Reflexology

Reflexotherapy of the Feet, or Reflexology Reflexotherapy of the Feet, also known as reflexology, is a form of treatment that has developed over thousands of years, beginning with intuitive knowledge and gradually evolving into today's highly developed therapy. Reflexology New Zealand, the national association for professional reflexologists, defines reflexology as a form of treatment that involves applying pressure as well as the use of effleurage techniques (or massage) to all areas of the feet. All organs and systems of the human body are reflected in the feet in different zones like a map. By working the feet it is possible to find out which areas of the body are out of balance and treatment can be given to rebalance the body by stimulating its own healing mechanism. The hands and ears can also be used in reflexology and again similar reflex areas exist corresponding to the whole body. While it is focused on the feet, it is much more than just foot massage. It can alleviate, relieve and improve a wide range of disorders and complaints. It can be used for physical problems, including those related to the organs, bones and muscles. But it can also help alleviate and provide relief for emotional and mental stress. Reflexology is applicable to all age groups, from babies to senior citizens. It can also be successful in helping with chronic diseases, post-operative treatment and for rehabilitation. Reflexology is a method of complementary medicine as it supports self-healing processes and does not just treat symptoms. Reflexology can be applied as a single treatment but also combined with other methods of therapy. Reflexology - its origins Thousands of years ago different cultures had developed knowledge about treatment of diseases located in one part of the body by using another, remote part. It is known that North and Middle America's indigenous people applied different kinds of treatment to the feet of those who were sick. In the early 20th century Dr William Fitzgerald was the first person to investigate and research their treatment methods, and he started to systematise and translate their knowledge to a more modern form. Eunice Ingham, an American nurse and physiotherapist, claimed that the feet and hands were especially sensitive, and mapped the entire body into "reflexes" on the feet. It was in the 1950's that "zone therapy" was renamed reflexology and came to Europe. Hanne Marquardt, a German physiotherapist, learned this method in 1958 and used it to treat many of her patients who had a variety of diseases. In doing so, she realised the potential of the therapy, and developed it further into a more contemporary form. She in turn began educating others from 1967 onwards. Hanne went on to become Germany's leading practitioner, and one of Europe's foremost experts in the field. Her textbook "Reflexotherapy of the Feet" has been translated into over 20 languages. Hanne gave it the name "Reflexotherapy" to emphasize its therapeutic qualities, and this is Sandra's philosophy as well. Our Bodyright reflexologist, Sandra Schmid, was one of her students. Today reflexology is an inherent part of the spectrum of therapies applied in hospitals, practices and rehabilitation facilities in Germany. Reflexology - how it works Reflexologists work on the feet solely using special hand movements, without the aid of any technical devices. Pain can occasionally occur in some parts of the foot as a result of these hand movements, but it happens mostly during punctual treatment of certain zones and eases and disappears during a session of treatment. This pain is however a useful pointer to the zones and hence organs or body parts that may need attention and treatment. Painful areas of the foot do not allow a clear and definite diagnosis, though, nor do they enable the cause or duration of an illness to be determined. Normally we see pain as something bad, or something to try and control or ignore. Reflexology understands this pain as a hint that the healing and regeneration of the human body needs help and support. A healthy person would have painless feet that feel warm and elastic, and which have good blood circulation. When feet often feel cold, when there are fungal skin infections like athlete's foot, or when there are corns or flat feet, then a reflexologist can help identify disorders in the body system. Long term experience shows that treatment of these burdened foot zones can improve one's condition and health. In recent decades clinical research has proven these observations. Most people do not realise that diseases might have been there for some time before they are identifiable by pain or other symptoms. However in this pre-symptomatic period zones in the feet that correspond to the areas needing attention might already be noticeable or painful, and an experienced reflexologist can find these irritated zones and so treat them. This means reflexology can be also be useful for both prevention and early-stage treatment. Our Bodyright Reflexologist, Sandra Schmid Sandra Schmid (pronounced Shmeed) came to New Zealand from Germany. She is a trained physiotherapist, and developed her professional skills to include reflexology under Hanne Marquardt (see above), one of Europe's leading practitioners. Sandra is also a trained exponent of the McKenzie technique, the Mulligan concept and homeopathy, all of which assist healing. Sandra divides her time between her professional life as a physiotherapist, as a committed artist and her family.