Introduction
Understanding Practice
The reflexology assumes that peripheral areas correspond to different parts of the body. These matches are not validated as anatomical network, even if the session can be relaxing.
Benefits sought
- Wellbeing
- Comfort during some treatment courses
- Body attention
- Subjective stress reduction
History and evolution
Foot massages are old in various cultures, but current reflex cards are mainly structured in the 20th century with William Fitzgerald and Eunice Ingham.
Practice guidance
- Gradual pressures
- Zone identification on a reflex map
- Attention to comfort
- Absence of diagnosis from sensitive area
What does a session look like?
After an exchange, the practitioner exerts manual pressure on the feet or hands. Local sensitivity does not allow to conclude that an organ disease is present.
What we know — and what we don't know
Some studies report symptomatic comfort, but the evidence is insufficient for most indications.
Limited results exist for some symptoms and supportive care, but they do not demonstrate the mechanism of reflex areas or an action on the corresponding organs.
Precautions and limits
- Avoid if the limb is suspected to be injured, infected, fractured or thrombotic.
- Never make a diagnosis from the foot.
- Keep medical follow-up of a disease or persistent pain.
Severe pain, aggravation, unusual symptom or psychological distress require appropriate professional advice. Orabel does not offer any diagnosis or prescription.
Status in France
The title of reflexologist is not a regulated health profession.
Pain under the foot is not evidence of an organ disorder represented on a map.
Sources