REFLEXOLOG
Y
Community Pharmacy
Ali Malik
003
Arbab Malik
Group No : 005
6 Hamza Malik
017
Arsalan Saddique
021
Reflexology
Reflexology is a therapeutic method of relieving pain by stimulating predefined
pressure points on the feet and hands. It is based on the principle that these reflex
points correspond to different organs and systems of the body. Applying pressure to
these points is believed to promote health and wellness.
This is done using thumb, finger, and hand massage techniques without the use of oil or
lotion. It is based on a pseudoscientific[1] system of zones and reflex areas that
purportedly reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands, with the premise that
such work on the feet and hands causes a physical change to the supposedly related
areas of the body.[2]
There is no convincing scientific evidence that reflexology is effective for any medical
condition.[3]
Background Philosophy and
Inclusion in Alternative Therapy
Reflexology has roots in ancient civilizations like Egypt, China, and India.
Historical evidence, such as pictographs in the tomb of an Egyptian physician
(c. 2330 B.C.), shows foot therapy practices. Its modern foundation was laid in
the early 20th century by Dr. William Fitzgerald, who introduced “zone
therapy,” later refined by Eunice Ingham into reflexology.
•Holistic Philosophy:
Reflexology treats the body as an interconnected
system,
•focusing on energy flow (Qi) and balance,
Why principles common in traditional Chinese
medicine.
Reflexology is •Non-Invasive Approach:
•It emphasizes natural healing without drugs or
Considered surgery.
•Preventive Care:
Alternative Practitioners believe it can reduce stress,
promote relaxation, and prevent illness.
Therapy: •Limited Scientific Evidence:
While widely used, reflexology lacks conclusive
clinical evidence
for all claimed benefits, keeping it within
complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)
Mechanism of Action (MOA) of
Reflexology
Reflexology helps bring balance to the body by pressing certain
points on the hands and feet.
It does not treat or cure diseases.
It offers a natural way to support healing based on each person's
needs.
Both emotional and physical health are considered.
Pressing certain points is believed to move healing energy to
the needed parts of the body.
Another idea is that nerves from organs connect to the hands
and feet. Pressing these areas may help improve blood and
lymph flow.
Principle
•
The body and its organs naturally heal themselves, a principle central to naturopathy.
•This approach is distinct from typical foot or hand massage techniques.
•It should never be considered a replacement for conventional medical care.
•Many health problems stem from stress and anxiety, which can create energy blockages.
•This method serves best as a supportive therapy alongside standard treatments.
Advantages
Completely free from adverse effects
Non-invasive and gentle
Provides rapid symptom relief
Zone therapy
Zone therapy is the basic concept behind reflexology. It was first introduced by Dr.
William Fitzgerald in the early 1900s. This theory divides the body into vertical zones
that connect specific parts of the body with areas on the hands and feet.
Each zone runs from the top of the head down to the toes.
•Every part of the body, including internal organs, muscles, and nerves, lies within one of
these zones.
•Reflexologists believe that applying pressure to a point within one zone (like a toe or
finger) can affect all other parts in the same zone.
Zones
The body is divided into five vertical zones on the right side and five on the left, all
equal in size. These ten zones run parallel across the entire body, encompassing the
head, face, shoulders, arms, hands, chest, abdomen, reproductive organs, legs, and feet.
Zone 1:
Covers shoulders and arms. Connected to the head, brain, face, glands (pituitary, pineal,
thyroid, etc.), heart, lungs, stomach, liver (right side), intestines, bladder, uterus, and
reproductive organs.
Zone 2:
Runs from the top of the head to the second toe and first fingers. Includes brain parts,
eyes, sinuses, lungs, heart, liver (right), pancreas (left), stomach, kidneys, and small
intestine.
Zone 3:
Goes from the head to the third toe and second finger. Linked to
brain, eyes, heart (left), lungs, liver (right), stomach (left),
pancreas (left), kidneys, appendix (right), and small intestine.
Zone 4 goes from the top of the head to the fourth toe and third
finger. It relates to the brain, ears, shoulders, and lungs. On the
left side, it affects the heart, stomach, spleen, and pancreas. On
the right, it connects to the liver, gall bladder, and appendix. It
also covers the small intestine and colon on both sides.
Zone 5 runs from the head to the little
toes and little fingers. It links to outer
brain areas, ears, shoulders, and arms.
The left side includes the spleen,
while the right includes the liver, gall
bladder, ileo-cecal valve, and
appendix. The colon is found on both
sides. Big toes and thumbs have the
most important brain and head
reflexes, each representing one side of
the brain.
Common Practices in
Reflexology
Foot Reflexology:
The most common form, where pressure is applied to specific foot areas
thought to correspond with body organs.
Hand Reflexology:
Used when foot therapy is not suitable; each part of the hand relates to different
body parts.
Ear Reflexology (Auriculotherapy):
Involves stimulating pressure points on the ear, often combined with acupuncture.
Overview:
The practitioner evaluates the patient's health status.
Specific pressure points are targeted using thumb-walking, finger-pressure, or
specialized tools.
Sessions last 30–60 minutes and are often part of a wellness routine.
Foot Hand
Ear
Reflexology
Role of the Community Pharmacist
Community pharmacists are increasingly engaging in holistic patient
counselling. While reflexology is not a replacement for medical treatment,
pharmacists can play a crucial role in advising its use as a complementary
option.
Pharmacist’s Suggestions Regarding Reflexology:
As Stress Relief: Recommend for patients experiencing chronic stress,
anxiety, or sleep disorders.
Complement to Pain Management: Can be suggested alongside
medication for conditions like migraines, back pain, or arthritis
Support in Chronic Illnesses: For diabetic patients, reflexology may help improve
peripheral circulation.
Enhancing Well-being: Recommend to patients looking to enhance relaxation or
support lifestyle changes without increasing medication load.
Common Examples of Reflexology Benefits
Migraine Relief: Regular sessions have been reported to reduce
the frequency and severity of migraines.
Digestive Health: Reflexology targeting the abdominal and
digestive zones can support people with irritable bowel
syndrome (IBS).
Menstrual Pain: Reflexology may help alleviate dysmenorrhea
and PMS symptoms.
Anxiety and Sleep Disorders: Calming effects of reflexology
help regulate sleep cycles and reduce anxiety.
Improved Circulation: Stimulating certain foot points can
boost blood flow, especially useful in diabetics and elderly
individuals.
