1. Reflexology

Your feet are full of acupressure and reflexology points. The following illustration shows each foot and its reflexology sites. Note that the feet are not mirror images of each other when it comes to reflexology, although they share many characteristics.

Written By: Chloe Wilson BSc(Hons) Physiotherapy
Reviewed By: FPE Medical Review Board

A reflexology foot chart is a commonly used tool in complimentary medicine with reflexology becoming increasingly popular for reducing pain and stress.

• Reflexology finds its roots in the Chinese focus on balancing the flow of qi, but primarily targets the hands, ears, and feet. Different locations on our feet and hands are thought to have direct connections through the meridians to different organs and systems in our body that can be detoxed and positively influenced.
• Reflexology zone points have a reflex map of the body on the feet, the hands, and even the ears. Placing the feet side by side would create an image of the body (a homunculus) with the big toe representing the head and neck all the way down to the heel which represents the lower back, the descending colon, and the knees.
• Here are foot reflexology tips that will help to stop diarrhea by pressing on the stomach and intestines reflex points on the bottom of both feet.

Reflexology is not just a “posh” word for a foot massage, it is much more complex than just rubbing the feet!

Reflexology is based on the principle that the hands and feet are made up of zones which reflect the different organs, body parts and systems, known as reflex areas.

Word 2013 for mac free. download full version. By stimulating these reflex areas, most commonly using specific massage techniques, you can reduce stress and pain in the related parts of the body and promote general well-being by improving the circulation of blood and energy.

Reflexology can be used to treat a variety of symptoms including headaches, sinus problems and stomach issues.

Here we will look at what reflexology is, how it started, how it works, what a reflexology foot chart looks like, the benefits of reflexology, the scientific research behind it, the benefits and risks and why reflexology should be used alongside conventional medicine rather than as an alternative.

What Is Reflexology?

The American Reflexology Certification Board defines reflexology as “a non-invasive, complementary practice involving thumb and finger techniques to apply alternating pressure to reflexes shown on reflex maps of the body located on the feet, hands and outer ears”.

Simply put, reflexology is all about applying pressure to specific areas of the feet, hands and ears guided by a reflexology foot chart or hand map.

With reflexology, constant pressure is applied, typically alternating between finger and thumb pressure to the hands and feet. It is not a case of simply rubbing or massaging the foot, it’s about applying pressure in the right way to the right areas.

It may be deep pressure through the arch of the foot, “thumb walking” through the different zones from a reflexology foot chart, soft kneading through the ball of the foot or one of the other techniques reflexologists use.

Some reflexologists may also use various items such as rubber bands, balls and sticks to assist them in their work.

The Origins of Reflexology

The origins of reflexology can be traced back around 5000 years to Egypt and China. Hieroglyphics found in a pyramid in Egypt dating back to 2330 BC show reflexology as part of Egyptian culture at that time.

By the end of the 14th century a version known as “reflex zone therapy” was being used throughout Europe. In zone therapy the body is divided into ten longitudinal zones (five on each side of the body).

Reflexology Of The Foot

Each zone runs down the body, diverges into one of the arms, and continues straight down through the body and into the particular leg, all the way to the respective foot to line up with a particular toe.

Three transverse lines were later introduced, dividing the body horizontally as well as vertically.

Modern reflexology developed in the early 20th century largely due to the works of Dr William Fitzgerald and physiotherapist Eunice Ingham, who are considered the father and mother of reflexology.

Their works greatly increased understanding of how reflexology works. They built on the theory of zone therapy by mapping the entire body into “reflexes” on the feet leading to the first reflexology foot chart.

How Does Reflexology Work?

Reflexology claims to work on the theory of Qi (pronounced Chee) – an invisible energy field or life force that flows through the different channels or zones in the body. The theory is that if your Qi is disrupted or blocked through stress, injury, illness, toxicity or congestion then the body becomes unbalanced, unable to heal itself and pain can develop.

Reflexology aims to remove any blockages and allow Qi to flow freely through the whole body until a state of balance, known as homeostasis, is achieved.

By stimulating different areas from a reflexology foot chart, reflexologists improve the flow of energy to the linked body part and restore the balance and flow of Qi. This allows a deep state of relaxation which enables the body to heal itself. Reflexology also produces endorphins, chemicals which help to reduce pain and stress.

What Is A Reflexology Foot Chart?

Imagine a map of your whole body projected onto your foot - that is essentially what a reflexology foot chart or map is. Each part of the body is represented on a certain part of one or both feet.

It’s not as simple as drawing a body on your foot, instead the size, position and scale is altered e.g. the sinuses are linked to the tips of each of the toes and the knee is linked to part of the outer border of the sole of the foot.

