Getting ready for Christmas

As the days get shorter and the cold weather sets in, it's time to think about your feet and give them a treat to survive winter!

You can get my ebook to learn the main relaxation movements at home. The ebook also guides you to locate the reflex points on your feet and make the most of this wonderful natural well-being technique.

As we get near Christmas, you can also buy it for a friend or a member of your family. The pdf format means they can take it anywhere with them on a laptop: great for busy people that travel a lot!

Alternatively, think about purchasing gift vouchers from your local reflexologist. Most of them do Christmas gift vouchers, this would make an unsually but highly appreciated present.

The profession is now well recognised in most countries so you're bound to find a professional reflexologist in your area. Search google or ask around for recommendations.

Reflexology and French scandal

We have another scandal in France concerning a French minister. This time the minister for public service is accused of taking advantage of his female subordinates after offering them a foot reflexology session. We don't know if the claim is true but this type of behaviour is very bad for the image of the profession. People are mocking the use of reflexology, saying it's just an excuse to touch women's feet, get closer to them and sexually abuse them.

Have a look at the news about French minister Tron to find out. Of course, we are heading for general election (may 2012) so every accusation in the political field has to be taken with caution. I hope those women did not suffer such ordeal at work.

Updated book extract

I've updated the extract from the Step by Step book on the Reflexology site so you can now see some of the pictures.

This page deals with the respiratory system. The pictures gives a visual aid to locate reflex points on the sole of the feet and in which order to press them.

This system is one that is currently often worked on as the change of season brings its fair share of colds, sore throat and bronchitis. As mentioned in the book, in reflexology, you never work just on one system to treat an ailment. Reflexology is an holistic therapy so it recognises that many systems are "involved" in an illness.

The ebook is also available for download on the UK reflexology web site .

If you're serious about learning foot reflexology, this ebook is for you as it has been put together using notes from a reflexology training course. The book will enable you to gain specific knowledge about the techniques and uses of reflexology.

It can also be a great Christmas present for a loved one!

Reflexology book review

Happy New Year! 

So what are your resolutions for the new year? Looking to improve your life? Wanting to take a new direction?

I have an amazing ebook that could bring all this to you! I've been working on it for a while and it is now ready for download. 

The Step By Step Reflexology Manual covers all the aspects of this wonderful natural therapy, from the preparation stage to the actual reflexology moves required for each body system. 

This ebook is suitable for a complete beginner, it's also the perfect guide for a health professional wanting to discover another therapy.  

Fully illustrated, this manual guides you along with comprehensive instructions so you are able to learn how to work the reflex points. It also contains useful relaxation techniques to relax the feet before the actual reflexology treatment.

Working the reflex points of the feet can help reduce stress, improve health and bring the body back into balance. Stress is at the root of many illnesses and complaints. Reflexology is well known for its relaxation benefits and its positive impact on health and well-being.

So don't hesitate and give yourself the chance to acquire a new skill. 

Who knows, it could be the start of a new career, encouraging your to take up a course to become a fully trained reflexologist!

Find out more on the Reflexology site

Unusual Reflexology Chart

There are many foot reflexology charts out there but I had never seen one quite like this one. I like the "realistic" drawing of the organs. It's helpful for students as they can immediately identify the reflex area corresponding to the organ, they don't need to refer to a list with numbers. It is somewhat different from Bayly's, Byer's or Kunz's versions to name a few and it does not seen to contain all the organs and glands. Nevertheless I like its looks and the fact that it is unusual.

For information, I've found it on a site about Bali (http://blog.baliwww.com/guides/609/). Apparently reflexology massage is becoming very popular with tourists to that area. I don't know how it compares with the Western reflexology we practice here, I would like to find out more so post a comment if you have done any comparative study.

New Reflexology Web Site

I've translated my French reflexology web site into English so you can now read more information about this relaxing natural therapy at Reflexology foot massage.

I try to explain the difference between reflexology and foot massage so people know what to expect from a full reflexology treatment.

I also give a summary of other therapies which provide a sense of well being and can help you to remain in good health, such as aromatherapy, indian massage.

I will gradually add to the web site. In particular, I am translating an ebook intended for anybody wishing to learn the specific technique of foot reflexology. This book will be very precise with many charts and illustrations.

Have a look at the site and enjoy it.

Origins of Foot Reflexology

Reflexology is mainly used for:
- relaxation, stress is the cause of many physical and psychological dysfunctions
- activation of the blood and lymphatic circulation, cleansing of toxins, stimulation of the nervous system of digestive system
- prevention, reduction of many functional disorders thus aiding homeostasis. The body can recover its natural harmony and equilibrium.


