Deliberately Well

Therapeutic Reflexology:

Therapeutic Reflexology presents opportunities to encourage and support individuals making intentional lifestyle choices. Treatments can be offered on different areas of the body including the feet, hands and ears. Ayurvedic Reflexology offers a dynamic combination of Western Reflexology and Indian foot massage or padabhyanga. Vertical Reflex Therapy (VRT) is worked on the feet, in a standing position, against the pressure of the individual’s own body weight.

Please select one of the following for more information on Therapeutic Reflexology:

• A brief history of reflexology
• Therapeutic Reflexology as part of being Deliberately Well
• Defining Therapeutic Reflexology
• The benefits of Therapeutic Reflexology
• VRT: Advanced techniques for improved therapeutic benefits
• In the workplace
• In the health care sector
• Strengthening the immune system as a proactive measure against all infections
• For pregnancy and birth
• To support nutrition and healthy digestive functioning
• Therapeutic Reflexology is NOT a foot massage

A brief history

The specific origin of reflexology remains unclear but it is generally believed that its roots date as far back as 5000 years ago in China. By approximately 2500 BC Chinese physicians divided the body into longitudinal meridians (now the basis of acupuncture). The working of pressure points on the feet to restore balance and energise the body was acknowledged as far back as 1017 AD by Dr Wang Wei – a physician who gave specific attention to the feet for these reasons.


Ancient images	Egyptian pictograph

Evidence has been found to suggest the practice of reflexology in Egypt, as depicted in the pictograph found in a physician’s tomb in Egypt. North America, Japan, East India, Arabic and Grecian countries as well as primitive African communities have further evidence suggesting a connection between the feet and wellness or harmony. Examples of these can be seen in Buddha’s upturned foot, used to represent his entire being and symbols painted on the soles of the Hindu god, Lord Vishnu.


Upturned foot of Buddha	Lord Vishnu’s feet

However, it is particularly the American influence to which modern reflexology is accredited. Dr William Fitzgerald, known as the founder of Zone Therapy, divided the body into 10 longitudinal zones. Each zone linked parts of the body within that zone. Although Dr Fitzgerald’s work was continued and further developed by a Dr Riley, it was his assistant, Eunice Ingham, who made the greatest contribution to modern reflexology.

Ingham, a physiotherapist, discovered that, by applying pressure to particular points across the soles of the feet, she was able to stimulate and help heal the body, rather than provide only pain relief. Through her work, Ingham developed a ‘map’ of the whole body on the feet. Out of this was born the teaching and practice of reflexology as a helping profession.

Eunice Ingham (1879-1974)

In South Africa, Therapeutic Reflexologists complete a two year diploma at an accredited training institution and pass a Registration Exam with the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa in order to practice for gain. Therapeutic Reflexologists offer foot, hand and even ear treatments and are often trained in additional advanced techniques to further the therapeutic benefits.

Therapeutic Reflexology as part of being Deliberately Well

Therapeutic Reflexology is particularly suited to being Deliberately Well for a number of reasons, so, understanding its parameters of practice is helpful. A Therapeutic Reflexologist completes two years of training and is registered with the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa. Having met these criteria, trained therapists may apply for a practice number with the Board of Healthcare Funders. The intention behind treatments and information subsequently offered is to encourage clients to make informed, intentional choices for healthier, more productive and balanced lives. Therapeutic Reflexology is a recognised health care profession.

Therapeutic Reflexology treatments challenge clients to take responsibility for their own wellness by removing the feeling of being controlled by disease or lack of vitality. By including treatments as one of a number of deliberate choices for health which a client can make, she/he makes a commitment to addressing total health on physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual levels. Further, the client commits to the possibility of sustainable and achievable health goals. Therapeutic Reflexology is in a prime position to offer services that sincerely address lifestyle changes while at the same time affording comfortable and nurturing experiences. A significant role in facilitating such shifts, while permitting essential time away from usual demands and responsibilities, is offered as an option for anyone serious about true, balanced, vitality.

