Introduction to Reflexology
What are reflex-zones?
Reflex-zone are nerve points, each of which is in communication with each other, distant parts of the body. They are found throughout the body. Most of the reflex-zones discussed in this book, however, are found in the feet. This is with good reason- because no other part of the body is so atrophied and neglected as our feet. Nature intended that man should go barefoot over rough ground, sticks and stones, and it was this way that the reflex-zones were looked after. Our environment changed. The area our feet have to work on is no longer rough and uneven now, but has become smooth, rolled flat, and asphalted over. Added to that change, we wear the wrong shoes. Through yearlong close confinement in this prison, the blood circulation is choked and cut off. The result is cold feet, and, what is much worse, badly circulated reflex-zones which can no longer carry out their duties properly.
How does the reflex-zone work?
Through massage of the reflex-zone, we get a better circulation of both the zone and the organ related to it. How and why it works hasn’t been explained scientifically yet, but it’s easy to demonstrate that it does work. For example, massage the middle toe of one foot or the other and you’ll soon find that the middle finger (its reflex-zone is the middle toe) is suddenly the warmest (ie the best-circulated) finger of the hand.
Why is blood circulation so important?
The circulation is vital to every organ, since it is the medium for the transport of:
---nutrients (anabolic substances)
---oxygen
---hormones
---antibodies, and also
---waste (catabolic substances)
Look at it this way: Whatever the disturbance or injury to the organism (whether organs or musculature) it can only be completely cured through the circulation. That’s to say, the better the blood circulation, the quicker the healing process. Experience shows clearly that, when circulation is poor, healing often takes a long, long time.
Disturbances of the reflex-zones
If you press a reflex-zone, you often detect more or less hard areas: these are the so called “deposits” we’ll be mentioning throughout this text –formation of uric acid (uric acid crystals) and other sedimentary materials.
How do these deposits begin?
They form exclusively at spots where the blood circulation is somehow disturbed. As in fast running stream no sediment is left, so in good blood circulation no sediment is left in blood vessels and connective tissues. But if the stream is not adequately supplied with water, it hasn’t the strength to carry away the rubbish ---so it’s left there. Poor blood circulation behaves the same way, leaving sediment behind to build up deposits. The larger or smaller these deposits, then the more or less corresponding organs will be disturbed by lack of circulation. There is, of course, a correlating effect between the organ and the reflex-zone, since they are mutually dependent.
What is usually disturbed first? Reflex-zone or organ?
Both are possible. Let’s take an accident, as an example. Here the organ was affected and, not ten minutes later, the reflex-zone, inform of the disturbance, suddenly reacted to pressure with pain. Often, however, the opposite is the case. First the reflex-zone is disturbed (shoes), resulting in a negative effect on the working efficiency of the organ. Now it can quite easily happen that you are probing around for someone’s reflex-zone and find hardly a point which does not react sensitively. Don’t think the person is deathly ill, it’s only that his system is not working at full efficiency. In the reflex-zones even the smallest disturbance is recorded. But since every large disturbance must begin as a small one, it is of the greatest importance to take the preventive action now, not to wait until something really serious comes along. Today, people talk a lot about prophylaxis. It means prevention --- and it’s hard to find a more profitable method of prevention than reflexology. It can be also be that someone will astonishingly, not react in the reflex-zone even though it’s known that the corresponding organ is weak. If you disregard the possibility of a wrong diagnosis, then there’s only one explanation: the foot is calloused. First these deposits must be cleared away and then the point will suddenly react powerfully.
How do you work on the reflex-zones?
Anyone — from baby to graybeard – can be massaged. There are two basic ways:
1. Manual massage
2. Step-massage
Let’s look a little closer at the two.
1. Manual massage
First requirement for a good massage is that masseur and subject be sitting comfortably and as relaxed as possible.
Massage position for all reflex-zones in the sole of the foot:
The foot of the person being massaged should be laid on the masseur’s knee, so that the latter has the sole free open before him.
Massage position for the reflexes in the region of the toes and metatarsal bone:
The subject bends his leg, places the foot flat on the masseur’s knee.
Massage of the reflexes on the heels, around the ankles and the bones round about:
The subject turns himself to one side and the masseur holds, depending on the reflex-point being massaged, the inner or outer side of the foot. Now the person is sitting before us in the correct position and we can start the massage. Whether with the top joint of the thumb or a knuckle makes no difference – but please, short, well-trimmed nails! What is important is that you use enough cream. The cheapest cream is good enough, just as long as you get the desired “gliding” effect. Use, depending on the point you’re massaging, a circular or up and down action. Do I hear you saying already: shouldn’t massage always go towards the heart? That holds good for larger areas like for example, the reflex-zone of the sciatic nerve. There, pressure is strong towards the heart is only a glide away from it. The principle here is that the massage stimulates the lymph-flow. If downward pressure is used, it will act a brake and that is to be avoided – since many people, in any case, have a weak lymphatic circulation. How strong should the massage pressure be? Begin gently, strengthen the pressure only slowly. You’ll soon establish the tolerance level, as you work facing and observing your subject.
2. Step – massage
In a place of laboriousness and fatigue of manual massage, we can take other steps… with the feet. From the day of creation, it was ordained we should tread barefoot over rough ground, sticks and stones. That way the foot automatically received reflex-zone massage. You could do the same thing today. Unfortunately, there are barriers to this natural way. Bad weather, snow and cold force us to settle for another method. For this reason, the footsie, body roller and pressure wood (wooden massage tools) all of which are necessary, in order that all reflex-zones can be reached. They pressure wood is needed for the deeper-lying reflex-zones and the root musculature of the foot, stimulating each respectively to encourage the circulation of the blood. The sheer weight of the body makes it quite possible to massage the difficult to reach points without great expenditure of strength by use of footsie roller. Thos tool can be used during standing-up jobs like ironing, shaving, cooking or washing up, phoning, or even watching TV. The foot will be strengthened and brought into an anatomically correct posture. The reflex-zone of the spinal column, which lies slightly to one side along the inner arch of the foot, can be stimulated by pressing the feet down over the footsie roller. The body roller is best for the whole body, legs and arms. The people quoted as an examples in this book have brought the greater part of their foot reflex-zones into condition again by using this step massage method.
Where do you begin with the massage?
General structure
Reflexology should not only be a treatment of symptoms but also eliminate the disturbances at their roots. So we should always be interested in the original cause. And it’s been shown that, in human body, never just one organ is weak. Since all organs are dependent upon each other, a disturbance in one will cause one in another, further away. Therefore, we should take care that the body as a whole is working at full efficiency. When the cause in front of you is not an urgent one--- like the heart failure, for example, a migraine attack or an injury (where the corresponding zone is always to be massaged immediately), you always begin with:
1. Kidneys, ureters and bladder, in order that the toxic substances (uric acids) that will be dissolved by the full massage will also be eliminated from the system and won’t just encumber the circulation. At the beginning, this is the part of the system on which you should spend most time.
2. The head – the central control of all organs.
3. Gastro-intestinal tract (the gut), liver and pancreas. Decontaminating and metabolizing organs. Their functioning depends whether building-stuffs (anabolic substances) are always ready for each organ.
4. The lymph-points, whereby the breaking down of waste matter is ensured and sufficient antibodies are always available.
All other sensitive points. Please consult the appendix: What to massage for…How long should the massage last each day? Every reflex-point can be massaged without harm for five minutes. In cases of acute disorder, this time can be doubled or tripled without risk. Caution is necessary only in the liver and spinal column reflex-zones. The liver reflex-zone may be massaged for more than five minutes, only, if the kidneys are functioning efficiently enough. Otherwise, a lot of toxic substances are released, come into the circulatory system but are not wash away. That’s something we want to avoid. The reflex-zone of the spine should not be massaged for too long, since a heightened blood flow can cause a temporary reaction. If you want to build up your system generally, I recommend you spend half an hour each day on reflexology.
I suggest:
On each foot: 5 minutes for adrenal glands, kidneys, ureter and bladder; about 3 minutes for head and neck; about 2 minutes for each lymph-point; and 2 minutes for some specially sensitive point. And your half hour is already finished.
Positive reactions
Through intensive stimulation it can be – but doesn’t have to be – that an organ produces a temporary reaction. Most vanish in a short time. It’s important in cases like this not to get worried and give up, but to continue with the massage. The following are possible temporary reactions:
--- swollen ankles, especially with people who have lymph blockages
--- varicose veins that suddenly stand out more strongly. These veins are now carrying more blood and so become more visible.
--- open wounds in the legs. Where legs have a very bad circulation and have a consistent tendency to open places. This reaction is thoroughly positive: it means that since the poisons can’t be destroyed internally, they are leaving the body this way --- externally.
--- attack of fever. Cause by massage of the lymph glands, but alwaysand only when there is an infection latent in the body.
--- increased ]ains in an organ.
--- bruises, when the calcium content is wrong.
What does one massage for…?
Here follow the most commonly met disturbances, and the reflex-zone to be treated. It is recommended that you consult them as well.