Foot reflexology as we know it today has evolved from the zone therapy of Dr William Fitzgerald. Indeed in 1913 he exposed his theory which consists in virtually cutting the body in 10 longitudinal zones. Imagine dividing the body into two equal halves at the midline, and then again into 5 sections each side.
- zone 1, in the middle of the body goes from the thumb to the top of the head, down via the nose to end in the big toe;
- zone 2, from the index to the top of the head, down via the eyes to end in the second toe;
- zone 3, from the middle finger to the top of the head, down via the breast to end in the third toe;
- zone 4, from the annular finger to the top of the head, down via Bauhin’s valve on the right or the spleen on the left, to end in the fourth toe
- zone 5, from the little finger to the top of the head, down via the shoulders to end in the fifth toe.



Dr Fitzgerald mainly based his theory on acupuncture notions known at the time.
For him, each pressure applied within a zone had an effect of another part of the body situated in the same zone. For example, concerning foot reflexology, a pressure applied on the big toe will have an effect on the organs situated in zone 1. The main purpose of his method was to relieve pain.

His technique was later on promoted and refined by Dr Riley and Eunice Ingham who found that the technique could be used for all therapeutic treatments, not just for pain relief. Dr Riley mainly used the mouth whereas Ingham focused on the feet. In the 30s, she further developed her approach and trained many practiciens. Her maps of the reflex zones are still used in modern reflexology.

Doreen Bayly built on the existing theory with the notion of cross referral areas.
Indeed, according to Bayly, the cross referral area can be massaged instead or in addition to the problem zone. This is useful for injured organs that cannot be touched directly, and also to speed recovery.
Examples of cross referral areas:
- hand-foot
- wrist-angle
- elbow-knee
- shoulder-hip

Hanna Marquardt in Germany developed the theory of Transversal Zones, the body can be divided in 4 horizontal sections on the foot:
- phalanges include head and neck
- metatarsals include chest down to the waist
- tarsals include intestines, lower abdomen
- calcaneus for pelvis area

Development and refinement are ongoing in reflexology therapy. It is encouraging to see more and more nurses and doctors using this natural method as part of their treatment and patient care. Although it is not recognized by many countries, it is widely accepted and enjoyed as an efficient alternative medecine.

What to expect from the first session?

The first visit will last a bit longer than subsequent ones as the foot reflexologist needs to find out about your medical history, your diet and general health before examining your feet. The reflexology treatment is often preceeded by a relaxation massage or a warm foot bath to put you at ease.

During the treatment, you will be laying on a massage table or sitting in a recliner chair. The reflexologist will be sitting in front of your feet. You do not need to undress, only your feet will be bare.

A Reflexology session should feel relaxing, calming and restorative. Some pressure points will be sensitive if there is an imbalance, so some people may experience tenderness on different areas of the foot. However, the treatment should not be painful or cause discomfort. A good reflexologist will adapt his touch to each person and feedback is encouraged to create the most effective treatment. Since the touch is firm, it is not usually perceived as ticklish.

In general, a session will last 45 to 60 minutes. The young or elderly will generally be given shorter treatments.

Sometimes you may have a reaction to the treatment - usually pleasant reaction such as feeling calm, relaxed or rejuvenated. Other reactions are cleansing reactions, such as increased urination, more frequent bowel movement, tiredness or headaches. These should last no more than 48h, and are a sign that the body is eliminating toxins. It is worth keeping a note of these to tell the reflexologist during the next session.

How many sessions are required depends on your goal and your state of health.

Well-being thanks to foot reflexology

The feet contain thousands of nerve endings which connect reflexes to every organ and muscle in the body. By identifying sensitive areas on the feet, the professional reflexologist can identify the precise part of the body where dysfunction is occurring. By working this reflex, he can eliminate the blockage, evacuate the toxins and activate blood circulation therefore restore balance and harmony.

By having the whole body represented in the feet, the method offers a means of treating the whole body and of treating the body as a whole. This latter point is an important factor of a natural therapy and allows not only symptoms to be treated but also the causes of symptoms.

Most people who have experienced treatment would agree that the method can be most beneficial and is also a very relaxing therapy. Several sessions are required for a satisfactory result although the feeling of well-being appears even after the first session. The treatment can be spaced out by 3 or 4 days or more. Some people like regular monthly treatment as they appreciate the state of relaxation induced by reflexology and understand the importance of preventive treatment.

How does Foot Reflexology work?

