Qualified Reflexologist
Reflexology is extremely safe. It may even be self-administered in a limited form whenever desired. The qualified reflexologist offers a clear and open disclaimer that reflexology does not constitute medical treatment in any form, nor is reflexology given as a substitute for medical advice or treatment. The ultimate purpose of the therapy is to promote wellness; fundamentally it is a form of preventive therapy.
Avoid Reflexology During Pregnancy People with serious and long-term medical problems are urged to seek the advice of a physician. Diabetes patients in particular are urged to approach this therapy cautiously. Likewise pregnant women are cautioned emphatically to avoid reflexology during the early phases of pregnancy altogether, as accidentally induced labor and subsequent premature delivery can result from reflexology treatment.
Licensed Physicians
Reflexologist is recommended to get a consultation in order to determine the safety and appropriateness of reflexology therapy for a specific health problem or condition. Although only one controlled trial of reflexology therapy, done in 1993, has been documented in medical journals, this therapy is practiced worldwide at different levels of medical care. In Russia, for example, only licensed physicians may legally perform reflexology treatment.
Normalize The Body Functions Reflexology is intended to normalize the body functions, so the therapy does not cause a condition to worsen. Most patients find that pain diminishes over the course of the therapy. It has been noted, however, that some patients experience greater discomfort in the second session than in the first session, because a significant easing of pain and tension is generally associated with the initial therapy session.
Sensitivity On The Foot As a result, when pressure is reapplied to the tender points of the foot during the second session, the sensitivity has been heightened. This increase in sensitivity may cause minor additional discomfort for the patient.
Home Of Reflexology In contrast, the practice is a commonplace homestyle remedy in the Netherlands. The Internet "Home of Reflexology" lists at least 66 professional organizations worldwide, including New Zealand and Malaysia.
Associations Include The Following: Academy of Reflexology Austria
Association of Finnish Reflexologists
Chinese Society of Reflexologists
Hellenic Association of Reflexologists
Indian Society for Promotion of Reflexology
International Council of Reflexologists (HQ: San Diego, USA)
Israeli Reflexology Association
New Zealand Reflexology Association
Polish Instytut of Reflexology (Polish Language)
Reflexology Association of America
Reflexology Association of Australia
Rwo-Shr Health Institute International (Malaysia)
The South African Reflexology Society
Reflexology Regulatory Status Ongoing legislative debate ensued during the 1990s regarding the legal status of the reflexology trade. The reflexology community, along with legislators and other bodywork practitioners, engaged in reassessment of the reflexology business and its relationship to massage therapy and massage parlors.
Professional Reflexology Organizations and individuals brought judicial appeals of certain court cases that threatened the legitimate licensing of reflexologists as practitioners of alternative medicine. Such professional reflexology interests as the RAA documented in detail the disparities between reflexology and massage.
Purpose Of Reflexology
Citing the purpose of reflexology, which is to stimulate internal body functions (glands and organs) as opposed to the topical muscular and joint relief associated with massage. In a status update in 1998 the Association reported that 19 states had laws requiring the licensing of massage/reflexology therapists. Licensing laws established educational requirements and required candidates to pass written, oral, and/or practical examinations.
Taught By:
Reflexology is taught by means of a series of seminars, classes, and training films. Certification is earned after a six month program that includes 200 hours of training. The certification training breaks down as follows: 28 hours of preliminary seminar training; 14 hours of advanced seminar training; 58 hours of self-directed study; and 100 hours of practical experience, including administering reflexology to a minimum of 15 people.
Assessment Of The Pressure Points
Specific aspects of the training include instruction in the assessment of the pressure points on the feet and hands through a study of human anatomy. Students also learn to give reflexology sessions to patients along with specific techniques for working with the hands.
Reflexology Certification & Advanced Certification As part if its function, the independently organized American Reflexology Certification Board (ARCB) certifies the competency of reflexology practitioners on an individual basis. The ARCB does not evaluate schools and teachers.
Complementary Therapy Reflexology is an ancient therapy that is growingin popularity. In Denmark, for example, it is reported to be the most frequently used alternative therapy. In the United Kingdom, reflexology is thought to be the complementary therapy most frequently practiced by nurses. This popularity is likely to bring questions about its role and potential uses in clinical settings.
Reflexology Of The Feet
Reflexology is based on the view that specific regions called reflex zones (or reflex points) in the feet are connected to particular organs, glands, and regions of the body. The same principles are applied to reflexology of the hands and ears, but the focus of this review will be on reflexology of the feet.
Adverse Effects
Serious adverse effects have not been reported after reflexology. A number of authors state that reflexology can elicit catharsis or a "healing crisis." This normally lasts only a couple of days. The symptoms can be physical, such as headache, nausea, diarrhea, or coldness, and emotional, such as periods of unexplained crying or depression.
No Controlled Evidence
No controlled evidence is available to document the prevalence or cause of these symptoms, which usually are explained as resulting from the breakdown of crystalline products in the body as it detoxifies. To an observer, reflexology looks very much like a relaxing foot massage and is used most frequently to treat stress-related conditions such as backache, migraine, and allergies.