Reflexology: Difference between revisions
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==History== |
==History== |
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Practices resembling reflexology may have existed in previous historical periods. Although its origins are not well documented, there are reliefs on the walls of a Sixth Dynasty Egyptian tomb (c. 2450 B.C.) that depict two seated men receiving massage on their |
Practices resembling reflexology may have existed in previous historical periods. Although its origins are not well documented, there are reliefs on the walls of a Sixth Dynasty Egyptian tomb (c. 2450 B.C.) that depict two seated men receiving massage on their balls.<ref name=NS/> |
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In the book Medicina Libri octo, Aulus Cornelius Celsus, influenced by Hippocrates writes, "Much more often, however, some other part is to be rubbed than that which is the seat of the pain; and especially when we want to withdraw material from the head or trunk, and therefore rub the arms and legs." This reference leads to the conclusion that reflexology is Greek in origin<ref>http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Celsus/2*.html passage 14,8</ref> |
In the book Medicina Libri octo, Aulus Cornelius Celsus, influenced by Hippocrates writes, "Much more often, however, some other part is to be rubbed than that which is the seat of the pain; and especially when we want to withdraw material from the head or trunk, and therefore rub the arms and legs." This reference leads to the conclusion that reflexology is Greek in origin<ref>http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Celsus/2*.html passage 14,8</ref> |
Revision as of 12:34, 11 April 2013
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/23/Foot_Chart1_small.png/220px-Foot_Chart1_small.png)
Reflexology, or zone therapy, is an alternative medicine involving the physical act of applying pressure to the feet, hands, or ears with specific thumb, finger, and hand techniques without the use of oil or lotion. It is based on what reflexologists claim to be a system of zones and reflex areas that they say reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands, with the premise that such work effects a physical change to the body.[1] A 2009 systematic review of randomised controlled trials concludes that
"The best evidence available to date does not demonstrate convincingly that reflexology is an effective treatment for any medical condition."[2]
There is no consensus among reflexologists on how reflexology is supposed to work; a unifying theme is the idea that areas on the foot correspond to areas of the body, and that by manipulating these one can improve health through one's qi.[3] Reflexologists divide the body into ten equal vertical zones, five on the right and five on the left.[4] Concerns have been raised by medical professionals that treating potentially serious illnesses with reflexology, which has no proven efficacy, could delay the seeking of appropriate medical treatment.[5]
Mechanism
The Reflexology Association of Canada defines reflexology as:
- "A natural healing art based on the principle that there are reflexes in the feet, hands and ears and their referral areas within zone related areas, which correspond to every part, gland and organ of the body. Through application of pressure on these reflexes without the use of tools, crèmes or lotions, the feet being the primary area of application, reflexology relieves tension, improves circulation and helps promote the natural function of the related areas of the body."[6]
Reflexologists posit that the blockage of an energy field, invisible life force, or Qi, can prevent healing.[3] Another tenet of reflexology is the belief that practitioners can relieve stress and pain in other parts of the body through the manipulation of the feet. One claimed explanation is that the pressure received in the feet may send signals that 'balance' the nervous system or release chemicals such as endorphins that reduce stress and pain.[7] These hypotheses are rejected by the general medical community, who cite a lack of scientific evidence and the well-tested germ theory of disease.[4]
Reflexology's claim to manipulate energy (Qi) has been highly controversial, as there is no scientific evidence for the existence of life energy (Qi), 'energy balance', 'crystalline structures,' or 'pathways' in the body.[8]
In Trick or Treatment? Alternative Medicine on Trial, Simon Singh argues that if indeed the hands and feet "reflect" the internal organs, reflexology might be expected to explain how such "reflection" was derived from the process of Darwinian natural selection; but Singh observes that no argument or evidence has been adduced.[9]
Use by population
Reflexology is one of the most used alternative therapies in Denmark. A national survey from 2005 showed that 21.4% of the Danish population had used reflexology at some point in life and 6.1% had used reflexology within the previous year.[10]
