Reflexology: The Complete Introduction
Alternative therapies and medicines are more widely accepted today than as recently as fifteen years ago. Where acupuncture, herbs and touch healing were deemed quackery by many in the Western World, and even sorcery in the old days, luckily today, trends are changing. Not only is alternative medicine gaining stride with the public, but also, some doctors are coming to realize that these methods can be effectively combined with traditional medicine to heal the whole person, not just the physical ailments. We have seen more and more of the medical profession accept that something other than medicine has been responsible for a patient's recovery. Reflexology is one of those alternative methods which seeks to cure the individual and keep the body parts in complete harmony with one another.
Reflexology is a type of massage or pressure on specific points on the hands and feet. The therapy works on the premise that each reflex point corresponds to a gland, organ or other part of the body. By applying pressure to these points, specific ailments can be cured in the area for which the point correlates. So for example, if the patient has some sort of skin rash, like eczema, which is believed to come from toxins in the system, the point or zone that relates to the adrenal glands should be massaged. One caution, though, that legitimate practitioners of reflexology do state is that reflexology is an adjunct to traditional medicine. It is not to be used as a substitute.
Like many alternative medicine approaches, reflexology was thought to originate in China. The first clearly documented use, however, dates back to between 2300 and 2500 BC, specifically at the tomb of Saqqara of Ankhmahor, in Egypt. Paintings depict people performing reflexology on patients, and the written word, in terms of hieroglyphics, speak about the practice. But the current day practice does differ in the US from the original form practiced in these other cultures. Where Asian cultures focus on the "Qi" in an attempt to balance the body and its parts, Western versions often ignore this fact and focus more on reducing stress.
Also, the term "reflexology" is an American invention, although there is a small debate on whether the term was first coined in 1917 by neurologist Vladimir Bekhterev or in the early 1930s by physical therapist Eunice Ingham, whose nephew stills runs her clinic in Florida. There does not seem to be any question, however, that in 1913, Dr. William Fitzgerald introduced the practice to America. It was he who drew the ten vertical zones of the body creating "the zone theory". This is the basis of today's reflexology. Further, the doctor noted that while applying pressure to specific areas in a zone, the action could produce an anesthetizing effect in another area of the same zone. He referred to this as "zone analgesia".
In fact, little is known about the practice from ancient times, but everyone does agree that healing the feet was a common method of treating illness in Egyptian, Chinese, Indian and Japanese cultures. It has also been documented that regardless of tribe, North American Indians have always believed the feet to be important conduits through which a synergistic and beneficial energy runs. As a person's feet touch the ground, it allows the energy from the universe to circulate.
Today, the International Council of Reflexologists has members from thirty-six different countries around the world. The individuals that make up the Board of Directors are also from varying countries. Its first conference was held in 1990 in Toronto, Canada and hosted by Donald A. Bisson, the founder of the Ontario College of Reflexology. The organization has published a set of studies called the "Research Analysis Document".
Indeed, there are many scientific criticisms associated with the practice of reflexology. Unfortunately, much of the problem exists with the way in which it is practiced outside the originating cultures. The belief system is not the same across cultures, and thus, the modality is viewed differently. Further, many people who practice the therapy for money, are not at all qualified. They sell a service for the almighty dollar, end of story. They do not practice the ancient art of healing. They have taken the true meaning of reflexology and turned it into nothing more than a glorified foot massage. Plus, they have no more medical diagnostic abilities than a pet bird.
Where legitimate reflexologists work in conjunction with members of the traditional medical field, rogue practitioners claim to cure all kinds of maladies. They encourage patients to cease taking medications and to use reflexology as a substitute for real medical care. And, in this field, these are not isolated incidents. A lot of people looking to make money are all around pretending to be alternative medicine saviors.
Conversely, there are many who claim to be reflexologists that do nothing more than massage the foot. And, while it is true that they are not supposed to diagnose medical problems, they are, at the very least, supposed to be able to detect tightness, tension or constrictions in certain parts of the body indicating illness. Many use the "we don't diagnose" as an excuse to take money and do nothing more than rub someone's feet.
Another criticism is that reflexology is not regulated like other medical procedures. There are no consistent requirements for the various "schools". This means that one person is not trained the same as another. Again, it comes down to money and not healing. Additionally, those against reflexology feel that legitimate practitioners should have some form of medical training, and again, something that is universal throughout the country. Basically, there does not exist a bona fide accreditation system for reflexologists.
Lastly, other criticisms come from the fact that not much has been done in the way of scientific research. While various researchers have tried to complete studies, and their results are documented, they themselves concluded that problems in their methodologies may have occurred, which meant that the findings were not necessarily concrete. In addition, Western society has not been able to prove the existence of the "Qi" or energy running through the body. Proponents of reflexology, and in particular the Chinese and North American Indian cultures, maintain that the body has a special life force energy and when it is blocked, the body is not in harmony and needs healing. This has led to much cynicism and disbelief in the scientific and medical community, as well as the public at large for that matter.
Interestingly, modern day medical professionals do concede that there are benefits to the practice of reflexology. Whether those benefits are medicinal in nature or, whether they help the mind by reducing stress remains to be proved. Despite the negative opinions of some, however, there is much progress as society seeks to synthesize traditional medicine with alternative therapies.