What is a reflexology?
by Dr Apoorva Shah

Reflexology is a science that deals with the principle that there are reflex areas in the feet and hands, which correspond to all of the glands, organs and parts of the body. One theory, with acceptance in the Reflexology universe, refers that Reflexology was born in China about 5.000 years ago, although evidences are uncertain. However, Egyptian and Babylonian cultures were around before the Chinese; and Egypt as contributed (with a historical evidence, found in diggings) a document (pictogram) dated of 2,500 - 2,350 BC that describes the practice of Reflexology.
It seems that there isn't doubts about the existence of a strong relation between Reflexology and Acupuncture, both based in similar ideas, that means in energetic and meridian therapies, in the way that propose the idea of energy lines linking the hands and feet to several parts of the body. This means that working on the reflex zones can heal the whole body. Reflexology is a unique method of using the thumb and fingers on these reflex areas.

What is a reflexology chart?

In a reflexology chart, the body is reflected on the feet or hands. It serves as a map for a practitioner to target health goals.

• Left foot or hand reflects the left side of the body and the right foot or hand the right side.
• The spine reflex area runs down the insides of the feet and hands.
• The reflex areas for the arm and shoulder are reflected toward the outside of the foot or hand.
• The toes and fingers mirror the head and neck as well as the parts of the body they encase.
• The ball of the foot mirrors the chest and upper back in addition the heart and lungs.
• Halfway down the foot at the base of the long bones of the foot is represented the waistline of the body. the parts of the body above the waistline are mirrored above this line and those below are represented below it.
• Internal organs lying above the body's waistline are reflected by reflex areas above this line while those below the waistline are mirrored below this line.

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.

The benefits of reflexology include:

• Relaxation
• Pain reduction
• Rejuvenation of tired feet
• Improvement in blood flow
• To relieve stress and tension
• To improve blood supply and promote the unblocking of nerve impulses
• To help nature achieve homeostasis

Contra indication for reflexology

It is not advisable to have reflexology if you have:

• A contagious or acute infectious disease e.g. dermatitis / eczema / psoriasis
• High fever
• Had recent surgery of malignant tumour
• Foot wounds, burns or infection
• Deep vein thrombosis / phlebitis
• Pregnancy (treatment should be done with caution to certain reflexes and caution should be taken particularly in the early stages of pregnancy)