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FOOT REFLEXOLOGY CHARTS

‘Reflexology Foot Chart Tips: How to Recognize a Good Chart!’

Key elements in a reflexology foot chart!
about reflexology zones & the meridians!

The general purpose of ‘reflex zone therapy’ (a.k.a. reflexology) is to ‘balance’ the nervous system. Reflexologists usually use an approach where the body is divided into ten equal vertical zones: five zones on the right side of the body + five zones on the left side of the body. This vertical approach goes parallel to Chinese philosophy of the meridians; However, there is no direct connection between the 10 vertical reflex zones and 12 meridians, nor do these concepts directly relate to the physical nerve system.

The word reflexology is derived from the so-called ‘reflex arc’, which refers to a neural pathway that controls an action reflex. Formally, there are two types of reflex arc: ‘autonomic reflex arc’ (affecting inner organs) and ‘somatic reflex arc’ (affecting muscles); reflexology can be associated with the first type. This implicates that foot reflexology should not be associated with casual uses of the terms: ‘reflex’, ‘foot reflex’ and ‘primitive reflexes’.

Unfortunately, there is no consensus among foot reflexologists about how reflexology exactly is supposed to work. For example: in many foot reflexology charts the heart is located at the radial side of the foot – which sort of represents the opposite of the principle described by the meridian philosophy.

NOTICE: likewise principles (+ disputes) are found for the hands in hand reflexology, and for the ears in ear reflexology!

If you already know a little about foot reflexology and want to get started there are many useful reflexology foot charts available on the internet. These concern usually printable reflexology charts, but sometimes the charts are available in various formats.

While generally the foot reflexology charts tell a likewise story, sometimes an individual chart can show significant differences when compared to other charts. For example, in the first 2 foot reflexology charts below is the liver positioned in the right foot only; but in the third example it is also positioned in a small part of the left foot. And in the first 2 foot reflexology charts the stomach is positioned in both feet; but in the third example it is positioned only in the left foot. Another point of dispute appears to be… the heart: in the first and third example the heart is positioned at the inner side of the left foot, but in the second example it is positioned in the center of the left foot.

More fundamentals of foot reflexology are described & discussed inside the section foot reflexology.

What are the Major Differences between reflexology foot maps?

How come that various charts present different locations for body parts? It is quite hard to answer this question, because usually it is a bit of a mystery how the experts have developed their foot reflexology models!

Below follow the high resolution examples of the various foot reflexology charts mentioned.

REFLEXOLOGY CHARTS

– Reflexology provides relief and relaxation! –

FOOT REFLEXOLOGY CHARTS

‘Reflexology Ear Chart Tips: How to Recognize a Good Chart!’

Key elements in a reflexology ear chart!

In ear reflexology the purpose of the reflex points on the ears does not vary from foot reflex zone therapy & hand reflex zone therapy. However, the concept behind ear reflex zone therapy is very different. In reflex zone ear charts the fetal position is projected to the ears – while in foot reflex zone therapy charts & hand reflex zone charts the 10 reflex zone body zones are used as a starting point.

Ear reflexology is based on the widely enervated structure of the ears plus the assumption that the various zones of the ears are connected with the internal organs (this principle is also well-known for the feet and hands). In ear reflexology more than 100 specific reflex zone points on the external ear are related to the internal organs and the musculoskeletal system.

The first two ear reflex zone charts below each display the connection with the fetal position through a different format:

What are the Major Differences between reflexology ear maps?

How come that various ear reflexology maps the reflex points on the ears are displayed with different locations for the internal organs & external body parts? It is quite hard to answer this question, because usually it is a bit of a mystery how the experts have developed their reflex zone therapy models. An ear reflexologist usually claims that an ear reflex zone chart presents a system of zones and reflex areas that reflect an image of the body on the ear, with the premise that ear reflex zone therapy effects a physical change to the body.