Therapeutic Reflexology addresses maintenance of health as well as management of illness. In this context, the therapeutic benefits, while specifically understood on an individual treatment basis, can be generously applied to all members of the community. Where a carefully considered choice is made to support the body’s natural capacity, Therapeutic Reflexology is able to reciprocate by assisting the body to heal, function more optimally, eliminate more effectively, feel more clearly and respond more intuitively.

Defining Therapeutic Reflexology

Therapeutic Reflexology is based on the principle that every organ in the body is reflected in certain areas or reflexes of the feet, hands, and ears. By using various finger, thumb and hand pressure techniques on these reflexes, the natural healing potential of the body is promoted. Therapeutic Reflexology today encompasses a broad understanding of both the ancient as well as the more recent systems of health. An understanding of these various systems of health acknowledges wellness as an interplay of emotions, physical health, intellectual wellbeing and spiritual wholeness. Illnesses and discomforts, therefore, are understood as imbalances in the body on one or a number of these levels. Therapeutic Reflexology aims to restore the balance (homeostasis) through normalizing the functions of the body.

The Benefits of Therapeutic Reflexology

The benefits of a Therapeutic Reflexology treatment are numerous. The deep relaxation of the body following a treatment facilitates a number of physiological activities. Amongst other things, these include:

improved blood circulation;
enhanced nerve supply to all parts of the body;
more effective elimination of toxins and waste products;
increased oxygen levels;
stronger immune systems;
enhanced healing after surgery;
reduced tension, stress and anxiety;
a greater sense of homeostasis or balance.

These benefits assist the body to function effectively, promote healing and sustain optimal health. As a result, Therapeutic Reflexology has a significant role to play in everyone’s health status. Treatments may have as their aim maintaining good health, encouraging improved health or treating and assisting the body to recovery from ill-health or discomfort.

VRT: Advanced techniques for improved therapeutic benefits

Vertical Reflex Therapy (VRT) is an advanced technique of Therapeutic Reflexology administered to the top of the feet while the client is standing. Deliberate use of this technique to support specific discomforts has suggested the following added therapeutic benefits to a conventional treatment:

Provides deeper access to the reflex points as a result of the standing pressure against which the therapist works. This yields more effective treatment results.
Enhances the existing benefits of conventional treatments.
Has been found to achieve significant results in very short time periods.

The following testimonial confirms the effectiveness of VRT:

I have suffered from a stiff and sore neck for the past two years; the pain also extends into the back of my head. I visited my doctor in South Africa who informed me that it is arthritis- common at my age of 68- and prescribed pain tablets.

For the past year I have worked in England as a carer and visited a doctor there who repeated the diagnosis and told me to take paracetamol. I dosed myself with 3 paracetamol every morning just to take the edge off the pain.

I arrived back in South Africa on 02 October for a three month holiday and went for reflexology treatments to a Reflexologist in Pretoria. In addition to normal reflexology she gave me VRT which is vertical reflexology therapy. I have received four treatments so far. I no longer need paracetamol, I can turn my head in either direction and the pain in my shoulder and neck is almost gone.

I would like to pass on this message to other sufferers – Life doesn’t have to be a pain in the neck, find a good Reflexologist who does VRT.

Therapeutic Reflexology in the Workplace

The contribution of Therapeutic Reflexology in the workplace becomes increasingly valuable as our twenty first century Western lifestyles take their toll on the health and well being of employers and employees across all work sectors. This is evidenced in the high percentage (80-90%) of stress related illnesses reported. At the same time the formal development of wellness services addressing employee health reveals how crucial the issue is. Therapeutic Reflexology has a significant role to play in work environments where employees opt for increasing absenteeism, show decreased motivation, respond poorly to ongoing demands for productivity and often feel there is little opportunity for balancing work pressures with additional lifestyle requirements.

Regular Therapeutic Reflexology treatments have a positive effect on energy levels and boost the immune system (because of the benefits of the deep relaxation). Enhanced bodily functioning impacts the ability to concentrate and focus on assigned tasks and work responsibilities. This has a direct beneficial effect on mental alertness and clarity. Stronger immune systems result in less absenteeism and encourage stronger work motivation.

