Integrative Reflexology®
The Four Theories of Integrative Reflexology®
Structural alignment is the fascial model from Ida Rolf the creator of Rolfing®. Ida Rolf called the feet the tattletalers. They let you know where the client is holding their fascial tension. The feet play directly into the back muscles with the shape of the arch. A collapsed arch or swollen inner lower arch generally indicate sacrum alignment problems. This is further evidenced by the rise in foot and back stores to address the misalignment pain in the back and foot that many of us complain about.
Zones have long been the common theory for reflexology. It is believed that if the zone in the foot corresponds to the zone that follows the body up from the foot. The zones were a place to begin in the early 1900's in the renaissance of alternative healthcare, but was quickly put aside except for the work of Eunice Ingham. She developed the zones into the reflexology that is most practiced today. The finger and thumb walking covered the zones for a complete session. Zones are basically a grid on the feet and on the body and matching parts. It generally works except for the solar plexus in the center of the foot and body.
Meridians are energy pathways that Chi (energy) flows through. The history of reflexology refers back to Dr Bressler of Austria crediting the oriental energy pathways as the precursor to zones, also considered energy pathways. In many states reflexology is considered energy work, not body work and meridians are the connection to energy work. The major meridians begin or end at the fingers and toes. This application was used by Dr. Fitzgerald when he performed minor surgery using metal bands on the fingers and toes for anesthetic. This was later exposed to the US population by Life magazine when brain surgery was performed with only needles for acupuncture as the anesthetic. The direct connection between meridians and reflexology is an important piece in Integrative Reflexology®. In this method studying the connection made between these two powerful healing arts creates a wholistic approach that is both informative and functional.
Proprioceptors are the nerves that tell you where you are located in space. They are the information gathering nerves. They are part of the intelligence system. Your feet are intelligent and tell you where your body is out of balance. The work of Candance Pert and the emotions that flow through the nerves create a residue in the tissues of the feet. The emotional connection to how we stand is evident in the postural alignment.
Methods and Techniques: Whole hand, knuckles, side of hand, rocks as tools and cream used. The protocol is moving between both feet, in a rhythm.