A

Absent-mindedness --- disturbances in head. Massage head.
Abscesses: Massage the zone where it is found; lymph-points
Acne: A problem of poor cleansing of the system. Massage adrenal glands; kidneys, ureters and bladder; liver and gall-bladder; change eating habits.
Allergies: Massage adrenals (production of cortisone); kidneys, ureters and bladder (elimination of toxic substances), parathyroid glands (calcium metabolism)
Anemia: Massage spleen; metabolizing organs
Angina: (see also tonsillitis) Massage larynx, tonsils, whole lymph system.
Angina pectoris: Massage adrenal glands(production of adrenalin); kidneys, ureters and bladder(elimination of toxic substances); change eating habits! Massage stomach-reflex so that the stomach no longer puts pressure through the diaphragm unto the apex of the heart; heart-reflex.
Ankles, problem in: Massage corresponding points in wrist.
Anxiety: Massage kidneys, ureters and bladder(elimination of toxic substances), gastro intestinal tract(no more flatulence to press through the diaphragm unto the apex of the heart), change diet! Massage head (better blood supply), possibly sense of balance.
Appendicitis: Inflammation of the caecum (vermicular appendix), Massage caecum (lower part); lymph-points
Appetite, loss of: Massage stomach and intestines; thyroid.
Arms, pain in: Massage of corresponding place in leg; neck.
Arteriosclerosis: Massage kidneys, ureters and bladder; adrenals.
Arthritis, arthrosis: Massage kidneys, uerters and bladder; adrenal glands (cortisone); corresponding joint (reflex-zone); change diet!
Asthma: Massage kidneys, ureters and bladder (calcium metabolism); lungs and bronchi (blood supply); lymph-points (antibodies); change diet!
Accidents of all kinds: massage the corresponding reflex-zone immediately

B

Back ache: Massage spine, possibly shoulder or pelvic girdle.
Balance , disturbances of: Massage balance organs (vestibularium); wear broad shoes!
Bed-wetting (nocturnal enuresis); Massage kidneys, ureters and bladder; shield against earth-rays.
Bladder, inflammation of the: Massage kidneys, ureters and bladder; lymph-points.
Blood-poisoning: Massage lymph-points.
Blood pressure, high: Massage kidneys, uerters and bladder; brain stem;(head).
Blood pressure, low: Massage kidneys, uerters and bladder; brain stem; sense of balance.
Breathing, problems in: Massage lungs and bronchi, possibly the nose; head (brain stem); heart; change diet so that stomach puts no pressure on the heart.
Bronchitis: Massage lungs and bronchi; lymph-points; parathyroid and adrenals.
Burns: Massage the reflex-zone of the corresponding organs; lymph-points; kidneys, adrenals, ureters and bladder; parathyroids.