Relief of tension is vital as a preventative tool in conflictual and stressful circumstances. Reduced stress can facilitate improved communication and reduce reactivity in the workplace. Employee wellness and functioning, on an emotional level, are promoted and acknowledged as components of a balanced health profile.

Finally, by maintaining a balance, inside the body (through the treatment) and in the mind (through professional advice), people in the workplace can be more productive. Permission to care for the self, the human touch aspect of the treatment and the nurturing it offers places a value on the individual in the environment as well as boosting self esteem and confidence.

Therapeutic Reflexology in the Health Care Sector

Medical intervention is complimented by Therapeutic Reflexology on a number of levels.   A more relaxed body, physiologically, is able to achieve more normalised functioning. Increased oxygen levels in the blood along with improved circulation play an important role in pain relief, healing and subsequent recovery from operations and procedures.   Elimination is enhanced as the transport of waste in and out the body, on a cellular level, is facilitated.   Improved nutrient supply assists in developing a stronger immune system, essential for more effective post-operative recovery.   The capacity of the body to function optimally is gently supported, restoring balance and assisting in the relief of discomfort.

While addressing physical recovery, Therapeutic Reflexology is also able to offer emotional support.   Medical interventions can be accompanied by many emotions (fear, worry, panic) that impact the total recovery process. In restoring harmony, the body is assisted to release any tensions and anxieties, thereby ensuring more normalised emotional recovery.   In so doing, the value of the intervention is affirmed and the patient is assured of total support and acknowledgement.

Strengthening the immune system as a proactive measure against viral infections
The potential Swine Flu pandemic of 2009 and the Measles vaccine campaign circulating schools a short while later brings into the spotlight the absolute necessity to understand more about our health. Swine flu (H1N1), measles, influenza and even the common cold all fall into the category of viruses affecting our capacity to work, attend school, care for others and continue productivity.   Much information is currently being circulated about these viruses and their threat to being able to live healthily.   Such information provides facts about the potential disasters if these viruses are uncontrolled. Fear of becoming ill becomes the primary motivator for subsequent choices regarding ‘health care’ options.

Far more serious is the commitment needed to lifestyle choices that develop stronger immune systems. In so doing, viral infections may be more effectively managed by the body. Furthermore, healthier immunity will go a long way towards making susceptibility to contracting viruses less likely. Understanding the body’s capacity to function and knowing how best to support this reduces fear of illness. It rather helps one feel more in control of available health care choices.

Therapeutic Reflexology can effectively respond to the threat of viral diseases. It is a natural health care modality well suited to making an important contribution to managing diseases, as well as educating others about the necessity to proactively manage good health. Ongoing vitality (if not in the short term then even as a longer term goal) can be anticipated from professional and registered Therapeutic Reflexology services.

Choosing a registered Therapeutic Reflexologist is integral to any serious commitment to wellness as well as to effectively managing illness. A Therapeutic Reflexologist completes two years of training and is registered with the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa. Having met these criteria, trained therapists may apply for a practice number with the Board of Healthcare Funders. A professional health care service can be expected only from those meeting these statutory requirements.

The role of regular Reflexology Treatments in building stronger immune systems:

A reflexology treatment offers numerous benefits, especially when considering the impact of viral infections. The deep relaxation of the body that facilitates improved blood circulation and enhanced functioning of the nervous system assists in increased immunity and strength to fight infection. More effective elimination of toxins enhances the speed of recovery and ensures as little compromise to the body’s health even before any onset of infection. Increased oxygen levels and nutrient supply to every cell play a significant role in ensuring adequate absorption, use and processing of the innumerable elements, vitamins, minerals required by the body to function and fight disease. Furthermore, energy levels are increased and the capacity to cope with additional stressors is supported. The natural functioning of the body is not only aided but also strengthened. A non-invasive approach ensures no compromise to the current state of the body.

