Reflexology is a touch-based holistic therapy which utilizes specific pressure points and zones in your body. Reflexology focuses primarily on 10 unique zones on the hands and feet that purportedly correspond to 10 different parts of your body. While the focus of these zones is the central theme of reflexology, practitioners believe that hard and dry skin on your hands -- such as callouses -- are a response to external stimuli or irritation and may point to areas or organs in the body which are stressed or otherwise imbalanced.
There is no scientific evidence that reflexology is an effective alternative to traditional medical treatments for any medical condition. Consult your physician to treat any health issues.
Calluses
Calluses are specific areas of skin that have become hardened and firm and are often the direct result of excessive pressure from small shoes, repetitive motion exercises and improper walking technique. A reflexologist views calluses as an imbalance, caused by the body to protect itself. Because each unique zone on your hands and feet is said to correlate to a different organ, a callus indicates toxicity and corrosion in that corresponding part of your body. As a result, if you have a callus on the part of your foot that corresponds to the lung area, a reflexologist may interpret that as an indication of a lung condition or other respiratory issue.
Corns
Corns are a cone-shaped piece of hardened skin that often forms on the toe joints. As the corn increases in size, it can often press on the nerves in your toes, causing unwanted pain and stress on your joints. With respect to reflexology, corns, like callouses, represent an imbalance in other parts of your body. For example, a corn located on the outside portion of your pinkie toe may indicate a pain or injury in your shoulder.
Bunions
While bunions often have a similar outward appearance to the hard skin of a corn or callus, they actually represent excessive bone growth and inflammation caused by excessive fluid from the bursa sacks in your big toe. Bunions often cause irritation to the skin where the big toe meets the metatarsal bone. In reflexology, a bunion often represents a malfunction with respect to the spleen. This can result in hypoglycemia and sugar cravings which a reflexologist may seek to remedy through treatment and recommended diet changes.
Eczema
Eczema is a common skin disorder resulting in dry, cracked skin that can result in itchy and painful inflammation. In reflexology, eczema directly correlates to lung disorders, such as asthma and shortness of breath. While eczema is also caused by allergic reactions to foods and external products, a reflexologist may aver that it is a deeper problem, stemming from the bodies immune system and recommend zone therapy to treat the underlying cause.
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