold the big toe still with your holding
hand. Rest your working thumb just
above the pituitary gland reflex
area.Hook in with the thumb and pull
back across the reflex area. Repeat.
2 Place your thumb at oneside of the
neck, thyroid gland, and parathyroid
gland reflex areas on the big toe.Walk
across the stem of the toe using
thumb-walking technique. Make at
least two passes across the toe, one
high and one low.
Next, work the head and
brain, sinuses, and neck
reflex areas. Support all
the toes with your left
hand. Thumb-walk down
the big toe, starting at the
top center of the toe.
Reposition your left hand
Reposition your right
thumb, and then thumb- to support the second toe.
Thumb-walk down the
walk down the side of the
big toe. center and side of this toe.
Repeat with the third and
fourth toes.
 Step 2

Working the base of the toes

The reflex areas treated in this sequence represent a range of
areas in the head and upper body: the eyes and ears, the
inner ears, and the tops of the shoulders. By working these
areas on each foot, you can enhance the functioning of all
the corresponding body parts. This sequence is helpful if you
want to ease tension and pain in the tops of the shoulders.
Work the reflex area on the right foot for relief in the right
shoulder, and work on the left foot for the left shoulder.
Beginning with the eye reflex
area, walk the thumb of your
right hand along the top of the
ridge, just under the toes.
Continue along the inner ear
and ear reflex areas. By doing
so, you are also working the
area for the tops of the
shoulders, which lies behind the
other reflex areas.
Change hands. With your
left thumb, walk back across
the entire ridge, starting at the
ear reflex area. By thumb-
walking from both directions,
you can make sure that all the
reflex areas are thoroughly
worked.
To work the eye reflex area
more fully, hold the foot steady
with your right hand. Rest the tips
of your right thumb and
index finger between the second
and third toes, then pinch the
area gently several times.
 Step 3
Working the ball of the foot
The reflex areas worked in this sequence, which are located
on the ball of each foot, correspond to the chest, shoulders,
and upper back. Use this sequence to improve the function
of the lungs, diaphragm, and other parts of the chest
involved in breathing; it is also good for the heart, which
pumps oxygen-rich blood around the body. In addition,
working these areas can relieve tension in the upper body.
Use your left hand to hold the toes
back. Starting with the
diaphragm reflex area, use your
right thumb to thumb-walk up
through the heart and chest reflex
areas, toward the toes. Make
several passes over this broad
area.
Reposition your thumb on
the solar plexus reflex
area. Using the same technique as
before, make several passes up
over this tiny area.
 Step 4
Working the upper arch of the foot
The reflex areas in this sequence correspond to the organs
that lie just above the waist. These organs produce many of
the chemicals needed for digestion, generating energy, and
balancing the amount of water in the body. In addition, the
kidneys purify blood and fluid, and the stomach, pancreas,
liver, and gallbladder produce enzymes to help digest food.
To orient yourself as you work, visualize the waistline as
lying across the middle of the foot, and the diaphragm as
running just under the ball of the foot
● Step 5
● Working the lower arch of the foot
● This sequence addresses the reflex areas corresponding to the
● intestines, which process food and eliminate waste after
● digestion. By working these areas, you can help encourage
● the smooth running of the small intestine, the colon, and the
● ileocecal valve (which is located between the end of the small
● intestine and the start of the colon).
 Step 6
Working the inside of the foot
This sequence works the reflex areas which correspond to
the spine and neck, which run up the entire inside edge of
the foot. It also works on the bladder area, as well as the
area that relates to the uterus in women and the prostate
gland in men.
Areas worked
● Uterus/prostate Reflexology
● aims to enhance the function of
● the uterus and the prostate gland.
● Spine Working the inside of the
● foot supports the whole spine.
● Bladder Reflexology can help
● this organ store/excrete urine.
● Neck & brain stem Reflexology
● on this area provides relaxation.
Step 7
Working the tops of the toes
This sequence works the reflex areas for the head, face,
neck, teeth, jaw, and gums. It acts on the musculoskeletal
structures responsible for activities such as chewing and
turning the head. To orient yourself as you work on the
foot, visualize the head and neck spanning the tops of the
toes. Work these reflex points to stimulate the
corresponding body parts and enhance their function, as
well as to relax tension.
Step 8
Working the top of the foot
The reflex areas worked in this step correspond to parts of
the body responsible for respiration and protection from
infection, and, in women, body parts involved in milk
production and reproduction. This reflexology sequence
stimulates all of these structures and enhances their
function. It can also relieve musculoskeletal tension in the
upper or lower back.
Step 9
Working the outside of the foot
The reflex areas addressed in this step correspond to many of
the body’s joints and limbs, including the hip, knee, leg, arm,
and elbow; the sciatic nerve; and major reproductive organs
(the ovaries in women or the testicles in men). Work these
reflex areas to improve the functioning of all these parts of
the body. Follow this sequence by applying a series of
desserts to relax the foot, and end it with a resting position.
After working the left foot (see pp102–107), use the breathing
technique (see opposite) for a relaxing finish to the workout.
Foot Chart
Hand Chart