Healing with Reflexology - It’s all about Energy! By Sharon Stathis Introduction Of recent times, we have seen the accelerated growth in the availability and variety of complementary therapies. To the casual observer, they appear to use significantly different philosophies and approaches in the quest to transform disease to wellness. However, closer examination provides us with insight into how they share a common base – the manipulation of subtle energy. Scientists tell us that everything is energy, manifesting in different forms. Unfortunately, many therapists do not have adequate knowledge of the mechanisms by which energy can be influenced and directed in the healing process. As reflexologists, we need to ask the question - how are we really helping our clients? All reflexologists are familiar with the well established concept of using the reflex areas on the hands and feet to promote healing and help maintain health. Many are also aware that current practitioners of the ancient, Chinese and Indian medicine systems also use energy points located on the extremities to facilitate healing. They also have successful outcomes. This leads us to ask further questions - are the reflex areas and energy points really so different, or are they more similar than we think? Professional reflexologists are aware of the wonderful benefits of reflexology. But, does one method of reflexology offer better healing outcomes than others? What is it in our application of reflexology that can ‘make a difference’? We will search for answers as we explore these questions within the bigger picture of energy healing. Topics of this presentation include: 1. Health & Healing – a holistic approach 2. Understanding Reflexology 3. Energy Healing 4. The Therapist 1. Health & Healing – a holistic approach In the Western world, mainstream medicine is focused on the physical signs and symptoms of disease, and the associated treatment regimes. Below is a typical, mainstream medicine definition of health. (a) Health is “…a bodily state in which all parts are functioning properly. Also refers to the normal functioning of a part of the body. A state of normal functional equilibrium; homeostasis.” (Mosby's Dental Dictionary, 2nd edition. © 2008 Elsevier, Inc.) The biomedical model of health used by conventional medicine, often neglects to include the impact of psychosocial and environmental factors when trying to understand a person’s physical illness. However, true healing involves an holistic (wholistic) approach which considers all relevant aspects of a person’s being and environment. The following definition reflects this. (b) Health is “…a relative state in which one is able to function well physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually in order to express the full range of one’s unique potentialities within the environment in which one is living.” (Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc.) 2. Understanding reflexology Throughout the globe, definitions of reflexology are numerous and varied. All include working on the hands and feet. Many include the face and ears. Others areas such as the lower legs are sometimes mentioned. Adding to the confusion are the enormous differences that exists in reflexology charts. The differences in therapeutic approaches also add to the complexity.

We will explore the questions – What is reflexology? How does it work? We will also look at the influence of the therapist with regard client outcomes. DEFINING REFLEXOLOGY Definitions of reflexology are usually formulated by professional associations and educational institutions for use by their members and students respectively. Many factors can influence definitions, including cultural beliefs and particular political situations.

The lack of scientific evidence to validate reflexology, can also influence definitions. Despite the enormous amount of available, anecdotal evidence reinforcing the effectiveness of the therapy, there is a need to conduct research to help substantiate reflexologists’ claims.