C

Caecum, inflammation of: see appendicitis.
Calcium, lack of: Massage parathyroid gland.
Cancer: Massage lymph-points; the organ concerned; general building-up; change diet!
Cartilage, injuries to: Massage knee-reflex; elbow.
Cataracts: Massage kidneys, ureters and bladder; adrenals; eyes; head.
Catarrh of the middle ear: see eustachian tubes.
Cellulitis: Massage lymph-points; sexual glands (ovaries and testicles)
Circulation, problem in: Massage heart; adrenal glands; parathyroid glands; change diet!; massage kidneys, ureters and bladder.
Coccyx, pain in the: Massage the reflex-zone in the foot; neck (in foot and organ)
Collapse: Massage heart immediately, possibly adrenal glands.
Constipation: Massage the whole digestive tract, also the anal canal reflex-zone on the inner side of the calf.
Coxarthrosis: Massage kidneys, ureter and bladder; stomach-intestines; change diet; massage hip joint; shoulder joint in foot and joint itself; lumbar vertebrae.
Coughing: Massage lungs and bronchi; lymph glands; parathyroid glands; adrenal glands; wear wide enough shoes.
Cramps in calves: Massage parathyroid glands possibly arm musculature; shield from earth-rays.
Cryptorchism: Massage testicles and spermatic cords; pituitary gland and abdomen.
Cysts: Massage the corresponding organs; lymph-points.

D

Diabetes: Massage stomach; duodenum; pancreas; change diet.
Diarrhea: Massage stomach-intestinal tract; lymph-glands; change diet.
Diarrhea, in nervous: Massage solar plexus
Diarrhea, with vomiting (cholera nostras): Massage gastro-intestinal tract; lymph-points; change diet.
Discharges, vaginal: Massage vagina and uterus; lymph-points.
Discs, intervertebral damage to: Massage kidneys, ureters and bladder; spine; gastro-intestinal tract; liver and gall bladder (anabolic substances); change diet.
Duodenal ulcer: Massage stomach-duodenum; change diet.

E

Ear ache ,tinnitus: Massage ears; head; lymph-points; and in tinnitus, the vestibularium.
Ear, inflammations of the middle: Massage ears; lymph glands; parathyroid glands
Eczema: Massage kidneys, ureters and bladder; adrenal glands and parathyroid glands
Elbow, problems in: Massage knee in foot and the knee itself.
Emaciation through thyroid over function: Massage pituitary gland and thyroid gland; change diet
Emaciation: Massage thyroid; stomach; gastro-intestinal tract; liver
Epilepsy: General building-up; massage head; lymph-points
Eustachian tubes, inflammation of: Massage ear reflex-zone (transposed); temple (transposed); lymph-points; adrenal gland; parathyroid gland
Eye disturbances: Massage kidneys, ureters and bladder; eyes
Eructation (belching), acid: Massage stomach; solar plexus; change diet.

F

Fainting: Massage heart; adrenal glands
Feet, burning: Cause by congestion in the feet; massage all points.
Fever: Massage lymph-points; tonsils; spleen
Fingernails, brittle: Anabolic disturbances! And lack of calcium: Massage metabolizing organs; parathyroid gland.
Fistula: Massage the organ where the fistula located; lymph glands; adrenal glands
Flatulence, lower stomach (hypogastrium): Massage caecum; change diet
Flatulence upper stomach (epigastric zone): Massage stomach-duodenum: change diet.
Food- poisoning: To induce vomiting, massage stomach and duodenum; lymph-points
Fractures: Massage the corresponding zone; get gastro-intestinal tract in order so that enough nutrient substances are available; massage parathyroid gland (calcium)
Frigidity: Massage pituitary gland, ovaries, uterus.
Fullness, feeling of: Change diet! Eat slower! Massage stomach and duodenum.

G

Gall-bladder, infection of: Massage duodenum; gall-bladder and liver; lymph-points; change diet!
Giddiness: Massage vestibularium--- balance organ
Gingivitis: see under gum inflammation/ infections
Glands, swollen: Massage lymph-glands- don’t be frightened by the reaction.
Glandular fever: Massage tonsils; lymph-points; spleen
Glaucoma: Massage kidneys, ureters and bladder; adrenal gland; eyes; head.
Goiter and ophthalmic goiter: Massage thyroid gland: pituitary gland.
Gout: Massage kidneys, ureters and bladder; adrenal gland; corresponding organs; change diet!; growth hormones; Massage pituitary gland; general building-up.
Gums, inflammation of: Massage upper and lower jaw.