The high resolution examples below reprepresent various reflexology ear charts:

Essential Oils Books chart:

Essential Oils Books chart:

EAR REFLEXOLOGY CHARTS

– The fetal position is a starting point to understand ear charts! –

HAND REFLEXOLOGY CHARTS

Hand, Foot & Ear Reflexology Chart Tips!

– MENU –

What is Reflexology? | Hand Reflexology | Foot Reflexology | Ear Reflexology

Reflexology Charts | Hand Reflexology Charts | Foot Reflexology Charts | Ear Reflexology Charts

Key elements in a reflexology hand chart:
about reflex zones, meridians & dermatomes!

The general purpose of ‘reflex zone therapy’ (a.k.a. reflexology) is to ‘balance’ the nervous system. Reflexologists usually use an approach where the body is divided into ten equal vertical zones: five zones on the right side of the body + five zones on the left side of the body (e.g. the first zone corresponds with the thumb in the hand and the big toe in the foot). This vertical approach goes parallel to Chinese philosophy of the meridians & the medical so-called ‘dermatomes’ (= areas of skin that are mainly supplied by a single spinal nerve); However, there is no direct connection between the 10 vertical reflex zones and 12 meridians, nor do these concepts directly relate to the physical nerve system. This implicates that in general hand reflexology & foot reflexology can be recognized to represent massage techniques that are quite similar to the reflex points & techniques used in acupressure (and the philosophy behind acupuncture).

The word reflexology is derived from the so-called ‘reflex arc’, which refers to a neural pathway that controls an action reflex. Formally, there are two types of reflex arc: ‘autonomic reflex arc’ (affecting inner organs) and ‘somatic reflex arc’ (affecting muscles); reflexology can be associated with the first type. This implicates that (hand) reflexology should not be associated with casual uses of the terms: ‘reflex’, ‘hand reflex’ and ‘primitive reflexes’.

Unfortunately, there is no consensus among hand reflexologists about how reflexology exactly is supposed to work. For example: in many hand reflexology charts the heart is located at the radial side of the hand card (sometimes it gets associated with the 2nd phalange of the thumb) – which sort of represents the opposite of the principle described by the meridian philosophy.

Some reflexologists even claim that the zones in reflexology maps represent only approximates and may vary from person to person. Hand reflexology experts generally work with charts that propose sort of a likewise model for various internal organs & body parts. However, most individual reflexology hand charts do show some significant differences compared to other charts.

Many reflexology hand charts are available on the internet; charts are being presented in various formats, and many printable reflexology hand charts are available. However, for people who are not familiar with the basics of hand reflexology might get confused by the fact that many hand maps display unique characteristics – which often reflect the personal view of the hand map designer. Authors dispute the representative locations in the hand that may get associated with the eyes and the heart, so these aspects belong to the key-elements of disagreement in hand reflexology.

In general, in most charts the eyes get associated with one or more sections of the index finger and/or middle finger. In some Western hands reflexology charts the eyes are associated with the 2nd phalange of the index finger (see chart 1) or the middle finger (see chart 2). But in the Korean ‘Koryo hand therapy’ charts the eyes are placed on the tip of the middle finger (see chart 3). The fundamentals of hand reflexology are described & discussed inside the section hand reflexology.

NOTICE: likewise principles (+ disputes) are found for the feet in foot reflexology, and for the ears in ear reflexology!

Hand Reflexology Books | Hand Reflexology Research | Hand Reading Charts

Acupressure Points in a Hand/Foot Reflexology Chart:
what are the Major Differences between Hand Reflexology Charts?

How come that various charts present different locations for body parts? It is quite hard to answer this question, because usually it is a bit of a mystery how the experts have developed their reflexology models. A hand reflexologist usually claim that hand reflexology represent a system of zones and reflex areas that reflect an image of the body on the hands, with the premise that hand reflexology effects a physical change to the body.

Hand/foot reflexology chart: discover the best acupressure points in the various hand charts. The high resolution examples below represent various reflexology hand cards.

