Do certain spots on the feet ACTUALLY correspond to other parts of the body, and does massaging them work?

Question

I have seen diagrams of the bottom of a foot that have certain areas that match up with other parts of the body like the liver, spleen, head, sinuses, heart, etc... and supposedly, when those areas of the foot are massages, the corresponding body parts either start to work better, or feel better. Is this just some school of thought that hasn't actually been proved, or does it really work?

Answer 1

What is reflexology?

Reflexology is the application of pressure, stretch and movement to the feet and hands to effect corresponding parts of the body. Reflexologists view the feet and hands as a mirror image of the body. By applying technique a reflexologist can break up patterns of stress in other parts of the body.

How does reflexology work?

There are many theories but in our approach we look at the nervous system as the explanation of reflexology's working.

Pressure applied to the feet generates a signal through the peripheral nervous system. From there it enters the central nervous system where it is processed in various parts of the brain. It is then relayed to the internal organs to allocate the necessary adjustments in fuel and oxygen, Finally a response is fashioned that is sent onto the motor system.

This message is feed forward to adjust the body's tone or overall tension level. If applied properly the tone will reset itself to a lower operating tempo. A lower operating tempo means a lessening of stress and less wear and tear on the body's systems.

Where do you apply technique?

We apply techniques to the feet and hands. There is a school of thought that also applies it to the ear arguing it is also reflexology. The techniques, however, are modified from auricular therapy, an acupuncture technique.

It could be argued that all bodywork is reflexive therefore reflexology. We find that the extremities have a powerful influence because of locomotion. While we acknowledge that repeated patterns exist throughout the body we find our most effective focus to be the feet and hands.

What are the benefits of reflexology ?

In general terms the benefits of reflexology have to do with the reduction of stress. Because the feet and hands help set the tension level for the rest of the body they are an easy way to interrupt the stress signal and reset homeostasis, the body's equilibrium.

Whether reflexology can benefit certain conditions and diseases in still under investigation. Further scientific study need to be done in order to come to some definite benefits of reflexology in regard to illness and disease.

Reflexology is a complement to standard medical care. It should not be construed as medical advice. It should not be a replacement to medical help. Please use it wisely. We care about your safety.

When should I do reflexology ?

Reflexology can be done practically anytime and any where. The trick is consistency. We have been impressed with the results from China. Their secret seems to be that they do reflexology once a day for six days in two week segments. Then they review the results and do more segments as necessary.

This requires self help and family help as well as the guidance of practitioners. The practitioner can give you a quality signal to break up the pattern of stress but you and your family can provide the quantity to help break it up.

Build reflexology into your life. It is easy to do reflexology well doing other activities. Put a foot roller under your desk or work your hands while waiting for the kids at school. Be creative but be consistent. Five minutes a day is worth more than an hour once in awhile.

How can I learn more?

We have designed a number of books with you in mind. If you are looking for self help try Hand and Foot Reflexology: A Self Help Guide. If you want to work on your child try Parent's Guide to Reflexology. If you would like to learn to be a reflexologist try Complete Guide to Foot Reflexology (Revised 1993) and Hand Reflexology Workbook.

If you are interested in research try "Medical Applications of Reflexology, Findings in Research about Safety, Efficacy, Mechanism of Action and Cost Effectiveness of Reflexology" and Reflexions- the Journal of Reflexology Research Project.

Who does reflexology?

There are a variety of people doing reflexology from concerned parents to doctors in China. It is a useful tool for a variety of situations. Many professions have taken up reflexology from cosmetologists to nurses.

Reflexology is now being introduced into hospitals and HMO's. It is even being considered for insurance reimbursement.

There are full time professionals doing reflexology. We think the future looks bright for reflexology and the profession of reflexology.

What should I expect from a reflexology session?

Reflexology sessions in general last from 30 minutes to an hour. It is a clothed session with only the removal of shoes and socks as a requirement. (Some massage therapists add it as a part of a overall massage session so they will require the removal of additional clothing.)

Reflexologist will use a chair and at times a table. Some do use oil. However, this is a tool that is debated within the profession. Dry technique is common.

