For most of the time that reflexology has been practiced in the west, reflexologists have operated under the hypothesis that the “crunchies” found in people’s feet are metabolic waste products (specifically uric and lactic acids) that have accumulated at the nerve-endings in the feet. These crystals have been credited with causing pain and impeding the flow of nervous information within the body.
Sounds reasonable, but now scientific evidence from Europe is suggesting something quite different.
At the invitation of Massage Magazine, a leading national publication, I wrote a short article describing the results of over 70,000 case studies completed in Spain that basically refute the existence of those “crunchies”.
I invite you to read the article now. It’s just been published.
Great article Karen! I am so glad to see the research I have heard so much about put into writing. I have been saying for years that “crystals” were adhesions, scar tissue or soft tissue changes, not uric acid crystals, but this is so much better to have research clearly showing what it actually is.
Thanks for your comment, Wendy. It is nice to start to see research to support the “how” of reflexology finally. I admit that it is a bit of a challenge for me to drop the beliefs I have held for so long; however, that was all they were: beliefs. There was no science behind that thinking.
Dear Karen. I am patient and I believe in reflexology. With a little bit of reading and treating myself I believe stress is the only culprit. You believe it this way too. Food habits are what give us energy; we have to control them. Thoughts are what exhaust us giving high and low voltage. We have to control our thoughts. Karen, I think a bit of meditation along with self or doctor treatments of reflexology with care is best habit.
Karen. You have still not posted the nervous system chart on board for your readers. Pease do.
Raju: Sorry I haven’t posted this yet. I will sometime in the future; not sure when. I have other information that I will likely share first. Thanks for your patience.
Hi Karen,
Just an FYI since you wrote on the research of Dr. Manzanares – his personal website has just launched at http://www.ManzanaresMethod.com Thanks for all you do for reflexology.
Superb job on the Manzanares website, Linda. It looks great and is easy to navigate.