The American Reflexology Certification Board (ARCB), the National Council for Reflexology Educators, and the Reflexology Association of America (RAA) recently collaborated to formulate the following definition of reflexology. It was released this year. (a) “Reflexology is a protocol of manual techniques, such as thumb and finger-walking, hook and backup and rotating-on-a-point, applied to specific reflex areas predominantly on the feet and hands. These techniques stimulate the complex neural pathways linking body systems, supporting the body’s efforts to function optimally. The effectiveness of reflexology is recognized worldwide by various national health institutions and the public at large as a distinct complementary practice within the holistic health field.” This definition will suite many reflexologists, but not all. My experience with reflexology spans almost thirty years. During that time, creating a definition acceptable to the needs of the entire global reflexology community, has been an ongoing challenge. Having said that, the following definition of reflexology is based on the use of various forms of energy to promote healing. It was submitted by Christine Issel (author of Reflexology – Art, Science and History) at the Reflexology association of America (RAA) Conference, Anchorage 2016. (b) “Reflexology is a wholistic energy based practice within complementary and integrative medicine which works through the energies of the nervous, electrical, chemical and magnetic systems of the body by application of pressure to (reflexes found in?) the feet, hands and ears.” As scientists and complementary therapists broaden their knowledge of vibrational energy, a future definition might be more like the one below. (c) “Reflexology is a method for activating the healing powers of the body, and works with subtle energy flows, revitalizing the body so that the natural internal healing mechanisms of the body are activated to do their own work.” (Hollis, Dr Jarrod. Human Energy, Douglas Barry Publications, London, 2005 p.124) HOW DOES REFLEXOLOGY WORK? The explanations are many. Some focus on anatomy and physiology. Others are more esoteric in nature, and therefore, more controversial. Suggested pathways by which reflexology works include: (a) Reflex areas – ‘Working’ the reflex areas uses the principle of a microcosm i.e. feet, hands, face, ears etc. representing a macrocosm i.e. the whole body. The positioning of the reflex areas is based on the anatomical structure of the body, keeping in mind that everyone’s body is unique. Blechschmidt (2004) states “Body systems do not exist in reality - it is always impossible to define where one system ends and the next starts. The body functions as a whole and it is only as a whole that we should attempt to comprehend it.” (Oschman, James L. Energy Medicine - The Scientific Basis, www.elsevier.com Second edition 2016 p.213)

This statement reinforces the interconnectedness of all body components. It reinforces the need for all the reflex areas representing the whole body to be routinely worked within a session of reflexology. Exceptions might include clients with an acute musculoskeletal trauma, or very ill clients who require shorter, modified sessions that can be given more frequently. (b) Neural pathways – Stimulus applied to nerve receptors in the specific areas of feet, hands, face, ears etc. is transmitted as nerve impulse via neural pathways to the spinal cord and/or brain for sensory interpretation. (c) Fascia – Fascia is the connective tissue network (comprised of extra-cellular matrix + connective tissue cells) that mechanically connects all parts of the body. Stimulus such as force or pressure applied to an area will be distributed throughout the whole connective tissue network. (d) Zone Theory – Developed by Dr William FitzGerald (USA), zone theory separates the body into ten longitudinal energy zones running from the top of the head to the tip of each finger and toe. Stimulus applied to a part of an individual zone will have an effect throughout that zone. (e) Renbardou Theory of the Five Zones – This is a recent extension of zone theory developed by Dr Jarrod Hollis (UK) “Gravity pulls energy downwards, and at right angles to the central channel. This creates mirrors of the central nadi (Ayurvedic energy channel) that run vertically through the body…As the zone is product of the central channel it integrates all aspects of human energy, both the spiritual component and the more physical component.” (Hollis, Dr Jarrod. Human Energy, Douglas Barry Publications, London, 2005 p.130) (f) Dermatomes – Dermatome refers to an area of skin that is mainly supplied by a single, spinal nerve. For example, the majority of skin on the hands is supplied by Cervical nerves 6, 7 & 8. The majority of skin on the feet is supplied by Lumbar nerves 4 & 5, and Sacral nerves 1 & 2. The brain will receive sensory input signalling via the peripheral nervous system when the skin of a particular dermatome is touched. (g) Neural Primo Vascular system – The system consists of primo vessels and primo nodes located in and around the nervous system. Some researchers believe the vessels represent the physical presence of the TCM acupuncture meridians, and the nodes represent the acupuncture points. See(h) below. Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies. 2008;1(1):29–35. [PubMed] (h) Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) – The TCM energy is called Chi (Qi). The energy pathways known as meridians are located throughout the body. There are 14 major (primary) meridians. Six of these either start or finish in the hands or feet. Situated along the meridians are the energy (acupuncture) points. These points can be intentionally, or unintentionally influenced as we apply reflexology.

(i) Ayurveda from India – There are many similarities to the Chinese system. The energy is prana, and the pathways are nadis. The energy points are the Marma points. The nadi system of channels is extensive, and permeates all parts of the body. The marmas are much larger than most acupuncture points, and therefore, easier to locate. These points, like the TCM points can be influenced when we apply reflexology. 3. Energy Healing Energy exists in many different forms. Energy cannot be destroyed or created – but it can be transformed. Energy is not stagnant. Everything that occurs within us and Nature, involves constant forms of energy exchange. This includes the energy interaction between therapist and client.

