Friday, November 14, 2008
Definition Of Reflexology
Definition:
One of many pseudo-scientific alternative medical practices, reflexology involves examining a person's foot in an attempt to diagnose a person's illnesses. According to reflexologists, every part of a person's body has some corresponding location in the foot, such that problems with the organ will produce corresponding effects in the foot. Moreover, massaging the foot, much like how the back is treated in chiropractic medicine, can cure a person's illnesses.
Reflexology was first introduced to the United States by William H. Fitzgerald, M.D. in 1913. At that time, he called it "zone therapy" or "zonotherapy" because he divided the body into ten bioelectrical zones and thought that our bioelectrical energy all flowed through points in our hands and feet. Eunice D. Ingham later developed reflexology into what we see today, focusing on the feet and largely ignoring the hands.
Practitioners use various things like wire burshes, balls, clamps, clothspins, and more in order to stimulate the pressure points on a person's feet. This, they claim, will cure a multitude of ills, even that it will reverse the aging process and make you young again.
Reflexology closely paralles iridology in form and premises. And, like iridology, there is absolutely no scientific basis for the belief that it has any medicinal value whatsoever. At best, supporters point to anecdotes because no controlled, scientific experiments prove their claims.
Reflexology
by William T. Jarvis, Ph.D.
Reflexology theory alleges that reflex points on the foot, hand or ear correspond to areas of the body and/or organs. Charts with organs superimposed on the foot, hand or ear allege to map these points. This monograph refers only to foot reflexology, but can be used to infer to all types. Using the chart as a guide, the practitioner probes the theorized reflex points and questions the client. (The chart does not indicate specific diseases or diagnoses but the supposed location of he problem. a differential diagnosis of a specific disease, but the location of a disease.)
Instructions from a "how to" manual tells the reflexologist what to do as her/she probes the foot:
Look for constrictions, or the places where the person feels pain or says 'ouch'; check the accompanying charts to determine what body part corresponds to the sore part of the foot. Tell your friend that he either has a problem in that organ or a strong potential for one [1].
Thus, if something is found at an alleged reflex point it is "proof" that the system is valid; if nothing is found, the system still is purported to be valid because it predicts future problems. This method represents a no-fail "heads I win, tails you lose" proposition. As obvious as this may be to an objective observer, it is not apparent to practitioners or clients who have been impressed by the system's seeming validity on a personal experience level.
A similar rationale is employed by iridologists who superimpose organs on the iris, and auricular acupuncturists who superimposed body organs on the ear (a homunculus in the fetal position). The methodology is similar in all of these.
Brief History
William H. Fitzgerald, MD, an early 20th Century ear, nose, and throat specialist, introduced reflexology in the United States in 1913 as zone therapy. Fitzgerald divided the body into ten vertical zones. These zones were alleged to correspond to the fingers and toes. and taught that "bioelectrical energy" flowed through these zones to "reflex points" in the hands and feet. His method of treatment involved the fastening of wire springs around toes [2]. Eunice D. Ingham further developed reflexology in the 1930s and 1940s concentrating on the feet [3] More recently, books by reflexologist Mildred Carter, a former student of Fitzgerald's, have promoted foot reflexology as a miraculous health method [4]. Carter's books have mixed nutrition nonsense with extravagant health claims. A 1993 mailing from Parker Publishing Company stated:
Not only does new Body Reflexology let you cure the worst illnesses safely and permanently, it can even work to reverse the aging process, Carter says. Say goodbye to age lines, dry skin, brown spots, blemishes--with Body Reflexology you can actually give yourself an at-home facelift with no discomfort or disfiguring surgery [2].
IS REFLEXOLOGY NEW ?
by Dwight Byers
The idea behind Reflexology is not new - in fact, it was practiced as early as 2330 B.C. by the Egyptian culture. Reflexology as we know it today was first researched and developed by Eunice Ingham, the pioneer of this field. Her first book on the subject was published in 1938. And since 1942, Reflexology workshops have been conducted year round.
WHAT IS THE INGHAM METHOD™ ?