Therapeutic Reflexology is well positioned to offer an additional tool to the information currently disseminated in the media and health care facilities. It is not enough to only know about these viruses and their ‘danger’. It is imperative that the broader community is made aware of choices available that support the immune system before, during and after infection:
choices that assist realistic changes in lifestyles to encourage better nutrition and physical exercise,
choices that support the body’s enormous task before it even becomes ill, let alone manage the task once illness sets in.

The public have a right to know the full extent of these choices available. In addition, the public have a responsibility to then make clear decisions that reduce infection, support what is working, build immunity and encourage others to do the same.

The Therapeutic Reflexologist enables others to take responsibility for their own wellness. The sense of being controlled by disease or lack of vitality is removed as proactive measures are put into place. Treatments and information are offered to encourage informed choices for healthier, more productive and balanced lives.

Managing potential pandemics is not only the task of the larger societal structures. It requires a clear commitment from every individual, not only for personal health but for community wellness.

For pregnancy and birth

Falling pregnant raises a plethora of questions about where to birth, how much can I exercise, what can I eat, who will help deliver the baby, when must I stop working, how will I cope with this life change, why must I be careful of doing certain things. It is a time in which the potential exists for connection with and understanding of the miracle of nature unfolding. Nine months of pregnancy, for the most part, gives birth to a fully functioning, complex system of emotions, physiology and intellect wrapped up in a bundle of joy – a baby girl or boy!

Some may be asking what this has to do with Therapeutic Reflexology? Therapeutic Reflexology promotes the natural healing capacity of the body. It is based on the principle that every organ in the body is reflected on specific areas or reflexes of the feet, hands and ears. A Therapeutic Reflexologist will use various finger, thumb and hand techniques and systematically apply pressure on these reflexes. Therapeutic Reflexology supports the complex nature of the human body and offers a non-invasive therapeutic benefit – it works with the natural health with which many of us were born!

Is Therapeutic Reflexology safe for pregnant women?

Therapeutic Reflexology is safe for pregnant women. In some cases, however, caution may be exercised due to the ‘health’ or medical concerns of the pregnant mother. In instances where miscarriage is threatened or the pregnant mother has not received any form of massage, it may be advised to wait until the second trimester to begin regular treatments. For mothers who have been receiving regular treatments, Therapeutic Reflexology is perfectly safe and absolutely beneficial throughout the pregnancy.

Will Therapeutic Reflexology in the first trimester result in a miscarriage?

Therapeutic Reflexology promotes the natural healing potential of the body and thus supports what the body requires. If a miscarriage occurred, therapeutic reflexology may assist in ensuring more effective elimination but the treatment itself will not cause the miscarriage. It is for this reason that women with threatened miscarriages do not receive treatments (because if the body was indicating a need to self abort, this would be supported). As has been said before by Lynn Booth, author of Vertical Reflexology in quoting another well known practitioner, if reflexology was able to assist in miscarriage, reflexologists would be the most highly paid abortionists! For healthy women with healthy pregnancies, Therapeutic Reflexology is a safe, gentle and health promoting treatment.

How does Therapeutic Reflexology benefit pregnancy?

Pregnancy is often accompanied by numerous changes in body shape, weight, discomfort in the form of tired, swollen feet, backache, constipation, morning sickness, and numerous hormone changes. Towards the end of pregnancies tiredness sets in as sleep becomes more difficult and the pending change in lifestyle and reworking existing resources may be a source of stress between family members (both parents and siblings).

Therapeutic Reflexology has, as a primary benefit the deep relaxation of the body which strengthens and reinforces all the systems of the body, thereby assisting in the promotion of improved health. A relaxed body allows for release of blockages and tensions in energy flow, muscles, emotions and thoughts. The above mentioned pregnancy experiences are thus eased and supported. (Also see the section on Benefits of Therapeutic Reflexology)

Therapeutic benefits are, furthermore, not restricted to the pregnant mother but are also enjoyed by the unborn child. A healthier body offers a healthier environment in which foetal growth can be supported, nurtured and protected.