Here is an example of a reflexology foot chart (you can find more examples at the end of this article):

One reflexology foot chart may look slightly different to another, but each of the organs and body parts will be represented in similar positions. Some reflexology foot maps are more detailed than others which accounts for many of the differences.

Benefits of Reflexology

Reflexologists claim that by manipulating the feet, as guided by a reflexology foot chart, they can:

Reflexology Map Of Your Feet Muscles

• Balance Energy: the flow of Qi throughout the body
• Improve Circulation: of blood, nutrients and nerve signals
• Improve Health: boost the immune system
• Promote Healing
• Cleanse The Body: from various toxins
• Release Endorphins: chemical which help to reduce pain and stress
• Promote Relaxation

Reflexology is becoming increasing popular as it is considered to be a safe, non-invasive, natural treatment, without the need for drugs or chemicals. It is also easy to learn the techniques and self-apply almost anywhere, anytime, all you need is some simple instruction and a reflexology foot chart.

Scientific Evidence For Reflexology

Some reflexologists claim that by treating people using the points from a reflexology foot chart as a guide, they can treat a variety of medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma and cancer, but there is no robust scientific data to prove these claims.

However, several studies (funded by the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute) have shown that reflexology may reduce pain and thus decrease the amount of pain medication required, help to improve psychological conditions such as depression and anxiety, and enhance relaxation and sleep.

Reflexology has also been found to reduce the intensity of labour pains and to be a helpful adjunct with cancer patients during palliative care.

Is Reflexology Safe?

Stimulating the different areas from a reflexology foot chart is generally considered safe, but reflexology should not be used in the following instances:

• During Pregnancy: as it hasn’t be proven that it doesn’t increased the risk of miscarriage
• Skin Conditions: any contagious diseases or infections on the feet or hands such as eczema, psoriasis or chicken pox
• Localised Inflammation: swelling of the feet or hands
• Localised Injury: fractures, unhealed wounds or gout
• Illness: If you are unwell due to an infection, have a temperature, diarrhoea or vomiting
• DVT: deep vein thrombosis – a type of blood clot
• Large Varicose Veins
• Adverse Reaction: if you have an adverse reaction either during or after a session you should discontinue treatment

Reflexology should always be viewed as a complementary therapy, meaning it is a technique that can be used alongside conventional medicine. It should not be used as alternative therapy where alternative medicine e.g. aromatherapy or hypnotherapy is used instead of conventional medicine.

Reflexology should not be used as a stand-alone treatment, nor should it delay the use of conventional medicine. It should only ever be used as an adjunct to treatment, alongside scientifically proven treatments.

Side Effects of Reflexology

Everyone responds differently to reflexology treatment but people commonly report:

• Fatigue: and drowsiness
• Headaches: these should be short lived
• Mood Changes: feeling more emotional
• Increased Urination: make sure you stay well hydrated

It is important to take it easy after your treatment session, and to gain the most benefit it is advisable to go home and rest for an hour or so. Make sure you drink plenty of water to eliminate the build-up of toxins that are released during treatment.

Reflexology Foot Chart Variety

As we have discussed, one reflexology foot chart may differ slightly from another - there are numerous versions of reflexology foot maps out there. They will all have organs and body parts in similar places, but some may be more detailed than others including a greater number of regions.

Here are some more examples of foot reflexology charts:

Related Articles

Vmware tools for mac os x download. Pain On Top Of Foot
November 22, 2019

Diagnosis Chart
March 11, 2021

Swollen Feet
November 10, 2020

Page Last Updated: 10/11/20
Next Review Due: 10/11/22

This comments section is moderatedoccasionally and posteriorly by our editorial team. Internet users postingcomments here should not be considered as health professionals. Comments postedhere should be designed to support, not replace, the relationship that existsbetween a patient/site visitor and his/her existing physician. See our fullterms of use in the commenting policy section.

To give a foot massage, that is based on this map, you must know the pressure points. The basic principle is simple,applying pressure to the points that the map shows as appropriate, stimulate the central nervous system. The foot reflexology is used by the best masseuses who know the map used for this therapy Foot. Therefore, it has produced a practical guide to enable any beginner to massage these features.

(Foot Reflexology Chart: FEET MAP)

Foot Reflexology Chart Map

To perform a massage based on this technique, follow these guidelines:

1. The massage should be performed on the reflex zones of the foot, for those who want to treat bodies.
   In reflexology, it is understood that the foot and their ends are connected to each organ in the body.
2. You should apply intermittent pressure on points that the foot reflexology map shows as correct.
3. To relax the foot during application of pressure, massage or should move in circles from the ankle joint, to cause optimum relaxation.

In short, it is detected early using the map, the area to be treated and try to apply pressure, mild to moderate for the duration of the massage.

