1. Reflexology
HW499
Class three

2. Introduction
In this class, a brief overview of Reflexology and its uses.
Reflexology is similar to acupressure but the focus of pressure is directed at the hands and at the feet.
Reflexology premise that there are zones and reflexes in different areas of the body that correspond with all organ of the body.
The stimulation of these reflex helps the body to reinforce, rebalance and strengthen itself.
Reflexology is use to complement other treatments or modalities.

3. History
The oldest documentation on the use of reflexology was found in Egypt around 2500BC.
Dr William Fitzgerald ( ) studies brought about the development of reflexology practice to the United States (Micozzi, 2011).
Dr. Fitzgerald study found that by applying pressure to various parts of the body relieve pain which lead to the development of zone therapy.
Dr. Fitzgerald only works with hands but later the feet became a popular site for treatment.
*Dr. Fitzgerald book on “zone therapy” discuss applying pressure on the surface of the hand to relieve pain and also in the back of the body.
*Dr Joe Shelby Riley was taught the zone therapy by Dr. Fitzgerald which lead to a more detail diagrams and drawing of the reflex location on the feet and hands (Micozzi, 2011).

4. What is Reflexology?
Reflexology involves the use of hands to apply a technique to enhance well being.
Specific area are being apply to promote a response and to stimulated the nervous system and acupuncture meridians.
The technique only involves small muscle movements of the thumbs and fingers.
The purpose of this modality is to improve the functions of the organ and glands.
The benefits of this modality is to achieve homeostasis ,improve circulation and energy.

5. Foot Map

6. Hand Map

7. Theory
The theory of reflexology is that different parts of the body correspond to a zone that has pressure applied to it. These corresponding zone are all associated to the organ and glands of the body.
The manipulation of the specific area activates the parasympathetic response to release any blockage.
When stress is remove and circulation is enhanced, the body can return to its normal state of balance.
*The Conventional Zone theory (CZT) is the foundation of the hand and feet reflexology and its applications (Micozzi, 2011).
*What are zones system? These are system that are organize among various body parts like the glands, organs of the body and the reflexes.
The zone has ten equal longitudinal or vertical zones that runs the length of the body .
By dividing the center line of the body, the right side has five zones and so does the left.
The reflexes are considered passage way through the body within the same zones.
The reflexology zones are different compare to acupuncture and acupressure meridians.
Any pressure apply to the zone affect the entire zone.
There are four transverse zones on the body and feet that are commonly used. They are:
a. Transverse pelvic line
b. Transverse waistline
c. Transverse diaphragm line
d. Transverse neck line
*these transverse zones also create five areas that it affects. These area are the pelvic area, lower abdominal area, upper abdominal area, thoracic area, and head area.

8. Exception to the Zone Theory
The basic concept of zone theory is that the right foot or right hand represent the right side of the body and vice versa.
The exception comes into play because the central nervous system . For example, the right half of the brain controls the left side of the body. Which means the left side of the brain controls the right side of the body.
So when pressure is apply to treat paralysis on the right side of the body, the left foot or hand reflexes will be manipulated.
*An important note to remember that the internal organs lay on top of, over, behind, between and against each other in various configuration.
*The reflexes on the hands and feet correspond to the organs, glands and sometime overlap as well.
*The body is considered a three dimensional body due to the overlapping of the internal organs and the reflexes.

9. Latest Review
More than two thirds of American deal with chronic pain daily and are seeking alternative therapies like reflexology for pain management.(Stephenson, 2003).
Reflexology not only have a long history of usage but has been found useful on a case-by-case basis.
Since reflexology is a noninvasive modality and it’s a non pharmacological therapy, nurses can do their own research and make decision on its effectiveness.

10. Zone –Related Referral Areas
Its usually an assumption that reflexology applies to the hands and feet only .
There are ten zones of the body that this modality can be effective.
For instance, if any injury occur on the arm then the corresponding part of the leg is affected and vice versa.
Referral areas can given insight into problems and to show the relationship to other areas of the zone that may be the root of the problem.
*An example of a zonal relationship is between the eyes and the kidneys. Both are in the same zone so when treating the kidney it can also affects the eyes.
*Another example of zone-related referral is if someone has a shoulder problem and is being treated, the problem may be the hip because both lies in the same zone.