Reflexologists use pressure, stretch and movement to work through the foot methodically. The whole foot should be worked in most circumstances. Both feet should be covered as well.

The reflexologist should work within your comfort zone. Too much pressure can actually be harmful and could lead to injury. But personal preference is something you should communicate with your reflexologist. If you indicate that too much pressure is being used and the practitioner continues we suggest you stop the session. You should always have your wishes respected.

Do not rely on a reflexologist for medical help. The reflexologist is limited to complementing medicine not replacing it.

You should feel relaxation at the end of a session. How long that relaxation lasts is a good indicator of the effectiveness of the session. Make note of this. And tell your reflexologist your response to the session. This can be helpful information.

Finally enjoy the session. Be careful that talking doesn't interfere with the relaxation effect. Discussing world politics is probably something best left to another time.

Are there scientific studies?

There are many studies on reflexology. The rush is now on to test the effectiveness on certain disorders. The jury is far from in but we have compiled some of the findings in "Medical Applications of Reflexology, Findings in Research about Safety, Efficacy, Mechanism of Action and Cost Effectiveness of Reflexology".

If you are looking for a specific problem and whether there has been testing try http://www.reflexology-research.com/medlinesearch.htm. We also have a search engine at http://www.reflexology-research.com/search.html

There are pages with listings at http://www.reflexology-research.com/research2.html and http://www.reflexology-research.com/research.html.

But browse around. There are lots of research here. And more to come. So bookmark this site and come back often.

What is Reflexology Research Project?

Reflexology Research Project is a project started in 1979 to forward the field of reflexology as a scientific method. We have written 6 books and have done Reflexions- the Journal of Reflexology Research Project since 1980.

We continue to actively promote research and the scientific study of reflexology on a worldwide basis. We maintain two web sites with two more in the works, Our sites are http://www.reflexology-research.com and http://www.foot-reflexologist.com.

Answer 2

This actually does work! It is a relative to foot reflexology and you can also use certain types of massage, like Shiatsu that works on the internal organs by massaging the feet. By doing this, it can restore circulation in the organs that have become stagnant. There are small cards that will help you to learn which areas to massage when you are having difficulty.

I had a man massage my feet back in the 90's and he was massaging my large intestine (the area on the foot, actually) and I had diarrhea for two days. Be careful how much you stimulate certain organs, and you can tell by the pains that you have in your feet, which organs are tired or having difficulty and work with them.

Answer 3

That's nice parlor conversation for the ladies, or a way to kickstart a slumber party, but it's about as scientific as an Ouija board. When you walk the feet get massaged thoroughly. If there was any help for all those other body parts, everybody would be feeling great all the time if they just walked. If my sinuses are plugged I'm not going to rub a toe and expect it to clear up.

Answer 4

I am studying sCAM therapies in my master's in nursing education program this semester. You are referring to reflexology. Personally, I don't think it works. I have some books on it and have tried it, but it did nothing. Maybe it only works for the gullible or something. I know that a foot massage would feel great, however I don't see it actually doing anything for any other part of the body.

Answer 5

Some say feet, some say hands. You'd feel better because of the massages, regardles whether it's true or not.
I personally believe it, because one time I got this massage from an amateur, and somehow did it wrong and I got a diarrhea.

Answer 6

I love a full body massage, but if I have to pick one part I will go with back.

Answer 7

I'm sort of open minded about it. I do think it is possible for it to help some things that may be wrong in the body. And probably works better if essential oils are used along with it.

Answer 8

feet dont affect nothing, I am studying sCAM therapies in my . You are referring to don't think it works. I have tried it, it did nothing. works for gullible. a foot massage would feel greatgood if done by pro and lots of $.

Answer 9

Your talking about some very old knowledge that is new to western medicine. Do some research on reflexology before you ask if it ACTUALLY works. Your assuming that it doesn't work because you don't have any first hand experience. Please don't assume.

Answer 10

Yes it does work. I was having trouble with my eyes until I started rubbing my fourth toe. Now I can see clear as day. Reflexology has been around for centuries.