By Tyler Laducer, LMT
Many of us have seen reflexology charts of the feet, from muscle charts to zone charts. Zone charts are the charts that are full of color and at first glance have no meaning. To understand the zone charts we need to know what they are based on. That brings us to zone theory, the theory of taking the body into ten total zones from medial to lateral. Since we have two feet (two hands and two ears as well) we take the number ten and divide it by two. This gives us five zones for each of our feet. Now imagine all of your organs (spine, spleen, liver, etc.) and where they lie in your body. The heart for example is on your left side and is relatively close to your midline. Take that into aspect and your heart reflex would lie somewhere right on or in between zone one and two of the left side.
Now that we have a general basis of zone theory, we have a little knowledge on where organs should be in our zones. Now the question is how does reflexology work with a theory like this? The answer is that our bodies are a huge network or muscle, bones, and nerves. This entire network is connected from head to toe by the nervous system and even by fascia. Reflexology works by using the nervous system and these zones to base where to apply acupressure. A reflexologist can work your heart, eyes, and even jaw from just your feet. The nervous system branches out from the spine and brain (the central nervous system) and it all bundles downward in your body ending in your hands and feet. Using these pathways is the key to reflexology and working the body. Every time acupressure is used in the right zone on the right spot a reflex arc is sent through the neural pathways and into whichever region of the body is being worked. For example to work the heart, acupressure would be applied to your left foot between zones one and two (big toe and second toe) at approximately the balls of your feet. There is a rule of three in reflexology; the therapist passes over the area three times or more if the area needs more attention. Reflexology is not a thorough assessment of your body so it cannot always tell you what is “wrong”. Sometimes it shows you what area is significantly tired or overused. With that being said it is a great way to get a full body tune-up and still be able to relax.
If you would like to add reflexology into your health routine, schedule an appointment at our office in the Wash Park neighborhood of Denver, Colorado.
Washington Park Chiropractic is the only practice in Denver, Colorado specializing in Sports Chiropractic, Prenatal Chiropractic and Pediatric Chiropractic. Our Wash Park Doctors are expert certified and trained in Sports, Pediatrics and Prenatal Care including massage, acupuncture, Webster Technique, Graston Technique, Laser, K-Laser, Kinesiology Tape, RockTape and Normatec.
Tyler Laducer L.M.T., C.R. is a licensed massage therapist (LMT) and certified reflexologist (CR). He practices at Washington Park Chiropractic as the lead massage therapist and specializes in Sports massage, Medical massage, and Reflexology.