Reflexology hand chart 1 – Western chart:

A striking characteristic of this Western hand chart concerns the assocation for the fingertips with the upper part of the head! (Upper head part includes: brains, sinus, ears & eyes)

NOTICE: the eyes are located more radial than the ears, which makes sense in the following perspective: radial side = inner world, ulnar side = outer world).

Reflexology hand chart 2 – Aculife chart (Aculife Book):

A stricking characteristic of this Aculife chart concerns the complexity, especially involving the heart:

The heart gets associated with 5 zones of the hand, on the inner palm side:
twice in the quadrangel (1) between heart- and head line + (2) below index finger,
(3) thenar zone (mount of venus), (4) distal phalange of the pinky finger; and on the dorsal side:
(5) radial side of distal phalange in pinky finger is associated with the heart meridian.

Reflexology hand chart 3 – Indian chart (= acupressure therapy):

A stricking characteristic of this India chart concerns the association for the heart with
the left palmar zone below the pinky finger, where the heart meridian & the heart line cross each other;
just like in the CMax Acupalm chart & the Breo iPalm520 chart, both are displayed in the tips-section below!

(NOTICE: Just like in the first chart the eyes are located more radial than the ears,
with the difference that here the eyes are associated with the palmar zone below the index- and middle finger,
and the ears with the palmar zone below the ring- and pinky finger – which again makes sense
in the following perspective: radial side = inner world, ulnar side = outer world)

Reflexology hand chart 4 – Korean chart: Koryo Hand Therapy (KHT systems):

A striking characteristic of the Korean hand chart concerns the fact that the spine is located in
the dorsal central axis of the hand (in the other 3 charts the spine is located at the radial side of the thumb).

TIPS: More tips & guidelines for hand reflexology charts!

And if you’re interested in a distance learning course – then you can consult one of the more well known reflexology centers – you might also want to contact an expert in your region in order to experience the reflexology benefits yourself!

TIP: Combining hand reflexology points acupressure with aromatherapy (or some other additional relaxation massage therapy) will likely add additional value to the well-being & pleasure or your client!

EXPLORE MORE CHARTS FOR THE FEET AND EARS –

Foot charts | Ear charts

HANDS REFLEXOLOGY CHARTS

– Reflexology used to be known as reflex zone therapy –

Hand Reflexologists | Reflexology News | Reflexology Websites

REFLEXOLOGY CHARTS

‘How hands and feet approximate the body anatomy!’

How to Discover the Key Elements in the Ear, Hand & Foot!

If you already know a little about reflexology and want to get started there are many useful reflexology charts available on the internet. They are usually printable reflexology charts, and sometimes availables in various formats (such as: word format).

What are the key elements in foot chart, hand chart, ear chart or other body part chart?

Some of the key elements in reflexology charts are:

• Specified key features.
• Reflex zones on the soles and sides of the feet represent the organs of the body.
• Detailed representation of the spine and the tissues + the organs and glands.
• Meridian points are used in the treatment of gait mechanism in applied kinesiology.
• The bones of the feet, hands and ears.
• 34 acupuncture points which are found on the feet along with indications for each point.
• Foot conditions affect the meridians + how they affect the meridians.

Your can order various quality reflexology charts e.g. a reflexology hand chart, reflexology foot chart & reflexology ear chart. All are available at: the Pacific Institute of Reflexology. Excellent tools to be use in a training course / class!

Hand Reflexology Books | Hand Reflexology Research | Hand Reading Charts

Differences between the Reflexology Charts!?

A rather remarkable point is the fact that various schools in reflexology present various reflexology charts. But maybe this actually very understandable:

Only seventy years ago the medical anatomy charts were likewise very divergent in their organ location. If a surgeon then was asked about this contradiction he would point out that any of the charts might be the correct one, depending on the individual patient. Imagine a heart on the right side instead of the left? This deviation has occurred as have other organs within the abdominal cavity.

