Reflexology

Kansas Nurse, May 2002 by Cade, Mary

The research on reflexology that is printed in English is sketchy and contradictory, in part due to the difficulty of measuring concepts related to healing of mind-body-spirit. This gap in nursing knowledge is a dilemma that faces those who advocate for complementary therapies. Mainstream healthcare practices are generated from scientific evidence through the use of controlled experiments. There is an expectation that the use of complementary therapies should also be based on results of controlled experiments. However, there are those who decry this as contradictory to the holistic philosophy of complementary therapies ( Practice & Policy Guidelines Panel, NIHAM, 1997).

Conventional medicine focuses on organ specific outcomes whereas complementary therapies focus on general well being and the dynamics of personal experience. The philosophy of conventional medicine toward disease is drawn from assumptions regarding pathophysiological changes. Complementary therapists view disease as a disharmony among mind-body-spirit. It has been argued that recommendations for complementary therapies might be based on expert opinion and the development of consensus. This is a practice that has been used historically in conventional medicine.

What is reflexology?

Reflexology is a healing therapy drawn from the assumption that there are reflex areas on the hands and feet that correspond to all parts of the body (Taylor, 1998). These reflex areas run throughout the body and form related reflex zones. Pressure applied to these specific areas assists in potentiating the normal functioning of the corresponding body part. There are five basic theories that support how reflexology works (Kunz & Kunz, 1995). The energy theory proposes that body parts communicate through an electromagnetic field (Stephenson, Weinrich, & Tavakoli, 2000) and sometimes the energy becomes blocked (Kunz & Kunz, 1995). Reflexology helps open blocked pathways and restores energy flow. Another theory is that lactic acid is deposited as crystals in the feet. Reflexology breaks up the crystals and restores proper energy flow.

The proprioceptive nervous receptors theory is based on the belief that there are proprioceptive pressure receptors in the feet which communicate with the autonomic and sensory-motor nervous systems. Reflexology stimulates these receptors which leads to a response by the central nervous sys- tem. The reflexing effect theory states that there is a connection between physical ailments and tension and stress. Reflexology relaxes the person and reduces tension. The last theory is the psychological theory which states that reflexology is a method of demonstrating caring and concern for the person and the person derives benefit accordingly.

The reflexologist and the person detect energy pathways in the body through the reflex zones (Launso, Brendstrup, & Arnberg, 1999). The energy pathways are assessed for blockage or other disturbances. Disturbances of energy can change the consistency of the feet to feel thickened, spongy, or hard. Applying pressure to specific areas may elicit pain if there is an energy disturbance in the corresponding body part. Reflexologists believe massaging the area will improve the circulation of energy. Reflexology works best for treating chronic conditions such as pain, menstrual problems, and stress related conditions (Bolting, 1997).

Reflexology focuses on mind-body-spirit so the reflexologist must be centered, relaxed, spiritually healthy, and in a good frame of mind during the session. Reflexologists do not diagnose, treat specific conditions, or prescribe (Taylor, 1998). They should not advise anyone to quit taking medication. The person obtaining reflexology should drink plenty of water to prevent nausea. People should avoid reflexology while menstruating or ill. The use of alcohol, nicotine, or caffeine should be prohibited for 48 hours after receiving reflexology. Reflexology may precipitate a healing crisis in which the person temporarily feels worse.

History of reflexology

Egyptian hieroglyphics depict the ancient beginnings of reflexology approximately 4000 years ago (Kunz & Kunz, 1995). There is evidence that some forms of reflexology were used by the ancient Chinese and early American Indian tribes (Bolting, 1997). Modern reflexology developed based on research on reflexes more than 100 years ago (Kunz & Kunz, 1995). Medical practices developed based on the notion that a stimulus applied to the body produces a response in another area of the body. The term reflexology was coined by Vladimir Bekterev in 1917.

Early in the 20th century, Dr. William Fitzgerald, an ear, nose, and throat specialist, discovered that applying pressure to certain areas of the hands and feet caused anesthesia in other parts of the body (Bolting, 1997). He mapped out ten longitudinal zones on the body that ended in the hands and feet. He believed that areas in each zone were linked throughout the body.

Eunice Ingham, a physical therapist, took Fitzgerald's ideas further by mapping out areas on the feet and describing the corresponding body part affected (Bolting, 1997). She traveled around the United States promoting reflexology and generating enthusiasm for its use (Kunz & Kunz, 1995). Ingham wrote a book in 1945 linking reflexology to the central nervous system. When the book was revised in 1954, the neurological link was omitted.