It is the combined work of the late Eunice Ingham and her nephew Dwight C. Byers, the world's leading authority on Foot Reflexology. Mr. Byers, director of the International Institute of Reflexology®, and/or his hand picked instructors conduct on-going workshops on a worldwide scale to both laymen and professionals.
WHAT DOES REFLEXOLOGY DO ?
The Ingham Method® of Reflexology is used primarily for relaxing tension. Doctors agree that over 75% of our health problems can be linked to nervous stress and tension. Reflexology improves nerve and blood supply, and helps nature to normalize.
WHAT SPECIAL EQUIPMENT IS NEEDED ?
Only the hands are used, making it a safe, simple, yet effective method without the use of gadgets. Let your fingers do the walking.
CAN REFLEXOLOGY MAKE A CONDITION WORSE ?
No, it will not make any condition more acute. Reflexology helps to normalize body functions. A Reflexology session relaxes the stress that can affect your health. It is a safe effective way to Better Health.
Reflexology: A Close Look
Stephen Barrett, M.D.
Reflexology, also called zone therapy, is based on the notion that each body part is represented on the hands and feet and that pressing on specific areas on the hands or feet can have therapeutic effects in other parts of the body. Most proponents claim:
- The body is divided into 10 longitudinal zones—five on each side of the body.
- Each organ or part of the body is represented on the hands and feet;
- The practitioner can diagnose abnormalities by feeling the hands or feet
- Massaging or pressing each area can stimulate the flow of energy, blood, nutrients, and nerve impulses to the corresponding body zone and thereby relieve ailments in that zone.
The pathways postulated by reflexologists have not been anatomically demonstrated; and it is safe to assume that they do not exist. Similar rationales are used employed by iridologists (who imagine that eye markings represent disease throughout the body) and auricular acupuncturists who "map" body organs on the ear (a homunculus in the fetal position). The methodology is similar in both of these; and some commentators consider pressing on "acupuncture points" on the ear or elsewhere to be forms of reflexology, but most people refer to that as acupressure ("acupuncture without needles). The Reflexology Research Web site displays charts for foot and hand reflexology. The fees I have seen advertised have ranged from $35 to $100 per session.
Most reflexologists claim that their procedures can relieve stress, which is probably correct with respect to everyday stress. However, many reflexologists describe stress in terms that do not correspond to scientific knowledge. Kevin and Barbara Kunz, for example, state:
The individual's foot reflex areas reflect the individual's overall state of tension that has resulted from a lifetime of adaption to stress. Stress cues in the feet are a roadmap to the reflexologist. Wherever it is found on a foot, it is a sign that stress and its effect have begun to accumulate in the corresponding parts of the body [1]
Many proponents claim that foot reflexology can cleanse the body of toxins, increase circulation, assist in weight loss, and improve the health of organs throughout the body. Others have reported success in treating earaches, anemia, bedwetting, bronchitis, convulsions in an infant, hemorrhoids, hiccups, deafness, hair loss, emphysema, prostate trouble, heart disease, overactive thyroid gland, kidney stones, liver trouble, rectal prolapse, undescended testicles, intestinal paralysis, cataracts, and hydrocephalus (a condition in which an excess of fluid surrounding the brain can cause pressure that damages the brain). Some claim to "balance energy and enhance healing elsewhere in the body." [2] One practitioner has even claimed to have lengthened a leg that was an inch shorter than the other. There is no scientific support for these assertions.
Reflexology was introduced into the United States in 1913 by William H. Fitzgerald, M.D. (1872-1942), an ear, nose, and throat specialist who called it "zone therapy." As noted in the diagram to the right, he used vertical lines to divide the body into 10 zones. Eunice D. Ingham (1899-1974) further developed reflexology in the 1930s and 1940s, concentrating on the feet [3] Mildred Carter, a former student of Ingham, subsequently promoted foot reflexology as a miraculous health method [4-6]. A 1993 mailing from her publisher stated:
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Some reflexologists who deny that they diagnose or treat disease claim that the majority of health problems are stress-related and that they can help people by relieving the "stress" associated with various diseases or body organs [1]. This type of double-talk is similar to chiropractic claims that "subluxations" lower resistance to disease and that "adjusting" the spine to correct subluxations will improve health. All ten of the books I have inspected mention scores of health problems that reflexology has supposedly helped.