The term ‘energy medicine’ involves the diagnostic and therapeutic use of energy. Many of the different therapies that we practise in the Western world, are adaptations of ideas and techniques from other cultures, particularly from the Middle East and Asia. Complementary therapists commonly use the term ‘subtle energy’ to describe the type of energy that is manipulated to promote healing during the application of natural therapies. Many other names are given to describe it. These include: human energy, vibrational energy, vital life force, universal life force, Divine energy, Chi (Qi), Prana. CENTRAL ENERGY PATHWAYS Located vertically along the length of the physical body, are central channels that are considered by various healing disciplines to be major conduits for the transportation of energy. They have a major influence on body/mind function. These central energy pathways include: (a) The central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) is the one most easily understood. It has been extensively researched. Other energy pathways are less understood and are included under the banner of energy medicine. (b) Fitzgerald’s Zone theory emphasises the importance of Zone 1, which traverses the entire midline of the body from the top of the head to the tips of the fingers and toes. The more recent development of this theory (Renbardou five Zone theory) was previously mentioned. (c) Tibetan medicine refers to the central energy channel as the “Royal Force”. It is said to integrate the elements with consciousness. Tibetan medicine has many similarities to Ayurveda. (d) In a similar manner to FitzGerald, TCM recognises separate anterior and posterior channels. Ren Mai is the central, anterior meridian, referred to as the Conception vessel. The central, posterior meridian Du Mai is known as the Governing vessel. Together these two vessels are regarded as the sea of all yin and yang – complementary, yet opposing elements that make up the universe (e) In Ayurveda, the main midline channel (nadi) is the Sushumna. Housed within the spinal column, the Sushumna contains even finer nadis within it. Two other major nadis, Ida and Pingala intertwine around the outside of Sushumna. It is thought that Ayurveda and TCM have probably shared a common origin, but which of these great systems came first is the subject of much conjecture.

The marma points of Ayurveda and the acupuncture points of TCM have been used for thousands of years to promote healing and maintain wellness. It is not surprising that differences regarding the location and healing effects of individual points have arisen over that period of time. However, some points from both systems do share a common location on the hands or feet. They also deliver similar mental, emotional and physiological effects when ‘worked’. It is of interest to reflexologists that the locations of these Ayurveda and TCM points can also correspond to associated reflex areas. Four examples are illustrated below: Fig.1 Reflex areas lower back, pelvis Marma point GULPHA Effects - relieves back pain energises the reproductive system TCM point KID 6 Effects - helps relieve back pain regulates the reproductive system

Fig.2 Reflex areas head & neck Marma point KURCHA Effects - relieves mental stress benefits ears and eyes aids digestive processes TCM points LIV 2, LIV 3, GB 43 LIV 2, LIV 3 Effects - clears the head and eyes assists digestive processes GB 43 Effects - benefits head, ears and eyes Fig.3 Reflex areas head & neck Marma point KURCHA Effects - regulates the sense organs TCM point LI 4 Effects - regulates the face, eyes, nose, mouth and ears Fig.4 Reflex area Heart Marma point TALAHRIDAYA Effects - calming supports heart function TCM point P 8 Effects - calming supports heart function