11. The Application
A reflexology session begins on the right foot or hand and finishes on the left foot or hand.
The reflexes on both hands and feet are worked from the based of the foot to the top. The hands are worked the same and the fingers would be last.
This process is to self regulate the body’s complex communication network.
This is why the session is call a “feedback control loop”.
Different network in the body controls different functions in the body.
*Many of the homeostatic control are considered the negative feedback loops.
*A negative feedback loop is to stabilize the mechanism and maintain balance.
*The blood circulation loop is from the left side of the body to the right side. Fresh blood enters the aorta from the left ventricles and travels to the body and enters to the right side.
*By understanding how the blood is circulated, the reflexology session helps boost the venous deoxygenated blood into the heart and lungs so that fresh blood is available to the body.
*The same rationale how blood moves through the body also apply here in reflexology.

12. Benefits & Scope There are four main benefits to reflexology.
a. it promotes relaxation without stress.
b. it enhances circulation
c. it helps to normalize the body naturally
d. it complements other healing modalities.
A session of reflexology breaks up deposits under the skin which may have interfere with the natural flow of the body’s energy and nervous system.
Reflexologist do not diagnose a medical condition
Relfexologist are not qualified to diagnose a health condition.
They will refer to other qualified health care practitioner when the service is outside of their scope of practice.
Reflexologist do not prescribe medication.

13. Is Reflexology Safe?
This type of modality do not use any drugs nor needles.
The patient just remove his or hers shoes, socks and perhaps jewelry for this modality to be perform.
The only side effects of this modality may be fatigue.
Others may experience headache, nausea, diarrhea, and increase perspiration.
There are no serious adverse effects from this noninvasive treatment.

14. Is it a Medical Treatment?
Reflexology is not recognized as a medical treatment.
Per the AMA , states that 85% of all illness is due to stress.
Reflexology is a form of stress management and wellness type of maintenance.
In order for the body to heal, stress has to be release from the body. Then the body can rest and relax which triggers the healing process.
Once the tension is release, circulation improve and the body can function normally.
*Reflexology have been found to be effective when it comes to the nervous system, circulatory system, lymphatic system, sensory stimulation, biomechanics and relaxation .

15. Latest Research
At the Maryland Center for Integrative Medicine found that the usage of reflexology has shown to decrease blood pressure during a session while this modality is being perform.
The Heart Center at Rita’s Medical Center conducted a three month study on open- heart surgery patients who receive this treatment and can confirmed that the pain level and anxiety level has significantly decreased.
To learn more about the latest research and published medical literature on reflexology, go to

16. More Research
Foot reflexology study was done on a breast cancer patient who undergoes chemotherapy and is suffering from nausea, vomiting and fatigue.
The study consist of 34 patients.
The modality was perform and the results shows that foot reflexology is effective when it comes to reducing nausea, fatigue and vomiting.

17. Credential and Training
There’s no formal or standardized credentialing for reflexology in North America.
Certification is provided by educational institutions specializing in this type of training.
A patient should look for a therapist who is certified or registered and a qualified reflexologist with a reputable organization.
*Take a trip to see Reflexology in action at

18. Conclusion
Reflexology is a form of manipulative therapy to treat various disorders and pain management.
There are many conditions that reflexology can assist in healing besides pain management.
Reflexology impacts the autonomic nervous systems more directly than many other therapies.
It also helps balance the sympathetic nervous system and restore balance back to the body.
The benefits of reflexology comes from the relief of tension and stress.

19. Conclusion Continued
The relief of stress also minimize physical symptoms.
Reflexology can be use as an adjunct to other therapies in the treatment of disease.
Reflexology is another alternative type of treatment that many American along with other cultures around the world who are seeking to restore balance back to the body.
* 5-10 minutes of questions and answer regarding presentation material.

20. References
Stephenson, Nancy L.N. and Dalton, JoAnn, R.N. “Using Reflexology for Pain Management.” Journal
of Holistic Nursing, Retrieve from
The differences between reflexology and massage(2012). Reflexology Association of America. Retrieve from

21. References Continued
Micozzi, Marc S (2011). Fundamentals of Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 4th edition. 274.
About Reflexology(2012). Main Council of Reflexologists. Retrieve from
JH, Yang(2005). The effects of foot reflexology on nausea, vomiting and fatigue of breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. National Institutes of health. Retrieve from

22. References Continued Reflexology Treatment Video(2010). About.com.
retrieve at