H

Hemorrhoids: Massage rectum in foot and calf musculature; kidneys, ureters and bladder; adrenal gland.
Hair loss: Massage sexual glands (testicles or ovaries); adrenal gland; metabolizing organs; change diet.
Halitosis: The stomach’s out of order!; massage stomach; change diet.
Halux valgus: Massage the reflex-zone of the thyroid gland; lymph points.
Hay fever: Massage kidneys, ureters and bladder; adrenal gland (cortisone); parathyroid gland (calcium); nose; wind pipe; bronhi; eat some honey drawn from the area you live in.
Hearing, problems in: Massage ears; wear broad shoes.
Head ache: Attack the basic causes; massage head; change diet.
Heart defects: Massage heart; lymph-points; adrenal gland; metabolizing organ; change diet.
Heart troubles: Change diet! So no flatulence can disturb the heart function any further.
Hepatitis: see under jaundice
Hernia, diaphragm: Massage metabolizing organs; diaphragm; change diet.
Hernia, inguinal: Massage lymph-points; get gastro-intestinal tract in order, to make nutrient substances available.
Hip, pains in the: Massage hip joint; massage shoulder (in the foot and in the shoulder itself).
Hoarseness: Massage larynx; tonsils; lymph-points.

I

Icterus: see under jaundice
Impotence: Massage testicles; general building-up
Infectious illnesses: Massage kidneys, ureters and bladder; adrenal gland; parathyroid gland; lymph-points.
Influenza: Massage lymph-points; tonsils and spleen; nose and possibly sinuses.
Intestine, mucous membrane, inflammation of: Massage stomach-intestinal tract; change diet; lymph-points.
Intestine, large, inflammation of: Massage the whole large intestine; lymph-points.
Iron, lack of: Massage spleen
Inflammation anywhere in the system: Massage lymph-points; parathyroid gland; the inflamed organs.
Itching (pruritus) or broken skin at the anus: Massage anal canal/rectum.

J

Jaundice: Massage duodenum; liver and gall-bladder; lymph-points; stick to the diet.
Joints, inflammation, pain in the: Massage reflex-zone of inflamed joint; kidneys, ureters and bladder; adrenal gland; parathyroid gland; lymph-points; stick to the diet.
Jaw disturbances: Massage upper and lower jaw; lymph-points; temples (trigeminal nerve)

N

Neck, pains in nape or neck: Massage the neck; cervical vertebrae; coccyx (reflex-zone and direct)
Nerve pains: In nerve pinching, massage spine, otherwise general building-up; parathyroid gland.
Neuralgia: Massage temple (trigeminal nerve)
Neurasthenia: Massage kidneys, ureters and bladder; metabolizing organs; parathyroid gland; head; shield from earth-rays; resolve mental tensions; thyroid gland.
Nose-bleeds, dried up nose: Massage nose; parathyroid gland.

O

Obesity: Massage thyroid gland; change diet
Oedema: Massage kidneys, ureters and bladder; adrenal gland; heart; lymph-glands
Osteoporosis: Massage parathyroid gland; general building-up.
Overweight: see obesity
Ovaries, troubles with, cyst and inflammations: Massage the corresponding ovary; lymph-points, possibly parathyroid gland; pituitary gland (direction of ovaries); possibly thyroid gland (this gland is often called the third ovary).
Oviducts, inflammation of: Massage oviduct on corresponding side; lymph-points; parathyroid gland.

P

Pancreas, inflammation of: Massage stomach-duodenum; pancreas; lymph-glands; change diet.
Parkinson’s disease: Massage kidneys, ureters and bladder; adrenal gland; head and neck; parathyroid gland; metabolizing organs; change diet.
Parodontosis: Massage upper and lower jaws; metabolizing organs; change diet.
Period problems: see under menstrual problems
Pharyngitis: Massage upper and lower jaws.
Pneumonia: Massage lungs; lymph-points; adrenal gland; parathyroid gland.
Poisoning: see under food poisoning
Potency: see under impotence
Pregnancy: Massage pituitary gland; ovaries, uterus; breast; general building up.
Prostate disturbances: Massage kidneys, ureters and bladder; prostate
Psoriasis: Massage kidneys, ureters and bladder; adrenal gland; parathyroid gland; metabolizing organs; lymph-points.

R

Rectum, inflammation of: Massage reflex under left foot, massage calf musculature on inside of both legs.
Retinitis, detached retina: Massage kidneys, ureters and bladder; eyes; lymph-points.
Rheumatism: Massage kidneys, ureters and bladder: adrenal gland; parathyroid gland; metabolizing organs; change diet; massage reflex-zone of the affected places.

S

Sciatica: Massage kidneys, ureters and bladder; adrenal gland; spine; massage sciatic nerve direct on fibula and shinbone (towards heart, only gliding away), possibly forearm and upper arm respectively, possibly massage knee reflex-zone; change diet.
Scheurmann ‘ syndrome: Massage spine; kidneys, ureters and bladder; metabolizing organs.
Scholiosis: Massage spine; general building-up
Sea-sickness: Massage vestibularium --- balance organ
Shingles: Massage kidneys, ureters and bladder; adrenal gland; parathyroid gland; change diet.
Short-sightedness: Massage kidneys, ureters and bladder; eyes
Shoulder, pains in: Massage shoulder reflex-zone; hip reflex-zone; hip region (around the organ); wear broad shoes.
Sinuses, frontal, infected: Massage sinuses; lymph-points
Sinusitis, paranasal: Massage sinus reflex-zone; lymph-points; parathyroid gland
Skin, eruptions, rashes on: Massage kidneys, ureters and bladder; adrenal gland; parathyroid gland; metabolizing organs; change diet
Skin troubles: see psoriasis
Skull, fracture of: Massage head; parathyroid gland
Sleeplessness: Massage head; eat only lightly in the evening; take care with eating habits; shield from water-rays
Sneezing: Massage nose; possibly bronchi; lymph-points
Snoring: Chew better
Snow-blindness: Massage eyes; adrenal gland
Spine, injuries to: Massage spine; general building-up
Spleen (and stitch in the side): Massage spleen
Stomach ache, stomach ulcer: Massage stomach; change diet
Stomach pains, cramps: Massage stomach-intestines; change diet
Stomach, poisoning in: see food poisoning
Stye: Massage corresponding eye; lymph-points

