to appear in http://www.freepint.co.uk   issue 66

Introduction

Newcomers to the vast field of complementary medicine (alternative therapy, holistic healing, natural health) may be confused by the plethora of terminology used to describe healing that is not "Western medicine." The main difference, as I have come to understand it, is that the former is holistic, treating the patient and the cause rather than the symptom and the effect. However, for those of us brought up in the ritual of seeing a doctor when we're ill - and being prescribed medicine made by the leading pharmaceutical companies, it seems strange that an alternative exists.

I decided to explore "the alternative" when I became increasingly dissatisfied with the old ritual. Having studied system dynamics and causal modelling in my academic research, I sincerely believe in Newton's law of action and reaction. What effect does medicine have on our bodies? Why do I develop another ailment after taking antibiotics to relieve my cold? Why do the same problems, such as hayfever, recur year after year?

Reflexology is only one of many alternative therapies available today. Using meta-search engines I was able to quickly find sites that define it, describe the benefits, detail the history, point to useful links and organisations, and document real life case studies demonstrating the effectiveness of reflexology.

Definition and Benefits

Reflexology is often confused with foot massage, chiropody, chiropractice, acupressure, and acupuncture, as evident in my Internet search results. Foot massage is the massage of the foot, without reference to the rest of the body. A chiropodist treats the feet and their ailments. A chiropractor uses spinal manipulation as a method of curing disease. Acupressure is a kind of massage using fingertips applied to the points of the body used in acupuncture. Acupuncture is a system of medical treatment in which the body surface is punctured by needles at specific points to relieve pain, cure disease, or produce anaesthesia. (Ref: The Cassell Concise English Dictionary edited by Betty Kirkpatrick, copyright 1989.)

Reflexology is a non-intrusive touch therapy applied to the feet and hand. When any of the nerve pathways that exist throughout the body becomes blocked, the body experiences levels of discomfort. Reflexology may assist in reviving one's energy flow and bringing the body back into a state of balance. It is based on the principle that reflexes in the feet and hands mirror each and every gland, organ and all parts of the body.

"Reflexology - a second look" gives a good overview with plenty of body and foot diagrams at <http://www.positivehealth.com/permit/Articles/Reflexology/sahai13.htm>. Additional foot charts can be found at <http://www.ozemail.com.au/~sharonc/fchart.htm>, <http://www.reflexology-research.com/Images/foot.jpeg>, and <http://www.e-maginet.com/fiona/reflexology.htm>. A hand chart is available at <http://www.reflexology-research.com/handchart.html>. Stimulating these reflexes or zones by systematic pressure and massage can identify, prevent, maintain, relieve, and even cure certain health problems.

Organisations and Choice of Practitioner

Britain has several associations for reflexologists. The British Reflexology Association at <http://www.britreflex.co.uk/> and the International Institute of Reflexology UK at <http://www.levickm.freeserve.co.uk/homenew.htm> surprisingly offer very little information. The Association of Reflexologists lists other organisations (contact numbers, mailing addresses) by country at <http://www.reflexology.org/reforgs.htm> and equivalently in alphabetical order at <http://www.reflexology.org/>. My Swiss reflexologist informs me that the Association of Reflexologists in the UK does not recognise reflexology diplomas from other countries. Thus being a member of a reflexology association does not necessarily guarantee good practice. Two web pages list practitioners by area in the UK at <http://www.levickm.freeserve.co.uk/pages/choose_your_nearest_practitioner.htm> and <http://www.reflexology.org/aor/aormem/index.htm> making it convenient for the web surfer to locate a practitioner. Since the client-therapist is very important, you may have to try a few before becoming comfortable. As with choosing your doctor, you should rely on your own common sense and intuition.

Anyone from any walk of life can get trained as a reflexologist - usually twelve weekends over one year for most courses in the UK. If so, how can you tell if your reflexologist is a good one? Personally, if he/she can identify what is wrong with me without prior knowledge, I would be impressed. If he/she can then relieve me of my pain, then I'm even more impressed. Most people after the typical one-hour treatment tend to feel tired and need to rest. The body is getting rid of toxins while the homeostasis is getting "re-tuned." My Swiss reflexologist firmly believes that one should start with the kidney, ureter tubes, and bladder area. After apprenticing with her teacher of 30 years experience, she contrasts this against the UK, where reflexologists tend to start with the brain. She warns that anyone in the first trimester of pregnancy should not get reflexology treatment as it can produce miscarriage. Having said that, it is a wonderful method to prepare for childbirth later on. She advises against treating intoxicated (by drug or alcohol) patients.

Books and Further Study

While the web gives a good overview, I would be tempted to check out the many books written about reflexology. <http://homepage.tinet.ie/~footman/booklst.html> boasts the most comprehensive list (books, charts, videos) although at time of writing it says it was last updated in February 1999! Twenty five popular books are listed at <http://www.personalhealthzone.com/reflexologybooks.html>. The magazine Reflexology World has a website that lists books and references at <http://www.reflexologyworld.com/reflex.htm>. Two other websites I have come across suggest books at <http://reflexology.aromapost.com/books.htm> and <http://www.members.home.net/virginiasevilla/Books.html>.

To give credit to the many links that I have not explored in depth, I have organised them under different subject headings at <http://www.analyticalQ.com/reflexology>.

Finally, as appreciation for my reflexologist's considerable guidance, I quote her personal beliefs verbatim: "There are many people who do not want to heal because they gain too many benefits from their illness or whatever. So many people do not care enough about themselves. I hope to help people who are serious about their health (and to me, health means more than the absence of disease; it is a balance of mental/emotional/physical/spiritual and you feel like you're thriving!). Don't start me on that one - I could write a book." Perhaps she ought to!

About the Author