Reflexologists believe the foot is like a map of the body, and that manually stimulating certain parts of the foot will affect a corresponding region of the body. According to Barbara and Kevin Kunz, co-directors of Reflexology Research, the healing touch of reflexology helps build caring relationships between its practitioners and their clients. While Steven Barrett, M.D. has stated that "the claims of reflexology are so far removed from scientific reality that testing them might seem a waste of time," Kunz and Kunz insist its positive effects have improved the lives of millions of people around the world.
A Simple Reflexology Session
Step 1
Start with dessert. "Desserts" are reflexology techniques used to relax the appendage. "Traction" is a dessert technique in which you grip the foot and pull it away from the body. Place one hand around the heel along the lateral, "baby toe" side. Hold the arch of the foot with the other hand around the medial side. Gently pull the foot down along the length of the leg, stretching the ankle open, while holding the foot firmly for 10 to 15 seconds. Release.
Step 2
Work the toes. Thumb walk across the of underside toes. Start by placing your thumb on the underside of the medial edge of the tip of the big toe, with your fingers on the top side. "Walk" your thumb to the base of the toe by bending and unbending the thumb joint, to apply pressure with your thumb tip, rather than pushing the thumb forward. Reposition the thumb on the tip of the lateral side of the big toe, and thumb walk down to the base of the lateral side. Repeat with the other toes.
Step 3
Work the arch. Holding the toes back with one hand, thumb walk up along the medial edge of the arch, from where the arch begins near the heel, up to the ball of the toes. Reposition the thumb back at the starting position, but closer to the center of the arch. Repeat thumb walking up toward the toes. Repeat this process several times, repositioning the thumb each time until you have stimulated the entire arch area.
Step 4
Work the heel. Hold the toes back with one hand. With the other, thumb walk up along the lateral edge of the underside of the foot, from the heel to the mid arch. Reposition, and thumb walk diagonally from the medial edge of the heel, up to the center of the arch, making several passes. Reposition, and thumb walk diagonally from the lateral edge of the heel up to the center of the arch, making several passes.
Things You'll Need
- Foot reflexology chart
References
- "Complete Reflexology for Life"; Barbara & Kevin Kunz; 2007
- Quackwatch: Reflexology: a Closer Look
Member Comments