Figure 2.22 (a) The four curves of the spine represented on the foot. (b) The vertebrae and spinal nerves represented on the foot.
The feet and the spine
The feet are extremely important to the general health of our body, and because of certain similarities reflexology theory considers there to be a relationship between the body and the foot. For instance, there are 26 bones in each foot and there are 26 bones in the adult spine. Further, the vertebral column has four natural curves when it is viewed from the side: the cervical curve is rounded forwards, the thoracic curve is gently curved convex towards the posterior, the lumbar spine is also curved convex forwards creating a hollow, while the sacrum curve is like that of the thoracic curve, convex towards the posterior. The foot appears to have four natural curves also, almost imitating the line of the spine. So the curves and the bones of the foot are designated in reflexology as representing the curves and the bones of the spine (figure 2.22a). From this, particular areas of the foot are considered to represent areas of spinal innervation that correspond to those bones (figure 2.22b).
The following four curves or divisions of the feet represent the four body divisions as follows (the two feet symbolize the whole human body including the limbs, not just the torso).
1. The phalanges of the feet represent the head, the uppermost division of the body, containing the brain and chief sense organs.
2. The metatarsus represents the thoracic cavity from the neck to the abdomen, containing our breathing apparatus, the lungs, also the heart and other structures within.
3. The tarsus represents the abdominal cavity, which is between the thorax and the pelvis area, and all organs and structures within it. The tuberosity of the cuboid bone represents the waistline.
4. The calcaneus and talus represent the pelvic cavity, the almost bowl-shaped area that is formed by the pelvic girdle and the adjoining bones of the spine; this creates the central support for the body, and is composed of the two hip bones, the sacrum, and the coccyx and organs and structures within.
Reflexology and the body systems
The theory of reflexology is that a congestive state creates blockages of energy pathways; it has been conjectured that this blockage causes crystals to become deposited around the nerve endings, causing congestion right through the zone. The deposition around the nerve endings also causes a painful area when pressed or palpated. Over a period of treatment these areas become less sensitive as changes are induced within the circulatory and the nervous system by means of pressure stimuli. Such stimuli trigger the body’s inherent ability to move back to a state of correct balance and positive health and well-being. Working all areas of the hands, feet or ears and using a combination of reflexes will therefore eliminate most of these blocked energy pathways, energizing and revitalizing the recipient.
The natural homeostasis of living things can be disturbed by stress, which upsets the internal environment. Every part of the body is involved in maintaining this environment within the normal limits. It is only in cases of extreme or severe stress that the body is unable to cope. Homeostatic functions are maintained by nervous and chemical connections, with the pituitary body and other endocrine glands all working in unison. Feedback systems detect even the slightest change, setting off an immediate response in the form of neural impulses which are sent to neutralize any stress this may cause and to counterbalance the organ in question. If the body systems are not functioning at peak efficiency then disorders may manifest.
In the brain, three areas, the medulla oblongata, the hypothalamus and the pons Varolii (figure 2.23), are very important for this process. The first contains vital centres that control the rate and depth of breathing ‘respiration’, the rate of the heart beat and blood vessels, and not so vital centres that control reflexes such as swallowing, sneezing, coughing and vomiting. It also forms the major pathway for nerve impulses entering and leaving the skull. The hypothalamus also contains vital centres controlling body temperature, thirst, hunger, eating, water balance and the libido, and is also closely connected to emotional activity and sleep. The pons Varolii contains many nerve tracts running between the cerebral cortex and the spinal cord; it is where the trigeminal nerve emerges and also the sensory fibres relaying information about pain, touch and temperature.
Figure 2.23 A section through the brain
We can therefore see that reflexology might assist the homeostatic function by removing obstruction at the level of the autonomic nervous system. Fitzgerald said all zones must be free from irritation and obstructions for best results. He spoke of all existing pathological conditions being relieved and some even cured by zone therapy. He stated, however, that his work was not a panacea to all ills, but he was glad to offer his knowledge of zone therapy to physicians, surgeons and patients/clients to aid medicine and surgery and for them to make use of it in the practice of their profession.
Conclusion
This section has examined how the ideas of acupuncture, acupressure and reflexology relate to our present knowledge of the nervous system. The main practical difference between the three therapies is that reflexology and acupressure are less invasive and they use the fingers or thumbs for manipulation on given points; but they are equally powerful, often bringing quicker relief from the presenting symptoms. Acupuncturists use needles to stimulate very precise points located according to TCM theory, and can reach a greater depth. Acupuncture treatment is often thought to have longer-lasting effects than massage treatment, but can take longer to work.
There are also many contraindications to acupuncture: certain nerves must never have needles applied to them, and many conditions cannot be treated if the person is already depleted by a great emotional experience, or if they are too fatigued. However, reflexology and acupressure are completely safe with only a few cautionary warnings of the timing of treatment sessions; they cannot make a problem worse if applied in the correct way.
Western medicine and complementary medicine working together
Western medical science has overcome so many things. The prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease have benefited greatly by the development of injections and vaccinations, and of sophisticated surgery incorporating pain management, anaesthetics, antibiotics, and vital organ transplants. However, it is still powerless to treat a lot of the common everyday ailments, and is still largely unable to relieve the emotional and stress-related problems that we suffer from today without resorting to the use of drugs.
The definition of medicine does not include only substances used for treating disease; it also involves the wider art and science of treating and understanding disorders, which includes their prevention, and the maintenance and restoration of health. We need to realize there are alternatives to drugs. Drugs suppress rather than cure the problem; also, they form only part of the total care of the patient. It is not my purpose here to emphasize the differences between reflexology and Western medicine, but to show that the two should work