Warmup twists are one way to start a foot massage. To use this technique: place. Foot reflexology map A good example of a reflexology map exists for the feet. Each foot represents a vertical half of the body: The left foot corresponds to the left side of.
HAND REFLEXOLOGY MAPS:
Hand, Foot & Ear Reflexology Map Tips!
Key elements in a reflexology hand map,
including: reflex zones, meridians & dermatomes!
The general purpose of 'reflex zone therapy' (a.k.a. reflexology) is to 'balance' the nervous system. Reflexologists usually use an approach where the body is divided into ten equal vertical zones: five zones on the right side of the body + five zones on the left side of the body (e.g. the first zone corresponds with the thumb in the hand and the big toe in the foot). This vertical approach goes parallel to Chinese philosophy of the meridians & the medical so-called 'dermatomes' (= areas of skin that are mainly supplied by a single spinal nerve); However, there is no direct connection between the 10 vertical reflex zones and 12 meridians, nor do these concepts directly relate to the physical nerve system. This implicates that in general hand reflexology & foot reflexology can be recognized to represent massage techniques that are quite similar to the reflex points & techniques used in acupressure (and the philosophy behind acupuncture).
The word reflexology is derived from the so-called 'reflex arc', which refers to a neural pathway that controls an action reflex. Formally, there are two types of reflex arc: 'autonomic reflex arc' (affecting inner organs) and 'somatic reflex arc' (affecting muscles); reflexology can be associated with the first type. This implicates that (hand) reflexology should not be associated with casual uses of the terms: 'reflex', 'hand reflex' and 'primitive reflexes'.
Unfortunately, there is no consensus among hand reflexologists about how reflexology exactly is supposed to work. For example: in many hand reflexology maps the heart is located at the radial side of the hand card (sometimes it gets associated with the 2nd phalange of the thumb) - which sort of represents the opposite of the principle described by the meridian philosophy.
Some reflexologists even claim that the zones in reflexology charts represent only approximates and may vary from person to person. Digi mobile phones & portable devices driver download for windows 10. Hand reflexology experts generally work with maps that propose sort of a likewise model for various internal organs & body parts. However, most individual reflexology hand maps do show some significant differences compared to other maps.
Many reflexology hand maps are available on the internet; maps are being presented in various formats, and many printable reflexology hand maps are available. However, for people who are not familiar with the basics of hand reflexology might get confused by the fact that many hand charts display unique characteristics - which often reflect the personal view of the hand chart designer. Authors dispute the representative locations in the hand that may get associated with the eyes and the heart, so these aspects belong to the key-elements of disagreement in hand reflexology.
In general, in most maps the eyes get associated with one or more sections of the index finger and/or middle finger. In some Western hands reflexology maps the eyes are associated with the 2nd phalange of the index finger (see map 1) or the middle finger (see map 2). But in the Korean 'Koryo hand therapy' maps the eyes are placed on the tip of the middle finger (see map 3). The fundamentals of hand reflexology are described & discussed inside the section hand reflexology.
NOTICE: likewise principles (+ disputes) are found for the feet in foot reflexology, and for the ears in ear reflexology!
- Reflexology hand chart 1: - | - Reflexology hand chart 2: - | - Reflexology hand chart 3: - | - Reflexology hand chart 4: - |
Acupressure Points in a Hand/Foot Reflexology Map:
what are the Major Differences between Hand Reflexology Maps?
How come that various maps present different locations for body parts? It is quite hard to answer this question, because usually it is a bit of a mystery how the experts have developed their reflexology models. A hand reflexologist usually claim that hand reflexology represent a system of zones and reflex areas that reflect an image of the body on the hands, with the premise that hand reflexology effects a physical change to the body.
Hand/foot reflexology map: discover the best acupressure points in the various hand maps. The high resolution examples below represent various reflexology hand cards.
Reflexology hand map 1 - Western map:
Ems production driver download for windows 10. A striking characteristic of this Western hand map concerns the assocation for the fingertips with the upper part of the head! (Upper head part includes: brains, sinus, ears & eyes)
NOTICE: the eyes are located more radial than the ears, which makes sense in the following perspective: radial side = inner world, ulnar side = outer world).
Source: Dominic Blackmore
Reflexology hand map 2 - Aculife map (Aculife Book):
A stricking characteristic of this Aculife map concerns the complexity, especially involving the heart:
The heart gets associated with 5 zones of the hand, on the inner palm side:
twice in the quadrangel (1) between heart- and head line + (2) below index finger,
(3) thenar zone (mount of venus), (4) distal phalange of the pinky finger; and on the dorsal side:
(5) radial side of distal phalange in pinky finger is associated with the heart meridian.
Source: AcuLife Book
Chinese Foot Massage Map
Reflexology hand map 3 - Indian map (= acupressure therapy):
A stricking characteristic of this India map concerns the association for the heart with
the left palmar zone below the pinky finger, where the heart meridian & the heart line cross each other;
just like in the CMax Acupalm map & the Breo iPalm520 map, both are displayed in the tips-section below!
(NOTICE: Just like in the first map the eyes are located more radial than the ears,
with the difference that here the eyes are associated with the palmar zone below the index- and middle finger,
and the ears with the palmar zone below the ring- and pinky finger - which again makes sense
in the following perspective: radial side = inner world, ulnar side = outer world)
Source: Divya acupressure therapy
Reflexology hand map 4 - Korean map (= Koryo hand therapy):
A striking characteristic of the Korean hand map concerns the fact that the spine is located in
the dorsal central axis of the hand (in the other 3 maps the spine is located at the radial side of the thumb).
Source: Korean Hand Therapy
TIPS: More tips & guidelines for hand reflexology maps!
Source: | Source: |
A fascinating application of reflexology is found in some massage technologies such as the C|Max AcuPalm and the iPalm520 Hand Massager (see video on the right): both products are featured with a unique hand reflexology map - see the maps above! Did you know that the terms hand reflex therapy, hand acupressure, hand massage, shiatsu for the hands & palm therapy represent synonym-like terms for hand reflexology? Various options are available if you are interested to participate in hand reflexology home study courses or classes. |
TIP: Combining hand reflexology points acupressure with aromatherapy (or some other additional relaxation massage therapy) will likely add additional value to the well-being & pleasure or your client!
- MORE MAPS FOR THE HANDS -
Source: | Source: | Source: | Source: |
EXPLORE MORE MAPS FOR THE FEET AND EARS -
Foot charts | Ear charts
HANDS REFLEXOLOGY MAPS
- Reflexology used to be known as reflex zone therapy -
Reflexology hand map by a reflexologist: Learn how reflexologists combine reflex points in hand reflexology maps with aromatherapy, acupressure & acupuncture. Reflexology map hands glove. | Reflexology hand maps & benefits: Find a hand reflexology map for free: reflexology of the hand. An acupressure chart & acupuncture points. Reflexology map for the feet & ear reflexology chart. |
- Reflexology
Written By: Chloe Wilson BSc(Hons) Physiotherapy
Reviewed By: FPE Medical Review Board
Giesecke & devrient usb devices driver download for windows. A reflexology foot chart is a commonly used tool in complimentary medicine with reflexology becoming increasingly popular for reducing pain and stress.
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.
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).
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:
- 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:
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Page Last Updated: 10/11/20
Next Review Due: 10/11/22
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