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Archived Newsletters 2010-07-14 Reflexology
Reflexology - Reflexology
(zone therapy) is an alternative medicine, complementary, or integrated
medicine method of treatment involving the physical act of applying pressure to
the feet and hand with specific thumb, finger and hand techniques without the
use of oil or lotion
It is based on a system of zones and reflex areas that
reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands with a premise that such
work effects a physical change to the body. A 2009 systematic review of
randomised controlled trials concluded that the latest available evidence does
not show convincingly that reflexology is an effective treatment for any
medical condition.
The Reflexology Association of Canada defines
reflexology as:
"A
natural healing art based on the principle that there are reflexes in the feet,
hands and ears and their referral areas within zone related areas, which
correspond to every part, gland and organ of the body. Through application of
pressure on these reflexes without the use of tools, crèmes or lotions, the
feet being the primary area of application, reflexology relieves tension,
improves circulation and helps promote the natural function of the related
areas of the body."
There is no consensus among reflexologists on how
reflexology is supposed to work; a unifying theme is the idea that areas on the
foot correspond to areas of the body, and that by manipulating these one can
improve health through one's qi. Reflexologist say that the body is divided
into ten equal vertical zones, five on the right and five on the left. There
are also three transverse lines, the upper region of the shoulder girdle, the
waistline, and the pelvic floor. Concerns have been raised by medical
professionals that treating potentially serious illnesses with reflexology,
which has no proven efficacy, could delay the seeking of appropriate medical
treatment. Reflexology is recommended as a complementary therapy and should not
replace medical treatment. A systematic review of the efficacy of reflexology
found one study showing a statistically significant effect in the treatment of
urinary symptoms in multiple sclerosis patients. All other conditions reviewed
in this study showed no evidence of any specific effect.
Claimed
mechanisms of operation
Reflexologists posit that the blockage of an energy
field, invisible life force, or Qi, can prevent healing. Another tenet of
reflexology is the belief that practitioners can relieve stress and pain in
other parts of the body through the manipulation of the feet. One scientific
explanation may be that the pressure received in the feet may send signals that
balance the nervous system or release chemicals such as endorphins that reduce
stress and pain. These hypotheses are rejected by the general medical
community, who cite a lack of scientific evidence and the well-tested germ
theory of disease.
Many civilizations
have practiced reflexology. Evidence of this has been documented on four
continents: Asia, Europe, Africa, and North America. The most common theory is
that the earliest form of reflexology originated in China, as much as 5000
years ago. The early Taoists are credited with originating many Chinese health
practises. The Cherokee tribes of North America to this day practise a form of
reflexology that they continue to pass from generation to generation.
Reflexology travelled across India, Japan, Asia, and China. Traditional East
Asian foot reflexology is called Zoku Shin Do. This is the foot portion of the
Japanese massage technique. The roots of Zoku Shin Do go back to ancient China
and are over 5000 years old. Many changes took place in zone therapy, or
reflexology, as new knowledge was added. In China, reflexology reached a new
level. The practice of acupressure using the fingers turned into the practice
of acupuncture using needles. The study of the reflex points still existed, but
the knowledge was linked or added to and taken in a new direction—the direction
of meridians. The Chinese concept of meridian therapy is an important part of
the foundation of reflexology.
The precise relationship between the ancient art
practiced by the early Egyptians and reflexology as we know it today is unclear
because different practices involving the manipulation of the feet to effect
health have been used throughout the world.
The precursor of modern reflexology was introduced to
the United States in 1913 by William H. Fitzgerald, M.D. (1872–1942), an ear,
nose, and throat specialist, and Dr. Edwin Bowers. Fitzgerald claimed that
applying pressure had an anesthetic effect on other areas of the body.
Reflexology was further developed in the 1930s and
1940s by Eunice D. Ingham (1889–1974), a nurse and physiotherapist. Ingham
claimed that the feet and hands were especially sensitive, and mapped the
entire body into "reflexes" on the feet. It was at this time that
"zone therapy" was renamed reflexology.
Modern reflexologists in the United States and the
United Kingdom often learn Ingham's method first, although there are more
recent methods.
Voluntary
regulation of reflexologists
In the United Kingdom, reflexology is now regulated on
a voluntary basis by the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC).
The standards of competence required for registration include not just
reflexology techniques but also hands on practice, anatomy and physiology,
business, legal and ethical issues. Registrants must have full public and
professional liability insurance and annual continuing professional development
is a condition of re-registration. The CNHC's procedures for regulation and its
work are supported by the UK Department of Health. Criticism
Common criticisms of reflexology are the lack of
central regulation, accreditation and licensing, the lack of medical training
provided to reflexologists, and the short duration of training programmes.
Diplomas in reflexology can be attained with as little as six months of home
study; and the lack of licensing and regulation allows anyone to practice as a
reflexologist, with no qualifications.
Reflexology's claim to manipulate energy (Qi) has been
controversial, as there is no scientific evidence for the existence of life
energy (Qi), 'crystalline structures,' or 'pathways' in the body.
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