T

Taste, disturbed sense of: Massage head; upper and lower jaw
Teeth, bad: Massage upper and lower jaw; get metabolizing in order; change diet
Tenosynovitis: (Inflammation of a synovial sheath, in the elbow): Massage the corresponding reflex-zone
Testicle, congestion of the: Massage zones of the testicles; lymph-points
Throat, sore: Massage larynx; tonsils; lymph-points
Thrombosis: Massage kidneys, ureters and bladder; adrenal gland; massage the reflex-point, for example, the arm
Tinnitus: see ear ache
Tiredness: Massage kidneys, ureters and bladder; metabolizing organs; parathyroid gland; head (in disturbances of the temples); change diet
Toes, hammer: Massage toes, whole instep, wear broad shoes; no high heels, no clogs (wooden shoes)
Tonsillitis: Massage tonsils; lymph-glands
Tumors: Massage according to location of organ; massage lymph-points ( tonsils and spleen)

U


Ureters, inflammation of: Massage kidneys, ureters and bladder; lymph-points
Uterus, inflammation of: Hemorrhage/Myoma; Massage uterus for hemorrhage; massage ovaries and pituitary gland; lymph-points

V

Vagina cramp, pruritus: Massage vagina and uterus, possibly lymph-points
Vagina discharges: Massage vagina and uterus; lymph-points
Varicose veins: Massage kidneys, ureters and bladder; adrenal gland; spine
Vascular constriction: Massage the organ where the constriction exists; massage parathyroid gland; adrenal gland; kidneys, ureters and bladder
Vegetative nervous system, disturbances in: Massage solar plexus; general building-up

W

Wrist: Massage the ankle
Water, urge to pass: Massage kidneys, ureters and bladder; possibly uterus in case of prolaplis.
Whitlow: Massage the corresponding toe; massage the lymph-glands










Reflexology
Reflexology, in alternative medicine, a healing system in which specific points on the feet or hands, known as reflex points, are manipulated to bring about changes in other parts of the body. These reflex points are believed to correspond to every major organ, gland, and area of the body.
Reflexology was first introduced to the United States in the early 1900s as Zone Therapy. It is based on the principle of ancient Asian medicine in which a life force circulates throughout the body, connecting one part to another; when this energy is blocked, disease develops. By stimulating reflex points on the feet or hands, reflexology is thought to restore the energy flow and the body's own natural ability to heal itself.
Reflexology is viewed primarily as a general healing therapy that helps the body regain its natural balance, harmony, and health. It stimulates circulation in the blood and lymph systems and is considered especially useful for migraine, sinus trouble, and constipation. During a reflexology session, the therapist uses fingers, thumbs, and palms to stroke or lightly press the reflex points on each foot. Where energy blocks—commonly felt as tiny crystalline deposits—are found, the reflexologist applies deep pressure for seconds or minutes until these deposits are broken down. Reflexology sessions generally last about 50 minutes.
The benefits of reflexology are said to include an overall feeling of well-being, released tension, increased energy, and pain relief. Often one or two reflexology sessions are enough to produce results. Persistent conditions may require weekly treatment at first. Reflexologists recommend regular maintenance sessions to strengthen and balance the energy flow.
Reflexology is widely practiced in Europe and North America, often by massage therapists. It can also be practiced on oneself—training is given at reflexology centers, and various instructional books with maps of the reflex points have been published for the lay person.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE massage therapy: a form of massage in which pressure is applied to parts of the feet and hands in order to promote relaxation and healing elsewhere in the body.

