The Connection between Reflexology and Energy Flow

We’ve talked about Qi before – the Chinese idea of the body’s energy. Reflexology is a great tool to affect this energy by:

• Stimulating reflex points – what’s a reflex point? It’s the spots on our hands, feet, face, and ears that connect back to various organs, systems, and places in the body. Constipated? There’s a spot in the middle of the arch of our feet that traces back to the large and small intestine – stimulating these areas trigger the bowels to start moving.

• Removing blockages – just like water, energy comes against blockages – or tense spots in our body – and slows down or stops. So, when we feel a painful point in our neck, that point acts as a dam to the energy flow. By releasing that point, the blockage is removed.

• Enhancing vitality – reflexology makes us feel better, boosts the immune system and self-healing.

Can Reflexology impact our energy flow??

How does Reflexology do these things? What are the specific systems or techniques?

1. Meridian Theory – Reflexology draws inspiration from Chinese medicine of meridians or rivers of energy through the body. We can affect the organ systems in the system by stimulating the points on the body.

2. Zone Theory – is a concept that the body is divided in to 10 zones and working a specific zone on the foot can affect all of the other body parts and systems in that zone (see image at left).

3. Thumb Walking Technique – it’s the use of thumbs to “walk” along the reflex points and gently stimulate the energy and improve circulation.

4. Rotational Movements – circular movements, kneading techniques, rotation of the limbs may be used to move energy and restore balance.

5. Nerve stimulation – nerve endings can be found in the reflex points and the stimulation of these nerves send signals back to the system or organ to promote the body’s self-healing mechanisms.