Reflexology, Acupressure, Acupuncture, and Massage have a common origin and modality. They all use the concept of stimulating pressure points in various locations of the body to relieve stress and/or to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. These points can be the actual locations of discomfort, may be associated with “meridians” (energy lines) through the body, or maybe the projections of the other anatomical parts of the body on the ear, hand, or foot. This concept of using pressure on various parts of the body dates back to as early as those that practiced acupressure in China over 2000 years ago. Those in western medicine followed much later. One, often mentioned, is Dr. Paul Nogier of Lyon, France who, in the 1950’s mapped the pressure points of the ears. As time followed others elaborated on these early works and a wide variety of “maps” are presently available. In many ways the mappings are similar but there are some differences.

Reflex Chart

The Reflexology maps are based on the concept that the ear, foot, or hand are connected to all the other parts of the body through the nervous system or “energy” system and thus become a reflection or snapshot of the entire body. Interestingly, Dr. Nogier put forth the concept that the ear can be mapped by comparing to a baby curled into the fetal position. Others suggest that you have to make some exceptions with this comparison but we have included both images for your own study.

The techniques for stimulating these pressure points vary widely. Acupuncture, of course, uses a needle inserted and manipulated to stimulate the pressure point. Magnets are used by some. Wd my cloud app download for mac. Acupressure, Massage, and Reflexology all use manual pressure on various points to promote stimulation.

The charts available through the tabs at the top of this page (feet, hands, and ears) were developed by comparing a number of sources and looking for the commonality among them. They can generally be regarded as a merging of Chinese mappings with additions from the more recent French studies. The graphics were developed to make it easy for the reader to quickly find the pressure points of interest. By clicking on the charts themselves you will have access to a high-resolution chart that can be printed for handy personal use or to pass on to others.

The following chart shows many of the reflexology points on the feet.

A reflexology foot graph is a usually utilized apparatus in complimentary medication with reflexology getting progressively famous for decreasing agony and stress.

Reflexology isn’t only an “elegant” word for a foot rub, it is considerably more mind-boggling than simply scouring the feet!

Reflexology depends on the rule that the hands and feet are comprised of zones that mirror the various organs, body parts, and frameworks, known as reflex territories.

By animating these reflex territories, most usually utilizing explicit back rub procedures, you can lessen pressure and agony in the related pieces of the body and advance general prosperity by improving the flow of blood and vitality.

Reflexology can be utilized to treat an assortment of side effects including cerebral pains, sinus issues and stomach issues.

Here we will take a gander at what reflexology is, the manner by which it began, how it works, what a reflexology foot outline resembles, the advantages of reflexology, the logical research behind it, the advantages and dangers and why reflexology ought to be utilized close by ordinary medication as opposed to as another option.

What Is Reflexology?

The American Reflexology Certification Board characterizes reflexology as “a non-intrusive, corresponding work on including thumb and finger strategies to apply rotating strain to reflexes appeared on reflex maps of the body situated on the feet, hands and external ears”.

Basically, reflexology is tied in with applying strain to explicit regions of the feet, hands, and ears guided by a reflexology foot diagram or hand map.

With reflexology, consistent weight is applied, ordinarily switching back and forth among finger and thumb strain to the hands and feet. It’s anything but an instance of basically scouring or rubbing the foot, it’s tied in with applying pressure in the correct path to the correct regions.

It might be profound weight through the curve of the foot, “thumb strolling” through the various zones from a reflexology foot graph, delicate plying through the chunk of the foot, or one of the different strategies reflexologists use.

Some reflexologists may likewise utilize different things, for example, elastic groups, balls, and sticks to help them in their work.

The Origins of Reflexology

The roots of reflexology can be followed back around 5000 years to Egypt and China. Hieroglyphics found in a pyramid in Egypt going back to 2330 BC show reflexology as a feature of Egyptian culture around then.

Before the finish of the fourteenth century a rendition is known as “reflex zone treatment” was being utilized all through Europe. In zone treatment, the body is isolated into ten longitudinal zones (five on each side of the body).

Each zone runs down the body, veers into one of the arms, and proceeds with straight down through the body and into the specific leg, right to the individual foot to agree with a specific toe.

Three transverse lines were later presented, isolating the body evenly just as vertically.

Present-day reflexology created in the mid-twentieth century generally because of crafted by Dr William Fitzgerald and physiotherapist Eunice Ingham, who are viewed as the dad and mother of reflexology.

Their works incredibly expanded comprehension of how reflexology functions. They based on the hypothesis of zone treatment by mapping the whole body into “reflexes” on the feet prompting the main reflexology foot outline.

How Does Reflexology Work?