Reflexology is a holistic complementary therapy which helps balance the body and stimulate the body's own natural healing abilities. Reflexology does not claim to diagnose illnesses and it can be used safely alongside conventional medicine. Reflexology not only treats the symptoms but also the causes of the disorder to restore the body's natural harmony and equilibrium.

There are about 7200 nerve endings in the feet. These have interconnections through the spinal cord and brain with all parts of the body. The feet are the mirror of the body, each organ is represented on the foot. Some organs are found on both feet, for example the lungs, whereas others are on one foot only, for example the spleen is on the left foot. By stimulating a reflex area on the feet, balance is restored in the corresponding part or organ.

Foot reflexology also works on a system of energy zones throughout the body ending in the feet. It is possible to detect dysfunctions in these energy zones and to correct the flow of energy within the zone by applying pressure on the reflex areas. Foot reflexology unblocks energy flows and increases blood circulation, thus helping to restore health and equilibrium. Indeed, reflexology creates a deep state of relaxation and it releases stress and tension from the body.
Indeed, the first immediate effect after a session is a reduction in stress levels as Reflexology relaxes the mind, body and spirit.

Reflexology is ideal to ease most disorders such as headaches, breathing disorders, asthma, migraine, hormonal imbalances, menstrual problems and stress. The number of treatments required depends on the patient and the problem. Reflexology also acts as preventive medecine, so it is advisable to have regular treatments.

Self treatment is possible although it is easier on the hands rather than the feet.
Learn how to use it for you and your family !

When you discover the benefits of foot reflexology for relaxation, you will want to use it at home. In fact reflexology should be part of everyday life within a family, as a means to comfort, bond, and communicate with each other. Everyone can benefit from it - young or old.

History of Reflexology

Let's have a look at the main milestones of reflexology.

Foot reflexology is an ancestral art and has been practised in various forms for a long time. Did you know that it was V.M. Bechterev, a Russian physiologist, who first coined the term "reflexology"?

5000 BC Chinese practised a form of pressure therapy and foot massage which might be akin to reflexology therapy.

2300 BC In Egypt, inscriptions found in Ankhmahor's tomb at Saqqara show foot and hand massage.

1917 In the US, doctor William Fitzgerald, an ear, nose and throat specialist, published a book illustrating the reflex areas with their corresponding connections. At the time, he showed that applying pressure had an anesthetic effect on another area. Today's foot reflexology is issued from his findings.

1938 Reflexology was further developed by Eunice D. Ingham (1899-1974), a nurse and physiotherapist. Her first book entitled "Stories The Feet Can Tell" and many others became standard textbooks for students. Ingham found that the feet and hands were especially sensitive, and then mapped the entire body into "reflexes" on the feet. It was at this time that "zone therapy" was renamed reflexology, and found to be effective for more than just pain reduction.

1960 The late Doreen Bayly was the pioneer of reflexology in Great Britain and her teachings are still continued today through the Bayly School of Reflexology.

Today, with reflexology, a practitioner can help you fight stress and achieve deep relaxation. By the way, remember that the term foot reflexology is prefered to foot massage.

Reflexology to Improve your Well-Being

Foot reflexology is a complementary therapy which consists in treating different disorders using pressure-point massage on the reflex areas of the feet. The foot is seen as a microcosm of the human body meaning that there are reflex areas in the feet corresponding to each part of the body.

The art of foot reflexology is to apply a specific pressure on these reflex points to detect tensions and blocked energy in the organs in order to eliminate the problems and restore balance throughout the body. The application of this pressure is assessed on the basis of ten longitudinal zones and areas mapped on the feet in the body's image.

With foot reflexology, you have at your feet a natural technique that can help you to get up and run.

Foot Reflexology

Are you looking for a method to reduce stress and relieve pain? Have you heard about a natural therapy called reflexology? Are you aware of the negative effects of stress on our body? It has an impact on all of the systems of our body. Here are a few examples of the disorders you might encounter:

• blood circulation: varicose veins, hemorroids, high blood pressure etc.


• digestive system: bloated stomach, stomach pains, acne, cold, allergy, loss of hair etc.


• nervous system: insomnia, irritability, nervous breakdown, lack of concentration, memory loss etc.


• articulations: osteoarthritis, muscular pains, sciatica etc.

Keep reading this blog to find out more about reflexology.

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is a natural healing therapy which has been practiced throughout history across the world. Today it is mainly used as a complementary medicine, however it does not replace medical treatment.

Reflexology is a technique which applies pressure and movement onto a specific area of the feet or the hands in order to effect the corresponding part of the body.

In my blog I will mainly speak about foot reflexology and present an aspect of this wonderful healing technique every week - I hope you enjoy the blog, it's free to learn.

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