Reflexology & the body systems.

Written by: Cheyenne Herr, LMT, Meditation Instructor

“Foot Reflexology dates back to the early sixth dynasty, around 2,330 B.C. A wall painting in the tomb of Ankhmahor, depicting practitioners giving foot reflexology as treatment is the first recorded record of this type of Reflexology in history,” -Dwight C Byers, Better Health with Foot Reflexology.

In Traditional Chinese medicine, different body parts correspond with different pressure points on the body. Reflexologists use the reflex maps of these points on the feet, hands, and ears to determine where they should apply pressure. They believe their touch sends energy flowing through a person’s body until it reaches the area in need of healing.

Reflexology is a science that engages the principles that there are numerous reflex areas in the feet and hands that correspond to all the glands, organs, and systems of the body. With over 7,200 nerve endings on the bottom of each foot a Reflexology session can be considered a treatment for the whole body.

Zone theory is used to explain how Reflexology works. This theory describes that the body contains 10 vertical zones. Each zone contains different body parts and corresponds to specific fingers and toes.

Benefits of receiving Reflexology

Relieves stress and tension

A large percentage of today’s diseases are attributed to stress and tension in our everyday lives that affect various body systems in different ways.

Improves nerves blood supply

Blood and nerve supply are the vitality that keeps the organs in operation, promoting homeostasis.

Alleviates edema

Regular reflexology sessions encourage the fluid accumulated in the feet to return toward the kidneys, where it can be flushed out of the body.

Lowers blood pressure

High blood pressure, also called HBP or hypertension, can be controlled with regular reflexology sessions. Studies have found that foot reflexology may help reduce systolic blood pressure and triglyceride.

To treat HBP, it is important to work the solar plexus reflex. 

Relieves restless leg syndrome (RLS)

Restless leg syndrome is a type of neurological disorder that affects the legs and feet. RLS can cause difficulty sleeping due to the unpleasant sensations like throbbing, pulling and the urge to move your legs.

Eases PMS and Menopause Symptoms

Symptoms like feelings of sadness, irritability, insomnia, bloating, fatigue, headaches and mood swings during premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Even symptoms of menopause like hot flashes and depression can be effectively handled with regular reflexology sessions.

Body systems in relation to the feet

The circulatory system

The heart pumps oxygen and nutrients to all of the cells and tissues throughout the entire body. One third of the heart is on the right side of the middle of the chest and the remaining 2/3 is on the left.  The same can be navigated on the feet as the feet are the map of the entire body as a whole. Since stress aggravates the heart and increases the work that it needs to perform, the use of Reflexology is a great tool to counterbalance heart attacks, low or high blood pressure and angina.

The respiratory system

The nose, lungs, and trachea are all part of the respiratory system. The nose allows for air to be warmed, moisturized, and filtered. The trachea divides the left and right bronchi into each lung. The lungs receive oxygen-poor blood from the heart. Then, the blood passes through the capillaries of each lung picking up oxygen and creating the exchange of carbon dioxide to oxygen. The lungs can be found on both feet from the great toe to the diaphragm line.

The lymphatic system

The lymphatic system consists of lymph nodes, tissues, and vessels. The lymphatic system forms a network of vessels throughout the body.  The lymphatic system is also thought to be part of the circulatory system and is derived from blood plasma. The lymph carries dead, worn-out cells, as well as harmful viruses and bacteria to disposal sites within the body. Other parts of the lymphatic system are composed of the tonsils, thoracic duct, thymus gland, right lymphatic duct, axilla, groin, and the spleen. 

The skeletal and central nervous system (CNS)

The spine contains 26 vertebrae (bones). In which there are 31 pairs of nerves radiating off of the spine. They are as follows; 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 1 sacrum (which are 5 fused vertebrae), and 1 coccyx, (which are 4 fused vertebrae). The bones in our body offer protection and support to our organs and also produce blood components and minerals as well as other important materials.

The urinary system

The urinary system consists of 2 ureters, 2 kidneys, 1 bladder and 1 urethra. The urinary system is incredibly complex and is responsible for the elimination of poisons and toxins from the blood as it passes through the kidneys. 

The digestive system 

The digestive system consists of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine, rectum, anus, liver gallbladder, and pancreas. The purpose of the digestive system is to break down the food that we eat and allow it to be absorbed into the body for energy, regeneration, repair and growth. 

The endocrine system

The endocrine system is composed of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, pineal gland, thyroid, parathyroid, thymus, adrenal, pancreas, ovaries and testes. These are ductless glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream. 

The reproductive system

The female reproductive system consists of the uterus, vagina, ovaries, fallopian tubes and breasts. The male reproductive system consists of the penis, 2 testes, the prostate and vas deferens. Reflexology to the reproductive system can aid in the secretions and regulations of sex hormones and maintaining a healthy sperm count, an aid in relief of menstrual cramping. 

Sensory system

The sensory system consists of the eyes, ears, skin, nose for smell, and the tongue for taste. The eyes are located in the orbital cavity and are supplied by the optic nerve. The ears are responsible for hearing and balance and are supplied by the 8th cranial nerve. The skin is our largest organ, covering our entire body and is responsible for regulating body temperature and offering protection. Smell or the olfactory receptors are located in the roof of the naval cavity and are responsible for cleaning and moisturizing the air upon inhalation. The tongue has roughly 9,000 taste buds and is aided by sight and smell. It also plays a role in speech and it recognizes the difference between sweet, sour, savory, and bitter.