Reflexology is a holistic treatment based on the principle that there are areas and points on the feet, hands and ears that correspond to parts of the body. Jennifer applies pressure to a range of particular points on the feet that correspond with all the organs, glands, tissues and muscles in the body. This helps improve circulation of blood, oxygen and ‘qi’ around the body, relieving stress, healing pain and helps to restore homeostasis (balance). Reflexology is also known as Zone therapy in countries other than the UK.
Reflexologists don’t claim to prescribe, diagnose or cure. Our bodies are capable of healing themselves, anything from a small cut or bruise to a major injury or emotional trauma.
There are 7,000-7,200 nerve endings in the human foot, and each of these is a reflex point that corresponds to a body part. Reflexology uses special finger/thumb manipulations to stimulate reflex points, which will stimulate the flow of energy to the corresponding body part. This gradually helps to restore homeostasis and stimulate the body's ability to heal itself, physically and emotionally. As reflex points are minute, the movements are quite precise and care must be taken to cover all of them to ensure that the treatment is comprehensive and therefore a holistic treatment for the entire body. However, there is no reason why a specific reflex point (or points) can't be worked on more if an imbalance is detected. Imbalances manifest themselves through crystals at the affected reflex point, which vary from slightly crunchy like sugar to lumps of varying sizes. Dispersing these crystals is what unblocks energy channels, and this is done by applying firm pressure with the thumb (or fingers depending where the reflex point is). Visible signs of imbalance could be hard skin, discolouration of skin (e.g. yellowing), marks on the foot (red marks can indicate acute problems), and bunions. The odour, temperature, and moistness of a foot also play a part in assessing it. It will often take several treatments to awaken the reflexes and start to see some effect.
Reflexologists know which area of the foot corresponds to which body part by learning maps of the feet, plantar view, dorsal view, and medial and lateral views. There are 5 longitudinal zones on each foot that run from each of the toes directly up through the body to the top of the head. Zone 1 runs from the big toe up through the centre of the body to the top of the head, zone 2 from the next toe, and so on ending with zone 5 running from the little toe up the outside of the body to the shoulders and neck. There are then horizontal zones that map out which cross-section of the body corresponds to reflex points in that zone.
Benefits reported by recipients include relaxation, bowel release, release of heavy energy, general well being.