Alternative Medicine, also called unconventional medicine, therapeutic practices, techniques, and beliefs that are outside the realm of mainstream Western health care. Alternative medicine emphasizes therapies that improve quality of life, prevent disease, and address conditions that conventional medicine has limited success in curing, such as chronic back pain and certain cancers. Proponents of alternative medicine believe that these approaches to healing are safer and more natural and have been shown through experience to work. In certain countries, alternative medical practices are the most widely used methods of health care. However, many practitioners of modern conventional medicine believe these practices are unorthodox and unproven.
Questions and Answers About Alternative Medicine
Q: Can acupuncture help reduce the craving for cigarettes?
A: Acupuncture, in combination with the burning of a traditional Chinese herb, moxa, at specific acupuncture points has been demonstrated to be effective in addictions such as cigarettes and tobacco products.
Q: What is a phytonutrient?
A: Phytonutrients are “plant-based” nutrients from the Latin “phyto” for plants. A good example is the naturally occurring estrogens on “phytoestrogens” in soy beans and products.
Q: What is an antioxidant?
A: An antioxidant is a substance, such as Vitamins C and E, that prevent the cellular damage due to oxygen interacting with cellular metabolism. Although oxygen metabolism is essential to life, the antioxidants diminish excessive activity and damage to the cell.
Q: Does melatonin prevent jet lag?
A: Melatonin can alleviate jet lag. There are a number of complex ways of using melatonin but the best general approach is to ingest no more than 3 mg of melatonin approximately 45 minutes prior to going to sleep in the new time zone.
Q: Is St. John’s Wort effective in treating depression?
A: St. John’s Wort is effective in treating mild to moderate depression. It has been studied in comparison to common antidepressants, such as Prozac, and been found to be equally effective with fewer side effects.
Q: Is Echinacea effective in treating colds and flu?
A: Echinacea can be effective in preventing the onset of cold or flu if taken at the earliest possible onset of the symptoms. Evidence is actually better that Echinacea can shorten the duration, if not prevent altogether, a cold or flu episode.
Q: In homeopathy, what does “Like cures like” mean?
A: In homeopathy, the principle of “like cures like” refers to the use of dilute preparation of a substance that would produce the symptoms of the illness in a healthy person. Using the “like” substance is theorized to provide the body into a healing response to that same illness.
Q: What is Ayurvedic medicine? According to Ayurvedic medicine, what are the three basic life forces, or doshas?
A: Ayurvedic medicine is the indigenous, traditional medicine of India.
According to Ayurveda, there are basic life forces, or “doshas,” that determine a person’s unique constitution. These are the “vata” or air aspect for very energetic people; the “pitta” or fire aspect of aggressive people; and the “kapha” aspect of slow moving, conservative individuals.
Q: What is yin and yang?
A: According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the universe is in constant dynamic interplay between the two forces of “yin” (the male, active, aggressive) and “yang” (the female, passive, receptive) energies, which need to be in balance to achieve individual, environmental, and spiritual balance and harmony.
Q. Are some medical therapies considered experimental in the United States but regarded as mainstream medicine in other countries?
A: Many medical therapies that are considered alternative in the United States are actually conventional medicine in other countries. For example, acupuncture has long been a standard medical procedure in China. In fact, given the populations of China and India, the vast majority of people in the world receive their medical care by interventions considered alternative here in the United States.
Q: What benefits does fasting have?
A: Among the benefits of brief fasting (three to five days) are short-term water weight loss, increased energy, modest long-term weight reduction, possible increased elimination of toxicity, and mood enhancement.
Among the dangers are dehydration, short-term malnutrition, possible arrythmias (which can be life threatening), irritability, light-headedness, fainting due to hypotension, and excessive urination. Any fast of more than one day should be undertaken with clinical supervision and expertise.
Q: What benefits does meditation have?
A: The primary benefit of meditation is relaxation and pain management. It also improves concentration, stimulates the onset of sleep, and reduces blood pressure. While meditating, the meditator experiences enhanced immunity for a brief duration. The meditator also may have an as enhanced response to UV treatment of psoriasis, as well as to treatment of painful menstruation, headache, and many other conditions.
In fact, meditation and relaxation therapies have the best scientific record for helping the broadest array of medical and psychological conditions for the largest number of people. The record for these therapies is better than that for any other complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) interventions.
Q. What is Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)?
A. According to the Cochrane Collaboration, an international research group based in London and dedicated to evidence-based medicine (medical treatments that have undergone objective, rigorous scientific evaluation), CAM is defined as “diagnosis, treatment, and/or prevention which complements conventional medicine by contributing to a common whole, by satisfying a demand not met by orthodoxy, or by diversifying the conceptual framework of medicine.”
Q: What conditions can homeopathic remedies treat effectively?
A: According to well-designed scientific studies, homeopathy appears to be effective at treating the following conditions:
* respiratory infections * hay fever * peripheral circulation disorders * pain and trauma * swelling due to trauma or surgery
It is also a helpful aid in returning normal gastrointestinal function after bowel surgery. In addition, some evidence indicates that homeopathy may be helpful for depression, otitis in children, and diarrhea.
Studies have shown that homeopathy is not effective at treating plantar warts or osteoarthritis or at preventing flu or conjunctivitis.
Q: How does hypnosis work? Does it have medical applications?
A: Hypnosis is a state of focused attention similar to deep relaxation. The exact mechanism of the state of hypnosis remains unknown. Either under the direction of a clinician/hypnotist or through self-hypnosis, an individual can learn to focus on specific inner sensations that are positive while withdrawing the attention from negative internal sensations or thoughts, such as pain and anxiety.
Hypnosis is used in medicine to help patients achieve self-control over conditions such as drug and cigarette addiction, acute and chronic pain, and an array of psychological conditions, including sleep onset insomnia and depression.
Q. What is the difference between a Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.) and a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)?
A. Doctors of Medicine (M.D.s) and Doctors of Osteopathy (D.O.s) receive virtually identical training, and both are equally licensed in all 50 states. In their medical practice, D.O.s generally place a greater emphasis on manipulating the muscles and skeleton than M.D.s do. D.O.s also tend to emphasize herbal medicines and methods that influence the biological energy fields in the body.
To learn more about the differences between these two types of physicians, review Encarta’s article on Medicine. The American Medical Association promotes professionalism in medicine and sets standards for medical education, practice, and ethics. The American Osteopathic Association advances the philosophy and science of osteopathic medicine through research and education.
Q: What is Mind-Body Medicine?
A: Mind-body medicine focuses on the interaction between the mind and physical responses in the body. Emotions such as stress or depression can have a debilitating affect on health, affecting the body’s ability to fight off disease. Likewise, a chronic disease can affect mental outlook, causing emotional ills such as stress, depression, or loneliness. The scientific name for this type of medicine is psychoneuroimmunology, in which psycho refers to the mind, neuro refers to the brain and nervous system, and immunology refers to the body’s response to infections.
Mind-body medicine uses therapies that help improve both mental and physical well-being. Therapies may be used to help boost the body’s infection-fighting abilities. These therapies include meditation, visual imagery, and group support that improves mental outlook while diminishing anger, pessimism, or anxiety. Mind-body medicine may use placebos, drugs that contain no active ingredients. Placebos can provide patients with a positive psychological effect, which in turn results in lessened disease symptoms. Healing techniques from other cultures, such as acupuncture, yoga, and herbal medicines, may also be used.
Q. In acupuncture, what is moxibustion?
A. Moxibustion is an acupuncture procedure that uses a dried herb, commonly known as moxa or mugwort. This herb is burned so that the heat from the herb is transferred to specific points on the body to tonify (increase the energy) along the body’s meridians (lines of subtle energy that flow on the surface of the body). Like acupuncture, moxibustion activates a patient’s natural power to heal.
Q: What is naturopathy? What type of therapy does it use? How are naturopaths trained?
A: It should be noted that naturopathy is not the same as homeopathy. Naturopathy is a clinical specialty that emphasizes the use of natural products in both prevention and treatment of disease. It is founded on six basic principles:

