Reflexology, the Evidence? -- By George S Davis

Reflexology

Reflexology is a foot massage technique usually considered under the umbrella of 'alternative therapies'. Unlike most massage techniques no oils are used and most of the pressure is applied using the thumb. As a qualified practitioner I can attest to the effectiveness of reflexology in producing pleasure and deep relaxation. I am also a professional scientist and a hard headed no nonsense, rationalist. Practitioners of reflexology massage make many therapeutic claims for the technique. Before examining these claims it is first necessary to take a look at the so called theory that underpin these claims.

Reflexology and Zone Theory

The main guiding tenet of reflexology is 'zone theory'. This theory envisages the foot as a map that mirrors the body. Each specific zone of the foot has a complementary or sympathetic body part over which it has an influence. For instance, the tip of the big toe corresponds to the brain and the area in the centre of the foot relates to the solar plexus (which area of the foot corresponds to the foot?). Reflexologists consult 'foot maps' which relate the exact region of the foot with its anatomical body part. According to the theory, massaging specific areas of the foot has a direct influence on the corresponding body part.

Beneficial Effects of Reflexology

As with many alternative therapies, the claimed beneficial effects of reflexology massage are manifold. Some of these claims include, improvement of circulation, relief of tension, pain relief and the ability to promote natural healing and function, to name but a few. These are indeed bold claims and if any were true it would place the technique at the forefront of modern medicine.

What is Qi?

There is no consensus amongst reflexologists on how reflexology achieves its therapeutic aims. Some theorise that a blockage in the bodies 'energy field' is responsible for causing, at least, some medical conditions. The energy field is often equated with the invisible life force, Qi. Therefore massaging areas of the foot helps to release blockages within the 'life force' and promote healing in the corresponding part of the body. The obvious problem with positing the concept of invisible forces is that, by definition, invisible forces remain outside our natural world and therefore not amenable to scientific scrutiny. In fact the concept is not amenable to scrutiny of any kind. Here lies the problem and thoughtful individuals are bound to question the concept's validity.

The gold standard for assessing whether any medical treatment is effective is data obtained from peer reviewed double blind trials. Reflexology massage practitioners may state truthfully that they have clients who have stated that they felt real health benefits from the treatment. The trouble with personal testament is that it remains, just that. How can we distinguish a positive result attributable to reflexology massage from a situation that may have come right without any intervention whatsoever? Or how are we to establish that any therapeutic effect is due to no more than placebo? This is why it is so important to obtain sound scientific data.

Reflexology Massage, the Evidence?

To date, I am unaware of any solid scientific evidence published in a respectable peer reviewed journal that demonstrates convincingly the effectiveness of reflexology massage for any medical condition. There is nothing wrong with a reflexology massage session as long as the practitioner makes no unsubstantiated medical claim. Reflexology remains nonetheless a thoroughly enjoyable massage technique, as is the case with other massage techniques. However, if the practitioner claims that reflexology massage is acting as a valid treatment for a medical condition then medical professionals have a right to be concerned. At worst it may delay the patient seeking proven and effective conventional medical treatment with resulting disastrous consequences.

Christopher Who?

I suspect that much of what I have to say here will be disputed by many reflexologists. For the critics, I would like to leave with a quote from the late, great, British journalist and intellectual, Christopher Hitchens: "That which can be asserted without evidence can be dismissed without evidence". I rest my case.

George Davis is a professional scientist with 25 years experience as a Human Geneticist. His passion is helping smokers give up their deadly habit. If you are a smoker and are serious about quitting then visit Tips To Help Stop Smoking for no non-sense help and advice. TipsToHelpStopSmoking

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Merging Science With Reflexology -- By Lauren Slade

From the very first course I ever took in reflexology over 30 years ago, I've had a passion to discover a scientific explanation of exactly how reflexology works.

It amazes me how many people, including Reflexologists still believe that there are little "crystals" in the feet, which when pressed disperse and so cause a healing reaction in the body! How plausible do you think this sounds to a medical doctor practicing in the 21st century? How can it be with all the incredible scientific discoveries over the last half century that this concept still persists?

I am discovering that at the frontiers of science, new ideas are emerging that challenge everything we believe about how our world works. These new concepts contain possible explanations for all kinds of Wholistic healing - not just Reflexology! Science is providing evidence that the human mind and body are not distinct and separate from their environment, as traditional medicine would have you believe, but a packet of pulsating energy constantly interacting with a vast sea of energy.

Quantum mechanics and new physics are making great strides. Their discoveries indicate that all matter in the universe is interconnected by waves, which are spread out through time and space, and can carry on to infinity, tying one part of the universe to every other part. This idea of a sea of energy might just offer a scientific explanation for many metaphysical notions, such as the Chinese belief in the life force, or chi, described in ancient texts as something akin to an energy field. It means that we and all the matter of the universe are literally connected to the furthest reaches of the cosmos.

In this view, the sea of energy connects everything in the universe to everything else, like some vast invisible web. It is as though a memory of the universe for all time is contained in empty space that each of us is always in touch with.

How does this information impact the study of Reflexology? Is a Reflexologist tapping into this 'sea of energy'? Swiss physicist Dr Hans Jenny, discovered that every cell in our body is controlled by an EM field with its own frequency. That we are beings of light gives sense to energetic or vibrational healing systems such as homeopathy and acupuncture, which can tune the body back to health. Can Reflexology also be classed as a vibrational healing system? If so, it means that all of us connect with each other and the world at the level of the very undercoat of our being. It also means that we have the power to access much more information about the world than we realize.

The world of healing as we know it is undergoing major changes. Science is now catching up with what intuitive and natural healers have always known. Now is the time to let go of our limiting beliefs and let Reflexology soar to its natural height

Lauren Slade has over 30 years experience as a practicing health care practitioner as a Reflexologist and Master Herbalist. She is the Principal and Founder of the Universal College of Reflexology, established since 1991. Lauren has pioneered ways of bringing high quality Reflexology education to students where ever they may live in the world, believing that everyone has the right to practice and experience the healing powers of Reflexology. Lauren is a sought after mentor, lecturer and educator.

Visit Reflexology Training & Certification for more information on the fascinating world of Reflexology.

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