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online reflexology for nurses course at Canyon College

Module III

Reflexology Theory Base(dermatomes,subtle energy),uses



Course Title:
Department:
Instructor: 		NUR470 - Reflexology for Nurses
Nursing
Heather Johnstone, Ph.D., R.N., A.P.N., C.S.,N.P. Email | Vita


Reflexology helps people to feel better in many ways. What we do not have at this time is a definite rationale for its effectiveness. Over the years of use, several theories of reflexology and it method of function have evolved and include: psychological theory;nerve stimulation or crystal dissolution theory; lymph flow theory; electrical potential theory;counterirritation theory (www.pacificreflexology.com/theory.htm) Please click on this URL for a short description of each of these theories. Other resources for descriptions of these theories can be found in these references: Kunz & Kunz,1982;Kunz & Kunz,1995; Bean,1975;Gach,1990.

The majority of theories encompass subtle energy flow throughout the body.This body energy flow(vital force, qi/ki/chi, prana) must be evenly and gently moving through and around the body for a person to feel well(Bean,1975; Carter,1981;Gach,1990;Ramacharaka,1937;Teegarder,1978;Wong;1979). When the body energy flow is blocked or deficient, the person experiences disease or symptomatology. Unblocking or adding energy will re-align this energy and cause improvement in symptomatology and health. In the United States reflexology practitioners first described the mechanism for action of reflexology as zone-dermatome theory(Carter, 1981;Kunz & Kunz,1982). In this theory, it is thought that the body is divided into certain areas of energy, called zones or dermatomes . When one part in the area is stimulated, another part of the body will have changes in its area, as well. Zone theory base utilizes ten longitudinal areas that follow the length of the body from head to toe. The zones are divided along the roots of the fingers and toes, hence the number ten of the zones. According to zone theory, stimulation in one part of the zone will re-align imbalances in other areas of the zones. How do we control what gets re-balanced in this zone theory? The body self-determines what happens in that manner. So the practitioner can stimulate the great toe of the right foot and the body will re-align the most damaged area in that zone. Dermatome theory base of reflexology details even further the zone theory. In addition to utilizing the ten zones of the body, practitioners have described the mirrors of the body in the hands, feet, ears and scalp(Kunz & Kunz,1982). They have delineated these areas of body part reflection through practice and through application of other theories. For example, French acupuncturists described that the ear reflected the body parts as an upside baby(Gach,1990). And so, reflexologists brought successfully applied this area into their practice. Another example of this application is the use of the scalp as a reflection of the entire body. Korean acupuncturists developed the theory that the scalp reflected the entire body. In my practice I have found this area to be especially useful in reflexology work with clients who have paresis or paralysis problems. The use of acupuncture maps in describing reflexology areas of stimulation highlights that reflexology may be effective due to subtle energy balancing, because acupuncture theory base utilizes the concept of "qi/ki/chi" in its theoretical descriptions(Bean,1975; Carter,1981;Gach,1990;Teegarden,1978;Wong,1979).The point stimulation of reflexology facilitates body energy to align itself in a gentle, self-regulatory manner. As a practitioner of acupuncture and reflexology, I can attest to the similarity between acupuncture and reflexology in client response.

As you note from the reflexology maps(www.angelfire.com/biz2/metaphysician/reflexology.html) and the above information, the entire body and all its functions are reflected in the maps. So theoretically any health problem can be treated with reflexology. Over the years, reflexology has successfully treated illness in any body system(Carter,1981;Gach;1990;Kunz & Kunz,1982). In my professional experience I have noted many disorders to improve with reflexology. The disorders that I have seen as a practitioner that have improved include: arthritis;headaches;gastric problems, such as diarrhea, constipation, lactose intolerance, gastritis; ear infections. So since theoretically reflexology can address any health issue, the uses of reflexology as an adunct or preventative health care modality are infinite.

References

References Online Bookstore

Bean,R.(1975) Helping your health with pointed pressure therapy. West Nyack,N.Y.: Parker Publishing Company, Inc.ISBN #: 0133864669
Carter, M. (1981). Hand reflexology:key to perfect health. West Nyack, N.Y.: Parker Publishing Company,Inc. ISBN #: 0133836045
Gach, M.(1990). Acupressure's potent points a guide to self-care for common ailments. New York:Bantam Books. ISBN #: 0553349708
Kunz,K. & Kunz,B. (1982). The complete guide to foot reflexology. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Hall, Inc. ISBN #: 0131605984
Kunz,K. & Kunz,B.(1995). Understanding the science and art of reflexology, Alternative and Complementary Therapies, April/May, 1995, p.183-186.
Ramacharaka.(1937). The science of psychic healing. Chicago: The Yogi Publication Society. ISBN #: 0911662073 Teegarden,I.(1978). Acupressure way of health: jin shin do. Japan: Japan Publications, Inc. ISBN #: 0870404210
Wong,P. (1979). Modern Chinese massotherapy. Hong Kong: Medicine and Health Publishing Co.

Theories of how reflexology works
Maps of reflexology areas



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