Reflexology professes to take a shot at the hypothesis of Qi (articulated Chee) – an undetectable vitality field or life power that courses through the various direct or zones in the body. The hypothesis is that if your Qi is disturbed or hindered through pressure, injury, ailment, harmfulness, or blockage then the body gets uneven, unfit to mend itself, and agony can create.

Reflexology intends to evacuate any blockages and permit Qi to stream openly through the entire body until a condition of parity, known as homeostasis, is accomplished.

By invigorating various zones from a reflexology foot diagram, reflexologists improve the progression of vitality to the connected body part and reestablish the equalization and stream of Qi. This permits a covert government of unwinding which empowers the body to mend itself. Reflexology additionally delivers endorphins, synthetic compounds which help to decrease agony and stress.

What Is A Reflexology Foot Chart?

Envision a guide of your entire body anticipated onto your foot – that is basically what a reflexology foot outline or guide is. Each piece of the body is spoken to on a specific piece of one of the two feet.

It’s not as straightforward as drawing a body on your foot, rather the size, position, and scale is modified for example the sinuses are connected to the tips of every one of the toes and the knee is connected to the part of the external fringe of the underside of the foot.

One reflexology foot outline may appear to be somewhat unique to another, however, every one of the organs and body parts will be spoken to in comparative positions. Some reflexology foot maps are more point by point than others which represents a large number of the distinctions.

Advantages of Reflexology

Reflexologists guarantee that by controlling the feet, as guided by a reflexology foot graph, they can:

• Parity Energy: the progression of Qi all through the body
• Improve Circulation: of blood, supplements and nerve signals
• Improve Health: support the invulnerable framework
• Advance Healing
• Purify The Body: from different poisons
• Discharge Endorphins: a compound which helps to diminish agony and stress
• Advanced Relaxation

Reflexology is getting expanding famous as it is viewed as a safe, non-intrusive, characteristic treatment, without the requirement for medications or synthetic substances. It is likewise simple to gain proficiency with the methods and self-apply anyplace, whenever, all you need is some straightforward guidance and a reflexology foot outline.

Logical Evidence For Reflexology

Some reflexologists guarantee that by treating individuals utilizing the focuses from a reflexology foot outline as a guide, they can treat an assortment of ailments, for example, diabetes, asthma and malignant growth, however, there is no vigorous logical information to demonstrate these cases.

Be that as it may, a few investigations (subsidized by the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute) have demonstrated that reflexology may lessen torment and in this manner decline the measure of agony drug expected, help to improve mental conditions, for example, sadness and tension, and upgrade unwinding and rest.

Reflexology has likewise been found to decrease the power of work torments and to be a useful extra with malignant growth patients during palliative consideration.

Is Reflexology Safe?

Animating the various zones from a reflexology foot diagram is commonly viewed as sheltered, yet reflexology ought not to be utilized in the accompanying examples:

Reflexology Map Of Your Feet Printable

• During Pregnancy: as it hasn’t be demonstrated that it doesn’t expand the danger of unnatural birth cycle
• Skin Conditions: any infectious ailments or diseases on the feet or hands, for example, dermatitis, psoriasis or chickenpox
• Confined Inflammation: expanding of the feet or hands
• Confined Injury: cracks, unhealed injuries or gout
• Disease: If you are unwell because of contamination, have a temperature, looseness of the bowels or heaving
• DVT: Deep Vein Thrombosis – a sort of blood clump
• Huge Varicose Veins
• Unfriendly Reaction: on the off chance that you have an unfavorable response either during or after a meeting you should end treatment

Reflexology ought to consistently be seen as a reciprocal treatment, which means it is a method that can be utilized close by customary medication. It ought not to be utilized as an elective treatment where elective medication for example fragrance based treatment or hypnotherapy is utilized rather than traditional medication.

Reflexology ought not to be utilized as an independent treatment, nor should it postpone the utilization of regular medication. It should just ever be utilized as an aide to treatment, nearby deductively demonstrated medicines.

Symptoms of Reflexology

Get some answers concerning the advantages and reactions of reflexology foot knead

Everybody reacts contrastingly to reflexology treatment however individuals ordinarily report:

• Weariness: and laziness
• Cerebral pains: these ought to be fleeting
• Mind-set Changes: feeling progressively enthusiastic
• Expanded Urination: ensure you remain very much hydrated

It is imperative to relax after your treatment meeting and to pick up the most advantage it is prudent to return home and rest for an hour or thereabouts. Ensure you drink a lot of water to take out the development of poisons that are discharged during treatment.

Reflexology Map Of Your Feet

Reflexology Foot Chart Variety

As we have talked about, one reflexology foot diagram may contrast somewhat from another – there are various adaptations of reflexology foot maps out there. They will all have organs and body parts in comparative spots, yet some might be more nitty-gritty than others including a more prominent number of areas.