Naturopathic doctors (NDs) use many forms of therapy including therapeutic diets, fasting, herbal supplements, hydrotherapy, psychotherapy, stress management, massage and other physical manipulation therapies, and homeopathy. In certain states NDs can perform minor surgeries and prescribe specific conventional medicines such as antibiotics.
Naturopathy appears to be effective in treating the following:
* asthma * osteoarthritis * cardiovascular disease (CHD) * hypertension * benign prostatic hypertrophy * diabetes mellitus * irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) * premenstrual syndrome (PMS) * vaginitis * eczema
It is also effective for other chronic and acute conditions, and in promoting weight loss.
Naturopaths do treat cancer and usually work in conjunction with conventional oncologists. ND approaches with cancer patients include fasting, therapeutic diet, hydrotherapy, herbal medicine, and stress management. Despite clinical cases claiming efficacy, there is no research clearly demonstrating naturopathy to be effective in any form of cancer treatment.
There are very few rigorous, placebo-controlled, clinical trials (RCTs) of naturopathy, and therefore the scientific basis for the clinical efficacy of naturopathy is weak. However, there is an extensive clinical case report basis for ND practices.
Given this lack of general research in naturopathy and the fact that scientific journals generally publish fewer “negative outcome” studies (in which the intervention does not work), there is a virtual absence of any scientific documentation and research of what does not work in naturopathic medicine.
Naturopathic physicians receive training leading to a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) degree. Overall, the training is similar to conventional medical training in the basic biomedical sciences but has a greater emphasis on herbal and other natural therapies. In some states, such as Washington, naturopaths can prescribe certain conventional medications such as antibiotics. In other states, such as Connecticut, NDs are recognized as primary care providers, while states such as California do not license NDs to practice.
Q. What is the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)?
A. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), established within the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has the objective of researching a vast array of alternative medicine interventions to determine their safety and efficacy. NCCAM defines complementary and alternative medicine as “those treatments and health-care practices not taught widely in medical schools, not generally used in hospitals, and not usually reimbursed by medical insurance companies.… Some approaches are consistent with physiological principles of Western medicine, while others constitute healing systems with a different origin. While some therapies are far outside the realm of accepted Western medical theory and practice, others are becoming established in mainstream medicine.”
Q. Do practitioners of acupuncture use only needles in their treatments?
A. Practitioners of acupuncture use various needles in their treatment as well as massage, herbal remedies, and considerable psychological and emotional counseling.
Q. Can acupuncture relieve the pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis?
A. According to the National Institutes of Health, there is good scientific evidence that acupuncture can have a positive effect on rheumatoid arthritis. Acupuncture has also been found effective in treating over 15 common medical conditions, including fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, headache, and asthma.
Q. What conditions can Reiki therapy treat?
A. Reiki is a form of massage and subtle biological energy manipulation. There is some preliminary evidence that Reiki may relieve the pain of neurological damage caused by diabetes mellitus. Ongoing research is investigating if Reiki can help patients make a faster recovery from open-heart surgery.
Q. Do any medical schools in the United States teach alternative medicine therapies?
A. Over half of the approximately 144 medical schools in the United States that offer degrees in medicine (M.D.) or osteopathy (D.O.) teach courses in alternative medicine and/or courses on specific complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices, such as acupuncture.
For more information about medical schools offering medical degrees, the Association of American Medical Colleges offers a listing of medical schools by their location. The American Osteopathic Association also provides a list of its medical schools offering doctor of osteopathy (D.O.) degrees.
Q: What do chiropractors do? What conditions do they treat?
A: Chiropractic medicine is an approach that is derived from the Greek roots “cheir,” meaning hand, and “praxis,” meaning practice, and was formulated by the founder of chiropractic, Daniel David Palmer, to mean “done by hand.” The emphasis in chiropractic is on the use of physical manipulation or adjustments to correct misalignment of the spinal vertebrae and other musculoskeletal joints to improve the function of the related organs and musculature.
The main treatments used by chiropractic physicians are adjustments, or physical manipulation of the musculoskeletal system. Chiropractors also use heat and/or cold therapy, immobilization (with splints, for example), hydrotherapy, ultrasound, and massage.
Chiropractic treatments can help lower back and neck pain, as well as general musculoskeletal pain. It is less certain if they help headaches.
Chiropractic interventions are generally not effective for hypertension, immune function stimulation, enuresis or bed-wetting, chronic asthma, infant colic, and otitis media in children.
Chiropractic physicians receive training in the basic biomedical sciences but with a greater emphasis on the spine and musculoskeletal system. Training occurs at an accredited school of chiropractic medicine over a period of four years and leads to the DC (Doctor of Chiropractic) degree. Chiropractic physicians are licensed to practice in every state in the United States, and chiropractic is one of the alternative medicine therapies most commonly used by the general public.