4. The Therapist Hippocrates reminds us that As to diseases, make a habit of two things – to help or at least do no harm. We all have a genuine desire to deliver reflexology to the very best of our ability – be it to self, loved ones, friends or clients. The following points deserve careful consideration if this desire is to be realised. (a) Quality of Touch The sense of touch is strongly developed by the time we are born. We understand the significance of touch in nurturing relationships. However, we acknowledge that there are different types of touch – not all are gentle, tender or loving. “Nothing is as healing as a human touch.” These were the last words spoken by world chess champion, Bobby Fischer, as his feet were being massaged before his death, at age 64 years. For thousands of years, the wisdom of various cultures has espoused the manipulation of the subtle energy system for healing purposes. Gradually, the ‘unseen’ energy associated with ‘hands-on’ healing is revealing itself to us. “The relevance to the energy therapist is that the studies are showing that electromagnetic fields, at the frequencies and intensities emitted from the hands of the therapist, are capable of producing biological effects.” (Oschman, James L. Energy Medicine – The Scientific Basis www.elsevier.com Second edition 2016 p.285) For all body-workers, this is an important validation of our hands-on work. However, do the biological effects experienced by the recipients of reflexology vary with the quality of the therapist’s touch? Many suggest they do. So, let’s look at some of the obvious influences – namely intention and focus. (b) Intention “Intention implies a general desire or plan to accomplish something, while intent is a little stronger, indicating a firm resolve to get it done.” (https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/intent) Therapists convey their intentions to clients through verbal communication, body language and touch. It is desirable that the interaction between therapist and client results in the highest good for all concerned. To help achieve this outcome, every reflexologist needs to aware of their intention before starting a reflexology session. A therapist delivering reflexology with an underlying, inappropriate personal agenda, has the potential to interfere with the healing required by a client. It is essential that therapists approach clients with humility. We do not heal our clients. The therapist is an important conduit for healing, in whatever form of healing is needed - physical, mental, emotional or spiritual. Hippocrates reminds us that illness can provide opportunities for personal growth. Unfortunately, these opportunities are sometimes missed or sadly, ignored. “A wise man should consider that health is the greatest of human blessings, and learn how by his own thought to derive benefit from his illnesses.” Our clients have within them the ability to self-heal – if they choose. It is important that therapists guide and encourage clients to take responsibility for their health care. It is then up to the therapist to accept the choices made by their clients. Reflexologists can make meaningful contributions to the positive and productive way in which clients manage their health challenges. Whatever the outcome, reflexologists are privileged to be part of a client’s healing process.

(c) Focus There is considerable overlap with focus and intention. Focus involves mindfulness. Focus should always reflect intention. Dr David Frawley, world renowned Vedic scholar reminds us that - “Whatever we give our awareness to, we also direct our prana and our positive mental energy to, which naturally promotes healing.”

(d) Spiritual growth Because consciousness can influence our energy fields, I believe the spirituality of the therapist is the most important consideration if s/he is to offer the very best for clients. This is backed by Frawley when he states “Consciousness is the ultimate healing power behind all other healing practices. …. If our consciousness is spiritually developed, we will have the intelligence to provide right guidance and effective treatment.” This is one of the factors that created an important change of direction for me. During the 1990s, I had incorporated the philosophy of TCM in my clinical, reflexology practice. It was satisfying for both therapist and clients, yet I felt there was something missing. Prior to studying reflexology, I had for many years focused on my spiritual path. It was not until 2003, that I discovered the Indian discipline of Ayurveda. I began to incorporate it’s wisdom into my teaching and clinical work. This provided me with a sense of ‘coming home’. This sense of completion is because Ayurveda emphasizes the necessity for the therapist to focus on personal, spiritual growth. According to the philosophy of Ayurveda, it is only when therapists are committed to daily spiritual practises, that they can optimally facilitate the healing processes of others. Spiritual practices have a positive impact on our energy fields in their entirety. This includes our aura, chakras, internal energy vessels, energy points and the overall quality of subtle energy that nourishes our being. Spiritual health facilitates the development of healthy, daily living practises - including love and respect for self, others and Nature. Conclusion The concept of subtle energy and its role in the healing process is both challenging and exciting. We have established that the quality of therapy is also a complex issue, influenced by many factors. When we look at reflexology through an energy (particularly subtle energy) framework, it offers us a model where reflexology can integrate more smoothly with other disciplines such as physics, physiology and microbiology. The reflexology profession is increasingly embracing the need to scientifically validate the efficacy of our therapy. It has been a slow process, but research is gradually reinforcing the anecdotal evidence that has been offered by reflexologists over a considerable period of time. Despite the diversity of approaches used by reflexologists, we know reflexology works. The consistent and positive effects experienced by so many, are a testimony to the effectiveness of our beloved therapy, no matter which method is used. “…help me not to despise or oppose what I do not understand” William Penn

The reflexology community must remain open to new exciting ideas and discoveries. If we respect the rights of others to express different points of view, support each other, share information, and steadfastly continue to grow personally and professionally, reflexology will not only survive – it will thrive in the years to come.

Namaste