Traditional Chinese Medicine and Reflexology

Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM, refers to a set of ancient practices that originated in China more than 4,000 years ago. These various practices are based on the Taoist beliefs that the human body is connected to its environment and the body's process are interrelated. This holistic approach to health sees illnesses as signs of underlying imbalances in the body. Reflexology was actually developed much more recently by an American doctor, but the beliefs behind it are similar to many found in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and foot massage is considered a vital part of TCM.

What is reflexology?

At a glance, reflexology appears to be nothing more than a simple foot massage, but this particular type of foot massage is believed to stimulate healing powers naturally possessed by the human body. Those who practice reflexology, called reflexologists, look at the foot as a blueprint for the human body, with different regions of the foot representing different body parts. Pressure applied to various points on the foot -- called reflex points -- is believed to release blocked energy in the corresponding body parts. Reflexologists believe this release of energy helps the body heal itself and ensures overall well-being, both important aspects of TCM.

History of reflexology

Although it has much in common with aspects of TCM, reflexology was actually developed in the West. William H. Fitzgerald, an American doctor, developed the basis for reflexology in 1915, when he ascertained that certain parts of the human body appear to closely correspond to other parts. His "zone therapy" focused on applying pressure not just to the feet, but also to the hands and mouth, to produce numbness or relieve pain in other parts of the body.

In the 1930s, physiotherapist Eunice Ingham advanced Fitzgerald's zone therapy by focusing on the pressure points of the feet. She called her refined therapy the "Ingham Reflex Method of Compression Massage" and introduced it around the world via her students. Today, reflexology is practiced not just in America, but also in the U.K., New Zealand and Australia.

The foot as a blueprint

In reflexology, the heel is said to correspond with the pelvic area, whereas the toes are said to correspond to the brain. The left foot corresponds to the left side of the body, and the reflex points on the right foot are said to help heal issues on the right side of the body. For example, because the heart is situated on the left side of the human body, the left foot corresponds more closely with heart-related issues than the right. Interestingly, physical abnormalities on the surface of the foot, such as corns or bunions, are said to point to energy blockages within the body.

Potential benefits of reflexology

By releasing blocked energy, reflexology is thought to help heal any number of physical and mental issues, including high blood pressure, asthma, chronic pain and insomnia. Reflexology is thought to be especially helpful as a relaxation technique, and is said to help with general wellness and stress-related disorders.

Many instructional books and websites are devoted to helping individuals perform reflexology on themselves, but many massage therapists, holistic health care practitioners and even some nail technicians perform reflexology for a fee at spas and alternative health care centers. Professional reflexology sessions generally last for 45 minutes to one hour, and they are generally customized to the individual's needs based on an initial consultation.