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Aug 20, 2020 - Explore Donald Muganda's board 'Foot reflexology chart' on Pinterest. See more ideas about reflexology, reflexology chart, foot reflexology. Reiki, Massage, Reflexology. 4440 Canal St., New Orleans, LA. “ If you are looking for a more holistic approach to therapy, this is it. Hands Of Essence.

1. Reflexology Feet
2. Map Of Your Foot Reflexology Pictures
3. Reflexology Foot Chart Printable Free
4. Reflexology Foot Map Printable
5. Zone Therapy Reflexology Charts Big Toe

1. Reflexology

Written By: Chloe Wilson BSc(Hons) Physiotherapy
Reviewed By: FPE Medical Review Board

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 Feet

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

Map Of Your Foot Reflexology Pictures

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

This comments section is moderatedoccasionally and posteriorly by our editorial team. Internet users postingcomments here should not be considered as health professionals. Comments postedhere should be designed to support, not replace, the relationship that existsbetween a patient/site visitor and his/her existing physician. See our fullterms of use in the commenting policy section.

Editor’s Note: We originally published this article in January 2016. We decided to update it to include more tips and helpful information. Enjoy!

If you’re considering booking a reflexology treatment, you might have a lot of questions. What exactly is reflexology? What are the benefits? And is it just another word for a foot massage?

There’s a lot to dig into, but we’ll cover the basics of what you need to know about reflexology in this article.

What is reflexology?

In reflexology, pressure is applied to specific reflex points on the foot. These points correspond to organs and areas of the body. The treatment is said to induce a healing response, even alleviating some ailments.

Reflexology is one of the most popular types of massage. Beyond the feel-good effects of the treatment, the practice and purpose go deeper than the skin and muscles. Kneading the soft fleshy ball of the foot, pulling on the toes, tracing around the heel and pushing deep into the arch are just a few of the movements you’ll experience during a treatment.

But what is all of that for? Well, there is a method to the treatment, and it all revolves around the charted areas of your foot.

Understanding a foot reflexology chart

The image on the left is an example of a reflexology foot chart or map. It shows which part of the foot connects to each organ or area of the body.

A reflexologist will use a diagram like this one during the session. Reflexologists sometimes also work on the hands or ears to trigger relaxation, but foot reflexology is the most common treatment.

As you can see, there’s a spot on the map for every organ or system in the body. A reflexologist can treat specific parts of your body by targeting that area of the foot.

How reflexology differs from a foot massage

These two treatments might seem similar, but there are some key differences. Both can be beneficial! Here’s what you can expect during a foot massage versus a reflexology massage.

Massage therapy is the manipulation of tissues to relax the muscles, relieve tension, and improve circulation. This can improve overall health and well-being.

Reflexology, on the other hand, uses a targeted, pressure-point massage to restore the flow of energy throughout the body. The treatment usually focuses on the feet, but it can also include the hands and ears.

There can be many potential benefits of this kind of treatment, which leads to the next question you might be asking.

What are the benefits?

Reflexology can address anything from headaches to sinus problems to stomach issues. If sensitivity or tenderness is experienced when an area is stimulated, it usually indicates bodily weaknesses or imbalances within the corresponding organ.

With repeated pressure and manipulation of nerve endings, reflexology can help to clear any channels of blocked energy. It is said to do so through moving the flow of blood, nutrients and nerve impulses. This ultimately improves overall health and balance.

Other potential benefits:

• Cleanse the body of toxins
• Boost the immune system
• Increase circulation
• Promote healing

What to Expect At the spa

Ok, so you’re ready to book a reflexology massage. There’s a lot to know about booking a treatment and what one is like. We’ll take a detailed look at everything you need to know about the process so there are no surprises.

Things to know before you go

To be effective, a reflexology practitioner must be certified and understand the meridians related to each pressure point.

Most spas offer reflexology. At Spafinder, we make it super easy to find popular spas with the services you want. Use our search tool to find a spa near you, read reviews, and book a session online.

But you might have some questions about the treatment. Let’s answer those.

How much does a reflexology massage cost?

Similar to any spa treatment or massage therapy, prices for reflexology will vary from spa to spa. However, the pricing is usually similar to a traditional massage. You can expect to pay anywhere from $40-90 for a 1-hour session, or $30-50 for a 30-minute session.

What is a reflexology session like?

The treatment typically lasts approximately 30 minutes, but it can last up to an hour. Have a conversation with your reflexologist beforehand to discuss issues like constipation, tension headaches or trouble sleeping.

During the session, you’re clothed and seated or lying down. The therapist will rub, press on and squeeze points on your feet. The therapist may concentrate on specific areas to alleviate ailments. For example, if you have sinus trouble, she’ll focus on your toes. But the therapist might also work on the whole foot in order to strengthen every system in the body.

Important Things to Remember:

• Wait at least one hour after the massage before eating
• Don’t receive reflexology if you are pregnant. Try a prenatal massage instead.
• Drink water following the treatment to eliminate toxins and lactic acid buildup that occurs during the massage
• Consult a doctor first if you have foot problems, an injury or a blood vessel disease associated with clots or varicose veins

For more information on massage treatments, click here to see which massage is right for you. You can also search for spas that offer reflexologyin your area on Spafinder.

Sources:

Reflexology Foot Map Printable

https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/reflexology
https://nccih.nih.gov/health/reflexology
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4624523/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/what-is-reflexology/faq-20058139

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