Reflexology and Zone therapy

Very useful content and information of reflexology and zone therapy for prectice.

1. Reflexology BY : DR. KAMLESH JANGID BNYS, FELLOWSHIP ON BASIC AND ADVANCED ACUPUNCTURE ,M.A. IN YOGA

2. What is reflexology Natural healing on a principle that there are reflexes present on the soles, palm which represents every part of the body including organ. Practice involves application of pressure to specific reflex points of your palms & soles. The arrangement of this reflexes has a direct relationship to the specific area of the body. It is believed that it releases and encourages the healing powers of the body and balances biological system while relieving stress or energy blocks. It is also believed that reflexology is the major source of getting relief, it also repair the internal organs to work smoothly, through specific meridians, energy channels & nerve zones. As it is believed that energy channel of human body get blocked due to uneven diet & health pattern.

3. History of Reflexology Because reflexology is an ancient practice, its origin and history is difficult to track. However, reflexology is thought to have been passed down through an oral tradition, and possibly first recorded as a pictograph on the Egyptian tomb of Ankhamor in 2330 BC along with other medical procedures. Reflexology symbols are thought to be recorded on the feet of statues of Buddha in India and later China. Though we will see the brief history based of different countries & sources

4. History The Chinese classic, the Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine , which was written around 1,000 BC, has a chapter on "Examining Foot Method " and is the beginning of discussions in print about the connection of life force and points and areas on the feet. It is believed that Marco Polo translated a Chinese massage book into Italian in the 1300s , thus introducing reflexology and massage to Europe. In 1582, a book on an integral element of reflexology called zone therapy was first published in Europe by Dr. Adamus and Dr. A'tatis. In the United States, William H. Fitzgerald , MD, who is frequently referred to as the father of reflexology , wrote in 1917 about ten vertical zones that extended the length of the body. He found that the application of pressure to a zone that corresponded to the location of an injury could serve as relief of pain during minor surgeries. Dr. Fitzgerald's work was expanded by Dr. Shelby Riley , who developed a map of horizontal zones going across the body and a detailed map of reflex points on the feet and hands. He also suggested pressure points on the outer ear . Eunice Ingham , a physiotherapist who worked for Dr. Riley , is another prominent figure in the development of reflexology. In her research with zone therapy's pressure points, she found the feet to be the most sensitive and responsive. She developed the foot maps and reflexology charts still in use today and introduced reflexology practices to the non-medical community in the 1930s. In 1957, Dr. Paul Nogier recorded a reflex map of points on the outer ear. His work has been expanded by Oleson and Flocco and is now being taught as part of an integrated approach to hand, ear and foot reflexology.

5. Principles Body & internal organ repair itself (Naturopathy – body heals itself) It is completely different from foot or hand massage It is not the substitute to medical treatment at all Most of the health issues are results of stress, anxiety (energy blocks) It can be used as a complementary treatment Benefits No side effects No invasive Quick relief

6. Mechanism of Action Reflexology aims to restore balance to the body. This is done by applying pressure to certain points of the palms, soles. It does claim to prescribe, diagnose or cure. Offers a tailored, alternate means of healing to address each individual’s specific needs. Emotional and physical factors are taken into account in reflexology It will pinpoint areas of palms or soles where pressure is applied to stimulate healing energy. This energy flows through the body's energetic pathways to the targeted areas of the body. Another theory states that sensory nerve of internal organs are spread throughout the body & some connecting with other organs including skin. So all these sensory nerves mainly rooting at the plantar or palmar surface which helps in enhancing the blood & lymph circulation.

7. The pressure points we find on hands & feet are directly connected to nervous system (as we studied) & have an effect on our glands or organs Therefore, reflexology heals by stimulating the body nerves & promoting blood flow When correctly applied it produces certain effect as follows : Deep Relaxation Circulation Preventive health care Pain relief Lowers blood sugar Reduces pre menstrual tension symptoms Improves bladder control Bowel function Relives migraine Relieves mucus congestion and inflammation Improves kidney function Reduce restlessness

8. Zone therapy Zone therapy & reflexology are interchangeably used but zone therapy is a kind of reflexology Method is same i.e., applying subtle pressure on soles & palms sometimes ears with thumb & finger Done without using any lubricant such as oil Zone therapy is based on zones or areas which have reflexes present all over body & illustrated in our palm or soles Theory 1 - Body is divided into 10 equal zones (5-right & 5-left) Reflexology Zone therapy

9. 6 zones theory Another theory states that it is a form of healing designed to balance brain & aligns spine so that body restore itself to maximum health. It describes about 6 zones as similar to 6 brain centers at birth[Cerebrum, diencephalon, mesencephalon, cerebellum & pons, Medulla Oblongata] that form in the embryonic stage of development. Though this theory is not very much in practice (esp. in India ) Glandular zone Eliminative zone Nervous zone Digestive zone Muscular zone Circulatory zone

10. Zone line & organ relationship

11. Indication : Low back pain management Migraine/Headache Stress Reduction Peripheral neuropathy in diabetes mellitus Hypertension Menstrual Cramps Insomnia Fibromyalgia

12. CONTRAINDICATION : Any contagious skin disease ie. impetigo, scabies, chicken pox, mumps etc. Severe psoriasis or eczema on foot (foot will be too sore to work) Any untreated severe medical condition, or acute pain (Reflexology may hide a condition which needs medical attention) Anyone under influence of alcohol or recreational drugs Internal bleeding Severe varicose veins i.e. phlebitis (Reflexology may increase pressure of blood to veins) Any form of infection, disease or fever (can make client feel worse and spread infection to the therapist) Diarrhoea and vomiting – cross infection Bruising on feet Cuts, grazes, open skin, rashes, bites, burns, fractures First few days of menstruation (Reflexology may make period heavier) Immediately after a heavy meal – leave 2 hours Athletes foot Localised swelling/inflammation

13. THANK YOU