Reflexology is an alternative treatment method. It is also known as reflexology. Its essential basis is the idea that pressure on certain areas of the skin affects more distant areas of the body.
What is reflexology?
Essential basis of reflexology is the idea that pressure on certain places of the skin affects more distant areas of the body. The variant of reflexology practiced today can be traced back to the physician William Fitzgerald. After studying the healing powers of Far Eastern procedures and Native American methods, he divided the human body into ten zones. His theory is that these zones are reflected in the feet. The reflex zones of the foot are connected to organs or other areas of the body. By applying pressure to the corresponding areas, ailments can be treated or discovered. The masseuse Eunice Ingham expanded this massage technique and made it popular in the USA under the name Reflexology. From there the method reached Europe. In the meantime, there are different variants of reflexology. What they all have in common is the idea that different reflex zones on the skin are connected to areas of the body. This view has parallels to the Ayurvedic massage traditions from India and to acupressure. Acupressure has a different basis with the idea of meridians running through the body. Furthermore, there are similarities to Head‘s zones. These are areas of the skin that react to certain diseases with sometimes painful changes. Compared to the reflex zones, Head‘s zones are medically proven.
Function, effect and goals
The reflex zones are found on different parts of the skin. There are massages for the foot, hand, head, ear and abdomen. Other variations of reflexology include connective tissue massage and periosteal massage. Additionally, there are variations of reflexology that combine various healing modalities such as color or gemstone therapies. The best known is the foot reflexology massage. It can be found in therapeutic and wellness areas. As a natural healing method, massage is used to reveal dysfunctions in the body or to release blockages through pressure and possible reaction. Users assume that pressure pain in certain zones of the foot indicates problems with the associated organs. The feet represent the right and left side of the body and some reflex zones are found only on one foot. Medically, the mode of action is not clear. There are many nerve receptors on the feet which, among other things, report the position of the body to the brain. Other scientists suspect that a remote effect is possible via the fasciae. They are part of the connective tissue and permeate the entire body. It is undisputed that reflexology contributes to general well-being and promotes blood circulation. It can have a calming and pain-relieving effect. For welfare practical men and alternative physicians the healthy effect is by far larger: On the basis the zones suffering can be determined, orthodox medical procedures supplement and self-healing forces activate. They are suitable for the treatment of pain, circulatory disorders, immune system weaknesses, heart and circulatory problems, digestive disorders and exhaustion. Reflex zone massages of the hand have the same effect. The difference is that the reflex zones are located deeper in the tissues than in the feet and the pressure applied is stronger. The advantage is that the hands can be reached at any time and are therefore particularly suitable for self-treatment. In ear reflexology, massage sticks and heat support the application. A combination with Far Eastern methods is the reflex zone facial massage, which at the same time tightens the face. Head reflexology is also a hybrid of Far Eastern healing arts and reflexology. It involves acupuncture. The connective tissue massage focuses on the reflex zones in the trunk. Its goal is to relieve tension in the muscles and connective tissues through massage. Periosteal massage is said to help with headaches, arthritis, back pain and shoulder pain. Unlike the relaxing foot or hand massages, it is painful. Strong pressure on certain points of the periosteum, the bone skin, stimulates blood circulation and cell regeneration.For many therapists, the colon massage is also one of the reflex zone massages. It is used for certain problems: through circular massages on the abdomen, it supports intestinal function and promotes lymphatic flow.
Risks, side effects and dangers
The scientific assessment of reflexology is critical. Anatomically, the assumed connections between the reflex zones and areas of the human body cannot be proven. The effectiveness has not yet been scientifically proven. Smaller studies investigated the effects of reflexology massages and led to positive results, especially in pain therapy. Nevertheless, these studies did not meet the usual scientific standards due to limited numbers of participants. Critics complain that there are many different and not uniform presentations of the reflex zones. Many health insurance companies do not pay for this therapy method. However, for certain massages such as periosteal massage, they reimburse partial amounts of the costs. Many scientists judge the reflex zone massage as a relaxing and calming alternative treatment. They attribute the healing effect that sometimes occurs to a placebo effect. Reflexology is not recommended for open wounds, athlete’s foot, varicose veins, hypertension, phlebitis, fever, infections and depression. Periosteal massage is not advisable in tumors and osteoporosis. Pregnant women should also have reflexology massages only in consultation with the doctor and therapist. Basically, it is important to make sure that a trained therapist performs the massages, because improperly performed treatments can cause injuries. Side effects of massages include increased urination, diarrhea or nervousness.