Q: What is reflexology? What conditions can it effectively treat?

A: Reflexology is a form of massage that focuses on certain “trigger” or “reflex” points in the muscles and tendons. Through a focused massage at these trigger points, the reflexology therapist releases physical tension and psychological issues that arise.
Although there is virtually no research on reflexology per se, many conditions respond well to massage therapies, including general pain, musculoskeletal trauma, and low back pain. Massage therapies are also helpful for rehabilitation, lymph node drainage (post-mastectomy), general relaxation, and general psychological well-being.
There are no studies demonstrating any conditions for which reflexology is not effective.

Physicians
Physicians diagnose diseases and injuries, administer treatment, and advise patients on good diet and other ways to stay healthy. The United States has two kinds of physicians, the Doctor of Medicine (MD) and the Doctor of Osteopathy (DO). Both use medicines, surgery, and other standard methods of treating disease. DOs place special emphasis on problems involving the musculoskeletal system, which includes muscles, ligaments, bones, and joints.

The Structure and Function of the Digestive System
Your digestive system is uniquely constructed to perform its specialized function of turning food into the energy you need to survive and packaging the residue for waste disposal. To help you understand how the many parts of the digestive system work together, here is an overview of the structure and function of this complex system.
Mouth
The mouth is the beginning of the digestive tract; and, in fact, digestion starts here when taking the first bite of food. Chewing breaks the food into pieces that are more easily digested, while saliva mixes with food to begin the process of breaking it down into a form your body can absorb and use.
Esophagus
Located in your throat near your trachea (windpipe), the esophagus receives food from your mouth when you swallow. By means of a series of muscular contractions called peristalsis, the esophagus delivers food to your stomach.
Stomach
The stomach is a hollow organ, or "container," that holds food while it is being mixed with enzymes that continue the process of breaking down food into a usable form. Cells in the lining of the stomach secrete a strong acid and powerful enzymes that are responsible for the breakdown process. When the contents of the stomach are sufficiently processed, they are released into the small intestine.
Small intestine
Made up of three segments — the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum — the small intestine is a 22-foot long muscular tube that breaks down food using enzymes released by the pancreas and bile from the liver. Peristalsis also is at work in this organ, moving food through and mixing it with digestive secretions from the pancreas and liver. The duodenum is largely responsible for the continuous breaking-down process, with the jejunum and ileum mainly responsible for absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream.
Contents of the small intestine start out semi-solid, and end in a liquid form after passing through the organ. Water, bile, enzymes, and mucous contribute to the change in consistency. Once the nutrients have been absorbed and the leftover-food residue liquid has passed through the small intestine, it then moves on to the large intestine, or colon.
Pancreas
The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes into the duodenum, the first segment of the small intestine. These enzymes break down protein, fats, and carbohydrates. The pancreas also makes insulin, secreting it directly into the bloodstream. Insulin is the chief hormone for metabolizing sugar.
Liver
The liver has multiple functions, but its main function within the digestive system is to process the nutrients absorbed from the small intestine. Bile from the liver secreted into the small intestine also plays an important role in digesting fat. In addition, the liver is the body’s chemical "factory." It takes the raw materials absorbed by the intestine and makes all the various chemicals the body needs to function. The liver also detoxifies potentially harmful chemicals. It breaks down and secretes many drugs.
Gallbladder
The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile, and then releases it into the duodenum to help absorb and digest fats.
Colon (large intestine)
The colon is a 6-foot long muscular tube that connects the small intestine to the rectum. The large intestine is made up of the cecum, the ascending (right) colon, the transverse (across) colon, the descending (left) colon, and the sigmoid colon, which connects to the rectum. The appendix is a small tube attached to the cecum. The large intestine is a highly specialized organ that is responsible for processing waste so that emptying the bowels is easy and convenient.
Stool, or waste left over from the digestive process, is passed through the colon by means of peristalsis, first in a liquid state and ultimately in a solid form. As stool passes through the colon, water is removed. Stool is stored in the sigmoid (S-shaped) colon until a "mass movement" empties it into the rectum once or twice a day. It normally takes about 36 hours for stool to get through the colon. The stool itself is mostly food debris and bacteria. These bacteria perform several useful functions, such as synthesizing various vitamins, processing waste products and food particles, and protecting against harmful bacteria. When the descending colon becomes full of stool, or feces, it empties its contents into the rectum to begin the process of elimination.
Rectum
The rectum (Latin for "straight") is an 8-inch chamber that connects the colon to the anus. It is the rectum's job to receive stool from the colon, to let the person know that there is stool to be evacuated, and to hold the stool until evacuation happens. When anything (gas or stool) comes into the rectum, sensors send a message to the brain. The brain then decides if the rectal contents can be released or not. If they can, the sphincters relax and the rectum contracts, disposing its contents. If the contents cannot be disposed, the sphincter contracts and the rectum accommodates so that the sensation temporarily goes away.
Anus
The anus is the last part of the digestive tract. It is a 2-inch long canal consisting of the pelvic floor muscles and the two anal sphincters (internal and external). The lining of the upper anus is specialized to detect rectal contents. It lets you know whether the contents are liquid, gas, or solid. The anus is surrounded by sphincter muscles that are important in allowing control of stool. The pelvic floor muscle creates an angle between the rectum and the anus that stops stool from coming out when it is not supposed to. The internal sphincter is always tight, except when stool enters the rectum. It keeps us continent when we are asleep or otherwise unaware of the presence of stool. When we get an urge to go to the bathroom, we rely on our external sphincter to hold the stool until reaching a toilet, where it then relaxes to release the contents.