Eventually medical specialists got together in an effort to coordinate the human anatomy charts for the sake of their credibility. What was the result? Individual anatomy will still differ from the standardized charts and this observation is just an accepted reality among medical professionals. Likewise, if reflexology schools got together and made one standardized chart, there would always be exceptions to the rule of formal reflex point location. Therefore is seems wise to study all the reiterative charts in order to be aware of the various reflex point locations for each organ!

Openness in the mind of the reflexology practitioner is important: be aware of all the possible points for any given organ or body part. Hippocrates noticed many centuries ago:

“Disease is not an entity, but a fluctuating condition of the patients body, a battle between the substance of disease and the natural self-healing tendency of the body.”

REFLEXOLOGY CHARTS

– Reflexology provides relief and relaxation! –

Hand Reflexologists | Reflexology News | Reflexology Websites

EAR REFLEXOLOGY

‘Learn how to rub your ears… and enjoy the relaxation!’

What is Ear Reflexology?

Ear reflexology is a fast-growing therapy. Like hand reflexology, ear reflexology can be applied quickly and easily in situations or health conditions where other forms of reflexology may not be suitable.

The history of ear reflexology can be traced back to Chinese and Egyptian medical work of about 3000 to 4000 years ago. Ear reflexology is a diagnostic and healing treatment that stimulates points on the ear that correspond to different parts of the body. Ear reflexology is based on zones and points in the ear which relate to the meridians and other parts of the body.

Every ear is unique and no two are alike – the ears are like the fingerprints and can be read to reveal our inner nature. The points for ear reflexology are similar to those in auricular therapy, a.k.a. ear acupuncture. Pioneering work by Chinese doctors over the last 40 years has lead to the World Health Organisation authorising the standardisation of the points on the ear in 1990.

Hand Reflexology Books | Hand Reflexology Research | Hand Reading Charts

The Benefits of Ear Reflexology!

The basic principle of hand reflexology is derived from how the central nervous system works via a so-called ‘reflex arc’ – which induces a body reflex response without getting the brain involved (the so-called ‘primitive reflexes’ also work according this principle).

Ear Reflexology can benefit you in many ways, but the most notable is for the instant relief of pain. It can also be used for clearing infections, lowering blood pressure and balancing hormones. In traditional Chinese medicine the ears are associated with the kidneys, which reflex our constitutional strength. The ears they are the same size and shape as the kidneys.

The WHO defined 91 auricular points, including: the master points (10 ear points), the functional I and II points (24 ear points), the digestive points (7 ear points), the endocrine glands & brain nuclei points (7 ear points), the head + skull and sensory points (12 ear points), the toracic points (7 ear points), and the abdominal & urogenital points (23 points).

Ear Reflexology is commonly used with foot and hand reflexology and can confirm a diagnosis suggested by imbalances in the feet and hand reflex points.

EAR REFLEXOLOGY

– Ear reflexology provides relaxation & relief! –

Hand Reflexologists | Reflexology News | Reflexology Websites

find a hand reflexologist expert! – Hand Reflexology Charts

HAND REFLEXOLOGISTS:

‘Find a Hand Reflexologist expert!’

Find the best Hand Reflexology & Hand Massage experts:

An overview view of some hand reflexologists in various countries who have focussed a significant part of their expertise on hand reflexology:

Lynne Booth [Bristol, UK] presents: Vertical Reflex Therapy: combining hands & feet!

