The body’s reflex zones utilized in reflex-zone massage are understood to “mirror” all of the organs and muscle groups on the surface of the skin, as well as under the skin. They are not identical to medicine’s well-known head zones, but rather to apply to the back, foot, hand, ear, nose and skull. These zones are used either for diagnostic purposes (iris diagnosis) or as part of an initial examination or therapeutic treatment (reflexology, acupuncture and acupuncture).
The terms “reflex zone” and “somatotopia” are often used synonymously. A region of the body is generally designated as a reflex zone – regarded as diagnostic as well as therapeutically usable – due to a hypothetical, unexplained, reflex-like interaction event. The term somatotopia, on the other hand, is phenomenological: it is the quasi-cartographic representation of the total organism in one of its sub-parts. The usability of many somatotopies as reflex zones and the interpretation of many reflex zones as somatotopies imply that the two concepts are generally understood to be interchangeable.
The reflex zones likewise project onto the palms of the hands – for which the same principles apply.
In its therapeutic manifestation, the reflex-zone massage is considered to be an alternative medical treatment method; it has also found its way into the wellness sector. Advocates of reflexology believe that this type of massage can enhance conventional medical procedures and physiotherapeutic treatments not only as regards pain therapy, but also in cases of circulatory disorders; it can also be used to support overall wellbeing.
Foot Reflexology
The development of reflexology massage
Fitzgerald developed a system based upon these traditions: he divided the body into ten vertical zones. This concept of his, and the resultant zone therapy, became the cornerstone for today's reflexology therapy. The longitudinal zones were later divided into three transverse zones. This division is still the basis today.
In the middle of the twentieth century, American masseur Eunice Ingham developed the manual and pressure techniques used today in foot reflexology. Reflexology, as it is known in the USA, came to Germany via England. The system has been passed down since 1967 at the training center of Hanne Marquardt. In addition, reflexology is a standard part of naturopathic schools and massage training programs. Today it is used mainly by medical practitioners, physiotherapists and masseurs.
These massages are treatments in which pressure-sensitive zones are stimulated for the purpose of diagnosis, either by manual or other means (low-level laser therapy, color radiators, color coatings, gemstones, etc.). In addition to curative foot reflexology therapy, which used by medical professionals, a relaxing type of foot reflexology massage has also established itself in the wellness sector.
Some proponents of reflexology hypothesize that the energy channels of traditional Chinese medicine, called meridians, are responsible for the effectiveness of the reflex zones. No scientific evidence exists for meridians, however.
