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TODAY I GET TO SEE WHAT FOOT REFLEXOLOGY IS ALL ABOUT. IT IS STILL A
LITTLE-KNOWN PRACTICE (TYPICAL FOR HOLISTIC THERAPIES). I AM EXCITED
BUT ALSO A BIT APPREHENSIVE - IT’S NOT OFTEN I HAVE MY FEET RUBBED,
LET ALONE WITH A VIEW TO MAKING ME HEALTHIER. THAT ASIDE, I LAY BACK
SOCKLESS ON THE MASSAGE TABLE FOR AN EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER.
STORY:
KAITLIN O’NEILL
18
FEET
FEATS
Reflexology, or Zone Therapy, is the art of applying physical pressure to specific areas
(or reflexes) on a foot, hand, and/or ear with the intention of stimulating another part of the body.
It is said there are points on these limbs that offer a gateway into healing and improving. As Dale
Jones, Reflexology Practitioner points out, “It’s predominantly done on the foot, because it is the
most potent area.” This would sense as the average foot has 26 bones, 33 joints, and well over 100
muscles, ligaments, and tendons, something I also learned from Dale. “I work on one foot at a time
and I access all of your body systems by your feet.” She smiles, “Your feet in themselves are a map
of your body. That includes everything from skeletal to muscular to endocrine systems to organs.”
And here I was thinking this was going to be as simple as ‘the power of touch!’ But as I soon learned
from Dale and Fiona Bramzell, fellow Reflexologist, “It’s more than just a foot massage,” says Fiona.
She continues, “I mean that’s part of it because I’m working on the feet, obviously you’re going to get
benefits from that, but reflexology addresses internal issues as well.” She massages and presses on
my feet (Dale opts for lotion, while Fiona is au natural), she tells me “I’m looking for any graininess
in the foot and that indicates to me that there’s a blockage somewhere.” Dale continues, “And
depending upon the type of pressure you can either stimulate something or calm it ... My job is not to
enjoy what you’re reading?

diagnose, but is to clear up any energy blockages or congestion
in your body.” Fiona adds, “That’s really important to make people
aware of that! I mean, we’re not doctors. [Reflexology] can be
very successful in treating certain disorders... but it’s certainly not
a replacement if you need medical treatment.”
The theories and practice of modern Reflexology have
been around for centuries. Ancient Egyptian walls are etched
with practitioners giving hand and foot massages, while Chinese
medical text Huangdi Neijing (475-221 BC) contains a section
titled Examining Foot Method. Also similar is acupuncture and its
fundamentals regarding proper energy and blood flow. However,
the exact point at which Reflexology was developed is still
uncertain; many cultures and medical professionals have had a
hand in shaping the alternative therapy.
It is said that in 1582 Europe, Dr. Adamus and
Dr. A’tatis published the first book on Zone Therapy. Shortly
thereafter a second book was released by Dr. Bell in Leipzig,
Germany. Although Zone Therapy is essentially Reflexology,
it wasn’t until Russian Drs. Pavlov and Bekhterev’s study of
human reflexes that the practice became known by the name.
A couple of decades later Dr. William H. Fitzgerald, returning
from Vienna in early 1900’s with new knowledge, introduced the
United States to this new Reflex Therapy. Fitzgerald continued to
make new discoveries and links between pressures points and
pain relief. Dr. Shelby Riley worked closely with Fitzgerald and
helped shape his theories further. It was Riley’s influence that
catapulted Physiotherapist Eunice D. Ingham into the creation of
what is now known today as a Reflexology chart. By combining
previous reflex knowledge with the concept of invisible lines, or
meridians, this map illustrated sections of the foot connecting to
corresponding parts of the body. This is how Reflexologists are
able to curb pain and energy blockage to the body from the feet.
The benefits are wide, especially if your practitioner
knows your feet. Both Dale and Fiona tell me they’ve treated
ailments such as digestive issues, sinus problems, and arthritis
to name just a few. Dale helps explain further, “I’m improving
circulation, I’m sending nerve impulses throughout your body,
and it’s going to reduce inflammation, it washes toxins out of
your body, [and] it gets rid of lactic acid that sits around your
muscles.” All the while you are free to relax and focus on your
well-being, a very meditative experience.
Once my treatment is complete and the ambient music
fades out, I feel asleep but awake. It was an experience so Zen,
organic, and peaceful. I’m not as apprehensive as I was when I
walked into the room, in fact all my attention was focused inward.
Even if you are sceptical, a stress-melting, hour-long escape is
not something easily argued with, as deadly as we know stress
to be. I also have to admit, as surreal as it was, that my feet gave
away my secret - I have stiff, sore hips at times. Take my advice
and do yourself a favour because, as the Dalai Lama says, “If the
mind is tranquil and occupied with positive thoughts, the body
will not fall prey to disease.”
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