And of course, never forgetting the external system into which the child is to be born: Therapeutic Reflexology plays a supportive role too for the expectant fathers and siblings alike! The easing of tensions and anxieties related to the potential ‘displacement’ of siblings and fathers is facilitated, thus contributing to harmony within each individual and within their respective homes!

Can Reflexology induce labour?

As mentioned previously, Therapeutic Reflexology promotes the body’s natural processes. Positive results have been achieved when a treatment is offered around the due date or post due date. Having said this, it is not the treatment that activates the labour but the treatment that supports and facilitates what the body and the mother are ready to do. What triggers the onset of labour remains unanswered; Therapeutic Reflexology, however, respects and supports what the body and the expectant mother may be needing and this yields positive outcomes.

Reflexology after the birth:

The benefits of Therapeutic Reflexology treatments during pregnancy continue to serve both mother and child after birth. A relaxed mother is able to more efficiently expel the placenta and milk flow is facilitated through improved functioning and balance in the body. New born babies respond very well to the gentle touch of a trained therapist, thus helping the transition into the world. Recovery from the birth (natural or by caesarian section) is supported and assisted through regular treatments.

To support nutrition and healthy digestive functioning

The benefits of regular Reflexology treatments have a direct impact on the organs and systems involved in the digestive process. The deep relaxation assists in normalizing the functioning of

the stomach for digestion of foods,
the small intestine for absorption of nutrients,
the colon for expulsion of waste, and
the pancreas, liver and gall bladder for secretion of digestive juices.

Increased oxygen levels support improved circulation and nerve supply. Increased blood flow and more effective nerve activity (stimulus-response) support the automatic digestive processes. This aids more effective chemical release for digestion as well as monitoring the movement or delay of food through the digestive tract. Good circulation ensures the nutrients made available in the small intestine are distributed effectively to all parts of the body for absorption at a cellular level. Movement of waste products through the colon (large intestine) is enhanced ensuring toxic loads are kept to a minimum.

Consequently, Therapeutic Reflexology is able to support a choice to consciously nourish the body in a healthy and natural manner. Regular treatments not only maintain healthy digestive tracts, but ensure optimal uptake of nutrients available in well chosen food sources. Furthermore, for digestive tracts that may experience, amongst others, constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel, acid reflux, gallstones and hemorrhoids, Therapeutic Reflexology treatments can support healing and a restoration of the normal functioning of the gut.

With up to 70% of the immune system resting on healthy gut functioning, the partnership between good nutrition and optimal digestion becomes a necessary component of all decisions for health and vibrancy! Therapeutic Reflexology is able to offer or advise on both these aspects.

Therapeutic Reflexology is NOT a foot massage

A Therapeutic Reflexology treatment is different to a foot massage. It is important that this distinction is well understood to ensure optimal health care under the guidance of qualified health care practitioners.

Therapeutic Reflexology relies on the use of very specific finger, thumb and hand pressure techniques which can have therapeutic effects in other parts of the body. Appropriate health care advice is offered regarding conscious lifestyle choices to facilitate the activation of the body’s healing potential.

A Therapeutic Reflexologist identifies imbalances in the health of the patient by observing and feeling a number of things. These are understood as signs of emotional as well as physical wellness (or lack thereof). They include colours on the feet and nails, texture, tone, moisture, shape of the feet, and markings. With the use of specific pressure techniques therapists are able to pick up congestion and imbalances through, for example, tightness, sensitivity, granular areas. The feet and/or hands tell a story about the total wellness of the patient and the therapist’s observation is always done so in the entire context of the person’s emotional and physical health.

A foot massage, on the other hand, makes use of soothing oil or lotion and slow, firm, gentle, gliding strokes all over the foot. This serves as a pamper or feel good service rather than a means to addressing health care and maintenance. Caution must be exercised and the qualifications checked of those offering services that rely on any form of body work. The Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa may be contacted for registered health care practitioners who have met specified standards of education and training (www.ahpcsa.co.za).