During the final module of the 2011 Therapeutic Hand & Foot Professional Reflexology Certification classes, the interns completed two full days of combined foot and hand sessions with the public. One of the recipients asked a question following her session, and it initiated a wonderful discussion amongst the three of us.
As background, the woman who posed the question is an experienced receiver of reflexology and many other forms of bodywork, and is herself a Polarity therapist.
Our guest commented that for her the positive effects of reflexology far outlast those of massage or any other form of bodywork. She was curious as to why.
I recalled how much of our scientific understanding of reflexology is owed to the Brits, who focused much of their scientific research in the late 1880’s on documenting the human reaction to the environment (including touch).
? In 1883 an English physiologist, Marshall Hall, introduced the concept of “reflex action” in the body.
? Scientists conclusively proved the neurological relationship that exists between skin, tissue and internal organs, and charted the reflex action between skin sensitivity and internal disease.
? Sir Charles Sherrington, who with Edgar Adrian earned a Nobel Prize for his work on the physiology of the nervous system, proved that the entire nervous system adjusts to a single stimulus in its effort to coordinate all the activities of the organism.
Back to our guest’s question, I suspect that it is that interconnectedness of the parts of the body, awakened by the stimulation of reflexology points, that provides the longer lasting effects that our guest spoke to. When function and balance are restored within the individual organs and systems, ultimately the whole organism adjusts, not just the musculature. The return to body-wide homeostasis is what creates the long-lasting feeling of wellness.
As we concluded our conversation I was left to marvel – once again – at the incredible drive for wholeness and order that we humans have been gifted.
Have you or your clients been surprised by long-lasting and seemingly unrelated responses to reflexology?
I am relatively new to Reflexology and have no lengthy history with any clients as yet, so long lasting effects are still beyond my view at this time. I have, however, had a number “seeming unrelated responses” to reflexology work that I have done. I have had a few sinus openings when there did not seem to be a sinus issue with the clients. I have had a number of clients report an increase in vitality after a reflexology session, usually described as “relaxed yet energetic”. I had a client last month who had to suppress what he described as a fit of laughter while I was performing hand reflexology on him. I believe the “interconnectedness” that you refer to above can account for these results. I look forward to more surprising “discoveries” in this realm as my practice of reflexology continues.
Like you, I am continually surprised by the body’s response to reflexology. Today while teaching an introduction to foot and hand reflexology at a massage school, one recipient shared that he felt like he wanted to kick. Not kick the therapist, just kick! Amazing!
I was wondering if anyone had any experience with reflexology for epilepsy patients or those whose seizure activity had changed their cognition. I know a little girl who was developing normally until about 3 years old and then started having seizures which have caused her to become withdrawn, stop speaking, and her interaction with others is basically just to whine loudly in protest when something bothers her. Her mother ask me what I knew about cranial sacral work, but is not sure about trying it. I was wondering what others thought about reflexology in her situation?
Patti: I don’t personally have experience working with a child with such a severe epilepsy level. I do know, both from research and my own personal experience, that reflexology has a very positive influence on the brain’s neurological state. I also know that cranio-sacral work is very gentle and helpful with brain imbalances. Hopefully, someone reading this will be able to offer more concrete guidance for your young friend’s condition.