Ann Hatchett [Essex, UK] presents: Peaceful Feet Reflexology (incl. hand reflexology)

Louise Keet [London, UK] presents: Hand reflexology books by Louise Keet at Amazon.com

Allison Walker [Stafforshire, UK] presents: Top to Toe health: reflexology for ears, hands & feet

Diana Foley [Austin – Texas, US] presents: Healing Hands Reflexology (+ Koryo Hand Therapy)

Sue Harrison [Portland – Oregon, US] presents: Integrated Foot, Hand & Ear Reflexology

Nancy Hines [Portland – Oregon, US] presents: Reflexology in Portland: Hands, Feet & Ears

Barbara Kunz & Kevin Kunz [Albuquerque – New Mexico, US] present: Hand reflexology books by Barbara & Kevin Kunz at Amazon.com

Rae Minten [Portland – Oregon, US] presents: Namaste Rae: Integrated Foot Hand and Ear Reflexology

Lila M. Mueller [Belgium – Wisconsin, US] presents: Ray of Hope Reflexology presents: Korean hand reflex therapy

Dr. Cariann Perretta [New York City, US] presents: Wellness Center Hand Reflexologist

Barbara Shea [Sunnyvale – California, US] presents: Ingham Method Foot/Hand Reflexologist

Carolynn Sikorski [Strasbourg – SK, Canada] presents: Hand Reflexology at Carolynn’s Reflexology

Michelle Robert-Smith [Ibiza, Spain] presents: Ibiza Reflexology: Ears, Hands & Feet

Annemie Mestdagh [Melsele (Beveren), Belgium] presents: Handreflexologie

Angie van der Lee [Veghel, The Netherlands] presents: Hand- en Voetreflexologie

Some people may consider reflex zone therapy to represent a new practice but, in fact, hand- and foot zone reflex therapy have both been used as part of medical care as early as the ancient Egyptian- & Chinese civilisations. Actually, despite it’s lower popularity, hand zone therapy is build on similar theories and techniques that are recognized to represent the foundation of foot zone therapy.

According modern science hands can be recognized to represent the most differentiated human body part. Hand zone reflex therapy involves the physical act of applying pressure (via reflex- or acupressure points) to the hands with specific thumb, finger or full hand massage techniques (without use of oil or lotion).

FOOT REFLEXOLOGY

Learn more about what Foot Reflexology can do for you!

What is Foot Reflexology?

Some people consider foot reflexology to be just about a foot massage. However reflexology dates back at least 5,000 years ago and has a history in culture of India, Egypt, China and Native American cultures. Nowadays famous stories continue to be presented by the tabloid press reports about Princess Diana and the English royal family use of foot reflexology since 1985. Princess Diana appeared to have gotten manicures, pedicures, and foot reflexology three times a week.

Foot reflexology is an alternative science that deals with the reflex areas in the feet, which correspond to all of the organs and systems in the body. These points are worked on in specific foot massage manipulations that are generally pleasant and are done while you relax.

But doing reflexology means far more than working on your feet. It is actually more like working with the person, attempting to mobilize inner energies: physical, mental and spiritual energies. The goal is to fight any imbalance in the system.

Hand Reflexology Books | Hand Reflexology Research | Hand Reading Charts

The benefits of foot reflexology for you & your feet!

The basic principle of reflexology is derived from how the central nervous system works via a so-called ‘reflex arc’ – which induces a body reflex response without getting the brain involved (the so-called ‘primitive reflexes’ also work according this principle).

Sometimes people visit a foot reflexologist because they want to know why they don’t feel good. When there are no alarming signals – which would indicate the help of a medical doctor – the foot reflexologist reviews their general health + state of mind. In order to assess and integrate the information based on the feet show. Frequently, everything on the surface appears to be ‘okay’, yet the person doesn’t really feel oke.

Foot reflexology is an excellent tool to become aware when people are alienated from certain aspects of themselves, which inevitably cause suffering and pain. Pain and suffering are the signal for a need to change something for the sake of our “wholeness”. A foot reflexologist will not solve people’s problems, as only THEY can do this themselves. But often the foot reflexologist can help them break a cycle where people are actually free to make choices. Yes, all this through the feet. Amazing?