Pauline Wills, author of the Reflexology and Colour Therapy Workbook, teaches that colors can be applied to "areas where an abnormality has been diagnosed but which has produced no noticeable symptoms in the physical body." She states that the application can be done by imagining colors transmitted through the practitioner's hand or by Firstly, if the practitioner is sensitive to colour, they can visualize it being projected or by using "reflexology crystal torch." [8].
Baby Massage
Have you been hearing about baby massage? It may be something you should be looking into. The benefits of baby massage are great. Not only does it give the mother or care giver time in which to bond with their baby, but it also aids in the baby’s development of muscle and in relaxation. In the West, people have only really become aware of the benefits of baby massage during the last thirty years.
In other parts of the world, such as places like Asia and Africa, baby massage has been used for centuries. The therapeutic benefits and effects of baby massage have been passed on from one generation to the next.
In the West these days, baby massage is available in hospitals and in clinics under the NHS (National Health Service) in the UK.
To a baby, another person’s touch is talk. By massaging their baby, parents and caregivers can gain more confidence in handling them. by watching and interpreting their baby's reaction to touch, they can better relate to the baby.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
What is reflexology?
Reflexology is a form of bodywork that focuses primarily on the feet.
How does reflexology work?
The underlying theory behind reflexology is that there are "reflex" areas on the feet and hands that correspond to specific organs, glands, and other parts of the body. For example:- the tips of the toes reflect the head
- the heart and chest are around the ball of the foot
- the liver, pancreas and kidney are in the arch of the foot
- low back and intestines are towards the heel
Practitioners believe that applying pressure to these reflex areas can promote health in the corresponding organs through energetic pathways.
Dr. William H. Fitzgerald, an ear, nose, and throat doctor, introduced this concept of "zone therapy" in 1915. American physiotherapist Eunice Ingram further developed this zone theory in the 1930's into what is now knows as reflexology.
A scientific explanation is that the pressure may send signals that balance the nervous system or release chemicals such as endorphins that reduce pain and stress.
What will I feel?
Most people find reflexology for the most part to be very relaxing.Reflexology shouldn't be painful. If you feel discomfort, be sure to tell the reflexologist. He or she should work within your comfort zone.
Some areas may be tender or sore, and the reflexologist may spend extra time on these points. The soreness should decrease with pressure.
If you're ticklish, not to worry. The reflexologist applies firm pressure to the feet.
Why do people get reflexology?
- Stress and stress-related conditions
- Tension headaches
- Digestive disorders
- Arthritis
- Insomnia
- Hormonal imbalances
- Sports injuries
- Menstrual disorders, such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Digestive problems, such as constipation
- Back pain
Reflexology is also used for post-operative or palliative care. A study in the American Cancer Society journal found that one-third of cancer patients used reflexology as a complementary therapy.
Reflexology is recommended as a complementary therapy and should not replace medical treatment.
What is a typical reflexology treatment like
A typical treatment is 45 minutes to 60 minutes long and begins with a consultation about your health and lifestyle.You are then asked to remove your shoes and socks and sit comfortably in a reclining chair or on a massage table. Otherwise you remain fully clothed.
]br] The reflexologist will assess the feet and then stimulates various points to identify areas of tenderness or tension.
The reflexologist then uses brisk movements to warm the feet up. Then pressure is applied from the toes to the heel according to your comfort.
Lotion or oil may be used.
How will I feel after?
Most people feel calm and relaxed after a treatment. They may even feel sleepy.Occasionally, people feel nauseous, anxious, or tearful, but this is only temporary and is considered to be part of the healing process.
Precautions
If you're pregnant, talk with your doctor first and let the reflexologist know.Be sure to give the reflexologist a complete and accurate health history.
If you have foot ulcers, injury, or blood vessel disease such as blood clots, consult your doctor before having reflexology.
