| REFLEXOLOGY | MASSAGE | |
| Objective | Relaxation; support system function; help body achieve homeostasis. | Relaxation; reduce pain in musculoskeletal system; realign structure. |
| Focus | Reflexes. Physiologically based (function). | Muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments. Anatomically based (structure). |
| Application | To reflexes on feet, hands and outer ears. Only bare hands or feet required. | Techniques applied to entire body or areas of complaint. Clothes usually removed. |
| Techniques | Small muscle movements of the hands and fingers unique to reflexology, such as thumb-walking, rotating-on-a-point, press & roll. | Large muscle movements of hands, forearms, elbows and/or feet to perform specific techniques to work particular areas of soft tissue. Small muscles movements may be used. |
| Benefit | To all body systems. | To musculoskeletal system. |
Here’s a pdf, if you want to print out. Distinctions Between Reflexology & Massage
Sad to see statements about massage that are not accurate or complete. Specifically regarding objective and focus. This oversight limits the validity of the comparison IMO.
Re: Objective – Massage also supports system function, helping achieve homeostasis. Massage is not all about musculoskeletal system and realigning structure. We deeply effect the nervious system, whihc has global effect on all other body systems. We also effect emotional states.
Re: Focus – Massage by way of effecting the nervious system we trigger reflexive responses throughout the body. Massage addresses both physiology (function) as well anatomy (structure). Primarily massage impacts the nervous system (physiologically) while also manipulating muscles, fascia, tendons, and ligaments.
Thanks Dawn for coming forward with your thoughts. I’m going to do some further checking.
Yes I want to agree with Dawn Schmidt. Additionally to her comments massage greatly effects the immune system and stimulates the cells mitochondria and to produce more mitochondria in the cells. Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cells and this is one reason massage helps people recover more quickly from injuries., when they have massage. I realize you may not want to have a long treatise, but need to be accurate. Was a great idea. Please fix and then you will have a great PDF for any body-worker to share with clients.
Thanks for taking the time to post your comments, Cynthia. I’ll do a little more investigating on this. Thanks.