How Reflexology Works: 3 Theories Behind the Healing Touch
Reflexology is not a new idea. There is evidence of the practice of reflexology as early as 2500 BC.
Despite its long history, no one really understands for sure exactly how it works. Here are three logical theories:
Zone Therapy
Zone Therapy was discovered by Dr. William Fitzgerald in the early 1900s. His theory is based on the idea that the body is divided in 10 longitudinal zones, each finger and toe falling into a zone. By applying pressure to a reflex in a zone, any body part within that zone can be affected.
Neural Pathways
The nervous system of the body is like a complex electrical system that sends messages from cell to cell reaching every part of your body. Each foot has over 7000 nerve endings and 100,000 to 200,000 external sensory receptors. Stimulating these reflexes in the feet sends electrical impulses throughout the body, allowing it to regulate itself.
Not only this, but throughout the body there is a continuous network of strong connective tissue called the fascia. The fascia in the body wraps every muscle, bone, tendon and organ. It even wraps every cell of your body. Throughout this continuous fascia network there are 250 million nerve receptors which respond to the stimulus of reflexology and send communication throughout the body and its cells. This idea helps to make sense of how the craniosacral reflexology works.Meridians
Meridians are specific energy pathways running throughout the body that carry vital energy for every body function. Acupuncture and acupressure therapies are based on these meridians. There are 6 meridians that run through all the major organs and have their endpoints in the hands and feet. Working on these helps release energy blockages throughout the body.