– Research –

In 2004 a Thai foot reflexolog study on HIV/AIDS patients at the Ramathibodi Hospital in Thailand indictated that (quote):

“Conclusion True foot reflexology may offer a low cost, effective nursing intervention to reduce the symptom of fatigue and pain for hospitalized AIDS patients. The numeric pain intensity item was reduced in both groups, but not significantly, and this may be due to an inadequate power in the study to detect a potential difference. Foot reflexology is a way to enhance the nurse patient interrelationship. It offers a strategy to fulfill the goals for human touch and holistic nursing care. It can be performed at any location, is non-invasive, and does not interfere with patients’ privacy.”.

NOTICE: likewise principles are being applied in foot reflexology to the feet, and likewise principles are being used in ear reflexology to massage the ears.

FOOT REFLEXOLOGY

– The hand (and foot) represent the most differentiated part of the human body! –

Hand Reflexologists | Reflexology News | Reflexology Websites

More reflexology opportunities!

Reflexology Massage | Free Reflexology | Hand Reflexology Maps

What is Reflexology? | Bodywork on your feet, hands & ears

Bodywork on your feet, hands & ears!

How does Reflexology Work?

Reflexology is a natural healing art, based on the principle that the feet and hands have reflexes which correspond to every part of the body. In general there is common sense that the benefits of reflexology are related to the reduction of stress.

The word reflexology is derived from the so-called ‘reflex arc’, which refers to a neural pathway that controls an action reflex. Formally, there are two types of reflex arc: ‘autonomic reflex arc’ (affecting inner organs) and ‘somatic reflex arc’ (affecting muscles); reflexology can be associated with the first type. This implicates that (hand) reflexology should not be associated with casual uses of the terms: ‘reflex’, ‘hand reflex’ and ‘primitive reflexes’.

At various times in the history of the human being reflexology has been rediscovered and reinstated as a health practice in many different cultures around the world. Archeological evidence relates ancient reflexology systems to various historical time-spans, including: China (2704 BCE), Egypt (2330 BCE), and Japan (690 CE).

There are many theories which explain how reflexology works. Some theories are related to the nervous system and the reflexive responses, others theories relate reflexology to the meridians. Far most reflexology approaches describe the physical act of applying pressure to the feet and hands – through the use of specific thumb, finger and hand techniques.

Hand Reflexology Books | Hand Reflexology Research | Hand Reading Charts

What to Expect from a Reflexology Treatment?

A reflexology treatment usually takes 45 to 60 minutes. The actual treatment is preceeded by a consultation about your health and lifestyle.

Then you are usually asked to remove your shoes and socks and sit comfortably in a reclining chair or on a massage table. So apart from your shoes and sock you remain fully clothed. The reflexologist will then assess the feet. The next step concerns the stimulation of various points on the feet to identify areas of tenderness and/or tension.

The reflexology therapist then uses brisk movements to warm up the feet. Then the physical act of applying pressure starts from the toes to the heel according to your comfort. Often lotion or oil is used for the benefit of your comfort. Most often people feel calm and relaxed after a reflexology treatment. Sometimes people feel anxious or tearful, but this is usually only temporary – and often considered as part of the healing process.

What about …’Doctor Fish’?

Special attention for an application that is these days growing in popularity: ‘Ichthyotherapy’. This alternative massage therapy is better known as ‘Doctor Fish’ – the name given to two species of fish: Garra rufa and Cyprinion Macrostomus, which occur in the river basins of the Northern and Central Middle East, mainly in Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Iran. It can be defined as the use of fresh water or marine organisms, or “fish”, as agents of skin wound/condition cleansing. Research has indicted that ‘Doctor Fish’ provides good chances for a (temporary) reflief in psoriasis. Many reflexologists belief that ‘Doctor Fish’ works via a likewise principle as traditional reflexology – though both are recognized as different therapies.

WHAT IS REFLEXOLOGY?

– How does Hand, Foot & Ear Reflexology work? –

Hand Reflexologists | Reflexology News | Reflexology Websites

More reflexology opportunities!

Reflexology Massage | Free Reflexology | Hand Reflexology Maps