A study from Norway showed that 5.6% of the Norwegian population in 2007 had used reflexology within the last 12 months.[11]
Regulation
In the United Kingdom, reflexology is coordinated on a voluntary basis by the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC). Registrants are required to meet Standards of Proficiency outlined by Profession Specific Boards,[12] as CNHC is voluntary anyone practising can describe themselves as reflexologists. When the CNHC began admitting reflexologists, a skeptic searched for and found 14 of them claiming efficacy on illnesses. Once pointed out, the CNHC had the claims retracted as it conflicted with their Advertising Standards Authority.[13]
History
Practices resembling reflexology may have existed in previous historical periods. Although its origins are not well documented, there are reliefs on the walls of a Sixth Dynasty Egyptian tomb (c. 2450 B.C.) that depict two seated men receiving massage on their balls.[4]
In the book Medicina Libri octo, Aulus Cornelius Celsus, influenced by Hippocrates writes, "Much more often, however, some other part is to be rubbed than that which is the seat of the pain; and especially when we want to withdraw material from the head or trunk, and therefore rub the arms and legs." This reference leads to the conclusion that reflexology is Greek in origin[14]
Reflexology was introduced to the United States in 1913 by William H. Fitzgerald, M.D. (1872–1942), an ear, nose, and throat specialist, and Dr. Edwin Bowers. Fitzgerald claimed that applying pressure had an anesthetic effect on other areas of the body.[15]
Reflexology was modified in the 1930s and 1940s by Eunice D. Ingham (1889–1974), a nurse and physiotherapist.[16][17] Ingham claimed that the feet and hands were especially sensitive, and mapped the entire body into "reflexes" on the feet renaming "zone therapy" to reflexology.[18] Ingham's theories are prominent in the United States and United Kingdom, although modern methods also exist.[4]
Clinical trials
![]() | This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (July 2012) |
Reflexology has had several clinical trials dedicated to it over the years with mixed results. One systematic review found, "The best evidence available to date does not demonstrate convincingly that reflexology is an effective treatment for any medical condition."[2]
See also
Notes
- ^ Kunz, Kevin; Kunz, Barbara (1993). The Complete Guide to Foot Reflexology. Reflexology Research Project.
{{cite book}}
:|access-date=
requires|url=
(help) - ^ a b Ernst E (2009). "Is reflexology an effective intervention? A systematic review of randomised controlled trials". Med J Aust. 191 (5): 263–6. PMID 19740047.
- ^ a b Norman, Laura (1989). The Reflexology Handbook, A Complete Guide. Piatkus. pp. 22, 23. ISBN 0-86188-912-6 0-86188-912-6 0-86188-912-6.
{{cite book}}
: Check|isbn=
value: length (help); Unknown parameter|coauthors=
ignored (|author=
suggested) (help) - ^ a b c d "Natural Standard". Harvard Medical School. July 7, 2005. Retrieved January 27, 2007.
- ^ "Reflexology". National Council Against Health Fraud. 1996. Retrieved 2007-01-27.
- ^ "Standards of Practice, Code of Ethics & Code of Conduct" (doc). Reflexology Association of Canada. 2005. Retrieved 2009-07-14.
- ^ "What is Reflexology?". Retrieved 2006-11-26. (WOT score is marked as dangerous)
- ^ Barrett, Stephen (2004-09-25). "Reflexology: A close look". Quackwatch. Retrieved 2007-10-12.
- ^ Singh, Simon; Ernst, Edzard (2008). Trick or Treatment? Alternative Medicine on Trial. Transworld. ISBN 978-0-593-06129-9.
- ^ Reflexology in Denmark text from Knowledge and Research Center for Alternative Medicine a Danish governmental institution
- ^ Nifab-undersøgelsen in Norwegean only
- ^ CNHC - Policies
- ^ CNHC Wishes to Thank Simon Perry, http://adventuresinnonsense.blogspot.com, Friday, 27 November 2009
- ^ http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Celsus/2*.html passage 14,8
- ^ Norman, Laura (1989). The Reflexology Handbook, A Complete Guide. Piatkus. p. 17. ISBN 0-86188-912-6.
{{cite book}}
: Unknown parameter|coauthors=
ignored (|author=
suggested) (help) - ^ Benjamin, Patricia (1989). "Eunice D. Ingham and the development of foot reflexology in the U.S". American Massage Therapy Journal.
- ^ "Massagenerd.com Presents History of Massage, Therapies & Rules" (pdf). Retrieved 2007-10-12.
- ^ cancer.org - Reflexology
External links
- "Reflexology at Aetna InteliHealth". 2005-07-07. Retrieved 2007-10-12.
- "Reflexology at American Cancer Society". American Cancer Society. 2009-03-02. Retrieved 2009-03-02.
- Barrett, Stephen (2004-09-25). "Reflexology: A close look". Quackwatch. Retrieved 2011-03-14.
- Carroll, Robert Todd (2007-10-03). "Skeptics Dictionary: Definition of Reflexology". Retrieved 2011-03-14.
- Dunning, Brian (2007-01-28). "Reflexology: Only Dangerous If You Use It". Retrieved 2011-03-14.