I read a thought-provoking article this afternoon, adapted from the book Reflexognosy: A Shift in Paradigm. In it, the author, Christine Issel, argues that reflexology is more closely aligned with osteopathy than massage therapy, because of their common interpretation of and focus on reflexes and the reflex arc.
In the practice of osteopathy, reflexes are considered useful for three purposes, two of which are shared with reflexology:
- Influencing the motion of fluids, especially lymph, and
- Influencing the functioning of the organs through the nervous system.
There also seems to be a common recognition by both disciplines of the communication that occurs between reflexes of the soft tissue and the endocrine system and the necessity of relaxation of the musculature to promote balance in the body.
Anyway, it’s a very interesting article, with ideas well worth entertaining. I expect that the book is equally engaging. Information on how to pick up a copy is listed below.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Reflexognosy: A Shift in Paradigm by Issel & Rogers © 2000.
Thanks Karen…That sounds like a very informative book. I can attest to the influence walking has had on my own health. I believe we, as a species have moved away from that very fundamental action which has so many benefits to our systems. After walking on the Appalachian Trail for 6+ months I was in the best shape of my adult life.
I believe the feet are so under-rated as a means to healing that we are truly just beginning to understand the implications of the quasi-sedentary, sit-behind-a- desk-8-hours-a-day way of life. Years ago people took a “morning constitutional” which was the first walk of the day, and for rural folks it usually meant a walk to the outhouse. This simple activity exerts pressure on the abdominal cavity and the contents therein, stimulating the digestive system, prompting excretion. These days, many people in the U.S. don’t have to walk anywhere for anything in the morning, but the beneficial motion of walking can be replicated with exercises like yoga, pilates, and the like.
I believe we live in a truly exciting time, where western concepts are blending with eastern concepts, where some old customs and some modern research are lining up. Let’s face it, we were made with feet to carry us from place to place, and we would probably all benefit from using them and caring for them more often.