Reflexology Mapping

Foot Reflexology

Foot Reflexology: Not Just Your Basic Massage

Foot reflexology dates back to over 5000 years starting from the east and slowly traveling to the west where it made its debut in Russia. The ancients were aware of the importance of good foot care, evidence shows in hieroglyphics on the tomb of Ankhmahor, the chief overseer and possible physician to the great Pharoahs where foot diagrams reflecting modern day foot reflexology points are mapped out. We can see similar diagrams of the Hindu god Vishnu feet where Sanskrit symbols are precisely located in modern day foot reflexology zones.

Modern day foot reflexology is often accredited to work of Dr. William Fitzgerald and associates at the Riley School of Chiropractic in Washington, in 1913. Doctors Fitzgerald, Bowen and Starr White wrote about their work in this new field of foot massage. They discovered how certain areas or zones in the foot corresponded with various body organs. Dr. Fitzgerald founded zone therapy and is accredited with producing the first foot reflexology charts.

The foot reflexology technique is designed to massage the foot and help you relax as well as stimulate other parts of the body. But it is much more than just a foot massage as this approach to holistic medicine does not only concentrate upon the foot but reflexologists concentrate on the person as a whole. The reflexologist will work with people, find out the different health issues facing them, empathize, support and attempt to therapeutically correct the body imbalance caused by years of stress and strain upon various organs and systems. Reflexologists work with body and soul and claim to touch upon the areas upon which “modern medicine” so often neglects.

Advanced foot reflexology goes beyond foot massage; it incorporates the mind, body and soul. Reflexologists maintain that by doing a foot reading they can ascertain a person’s life style and general wellbeing, they profess that, “The mental, physical and psychological history of the person is spelled out with such accuracy.” Sometimes a person comes to a reflexologist with simply the mention that, “I do not feel well” and the reflexologist begins to analyze the foot to see where the body imbalance originates. Some common indicators of stress within the body can be found by detecting, calluses, bunions, corns and knobby toes, other indications include an unusual tenderness experienced when touching the feet. At this point, the reflexologist will target the stress areas and corresponding organs within the body.

Besides going to a reflexologist, you can obtain information on the web, through your library or bookstore as well. Several excellent books are on the market, one that is highly recommended is The Complete Guide to Foot Reflexology by Barbara Kunz, an expert in the area of reflexology. This book is easily found on amazon.com.

Always remember that if the body is experiencing an imbalance through foot reflexology this imbalance can be reversed or corrected for most common ailments. A serious note of caution, foot reflexology is to be used in conjunction with standard medical practice and should never be considered as an application that can be used alone especially if one is suffering from major medical conditions.

Reflexology Chart

Reflexology Chart: The Ultimate aid in the Science of Reflexology

Reflexology also known as zone therapy is the practice of using pressure points in strategic areas of the body namely, hands, ears, and feet to aid in the maintenance of general well being. Practitioners usually map out the various reflex or pressure points necessary to the body’s well being with the aid of a reflexology chart. A reflexology chart is a quick reference to the various pressure points found in the body. By using a reflexology chart the practitioner is sure to locate the appropriate pressure point for the corresponding organ or system in the body that is needed to be stimulated or messaged back to health.

A reflexology chart can be very colorful bringing the eye immediately to the areas of the body that correspond to the pressure, message, or squeezing done by the practitioner. The use of a reflexology chart as a visual aid can be more accurate than just written instructions. Seeing the picture of where to apply pressure, leaves less room for error than trying to figure it out from a written set of instructions. Each area of the body would be color coded in a reflexology chart. Not only does this quick visual aid help the practitioner in locating the exact spot to apply pressure on the foot, hand or ear, it can be extremely helpful for the layperson who wishes to practice reflexology for reasons of self improvement.

For the student of reflexology, a color coded reflexology chart is particularly useful for the visual learner since each area of the body is mapped out and coded in a different color. For example, the heart is represented in red, the eyes in light blue, the lung and breast in green, the bladder in yellow and so on. Different shades of the same color may represent different organs or systems in the body. It is well understood that charts make wonderful visual aids for students to get a different perspective or understanding on the material that must be learned. Not only are these reflexology charts available in the classroom setting, but they are widely available for the layperson in books, videos, or dvds. Furthermore a Google search will bring you to various articles displaying reflexology charts as well.

Reflexology offers aid in reducing stress, eliminating pain, ridding the body of toxins, unblocking tension and blocked energy and revitalizing the body. For the layperson who wishes to try this procedure without the expense of a qualified reflexologist, investing in a book with a reflexology chart can help cut down on expenses, but of course does not replace the expertise of a professional.

Reflexology Foot Map: Types and Sites to Choose From

When we review foot reflexology, we no doubt will come across the areas of the foot that have been mapped out for us; to give us a quick reference to the various organs and systems of the body that can benefit from the healing offered through reflexology. It is important to consult a reflexology foot map to know that we are massaging the proper area to correct a problem that we have been having.

A reflexology foot map is a wonderful tool to guide us along the road of good health care. A reflexology foot map is also known as a reflexology foot chart and there are numerous reflexology foot maps to choose from. Relexologists; both practitioners and teachers alike, use the reflexology foot map in their private practice and in the classroom setting.

A foot reflexology map can be as large as a wall chart for classroom purposes or as small as a thumbnail drawing within a text book. For the layperson who just wishes to relieve stress or sooth tired burning feet at home, there are reflexology maps that illustrate the reflex points within the foot. They provide effective instruction on how to massage the areas of the foot to hit your target goal. Whether it be stimulating the thyroid gland, or massaging the heart, a foot reflexology map will pinpoint you to exact area on the foot to utilize.

The development of reflexology socks is an interesting concept to provide easy instruction coupled with a practical use. Reflexology socks allow an individual to have a foot massage just about anywhere without having to carry extra baggage around with them. Simply sit down, relax, kick off your shoes and commence. You can do this individually or joyously with a partner.

A basic internet search will bring you to various sites that will sell a reflexology foot map for your personal convenience. There are many sites to choose from.

If you live in the UK or US, the site http://www.dorlingkindersley-uk.co.uk/static/cs/uk/11/features/reflexology/footchart.html provides information and maps of the foot. The areas that they have mapped on the foot correspond to several body organs and areas including: Adrenal Gland, lower back, liver, arm, elbow, eye, face, groin, bladder, gall bladder, sciatic nerve, brain, head, breast, heart, chest, fallopian tubes, colon, pancreas, diaphragm, elbow, lung, ear, lower back, upper back, spine, tailbone, eye, ileocaecal valve, solar plexus, gums, shoulder, tops of shoulders, jaw, teeth, stomach, kidney, sinus, neck, brain stem, liver, spleen, spine, knee, leg, lymph glands, parathyroid gland, thyroid gland, pituitary gland, thymus, small intestine.

For more information and a vmore interactive group setting, you can visit Kevin Kunz’s reflexology group on www.facebook.com.

You can go to various sites such as amazon.com, bizrate.com and smarter.com to find the right reflexology foot map (reflexology foot chart) for your personal use.