Introduction to Orthopedic Reflexology (OR)
The most common questions among students of reflexology, reflexologists and body workers in general regarding the practical part of their art is, depending on the nature of their clients problem(s) is where to rub (press), how strong (pressure) and for how long (duration)? These questions need to be answered every time we hold a pair of feet in our hands, either the first time or every other time after that. Independent of the school of thought you have been trained Orthopedic Reflexology supplements your existing knowledge by answering these questions every time.
Orthopedic Reflexology (OR) is based on the teachings of Hippocrates, the father of western medicine. This regards the art of rubbing – Anatripsis. Hippocrates wrote small concise passages on rubbing which he considered easy to learn and apply. Scattered in the Hippocratic corpus many references to rubbing (and of the feet) can be found, Orthopedic Reflexology (OR) is about utilizing the experience one has obtained in discriminating the reflex areas or the condition of the foot’s tissues and then applying the correct technique, the proper amount of pressure for the appropriate amount of time to achieve the medium as taught by Hippocrates in order for nature to heal.
There are so many different charts, which one is the best to learn, to use? Orthopedic Reflexology practitioners never stop learning, this is the fundamental concept of Hippocrates, they always seek knowledge, and thus they will study and learn as many charts as possible. We use the condition of the tissues of the feet to guide us; the body’s internal doctor will tell us what to do ,if we listen to the feet. Orthopedic Reflexology charts are anatomical foot charts, knowing these charts help us to understand zones, meridians, and fascia but also to effectively manipulate the feet.
Orthopedic Reflexology is also about learning the history, trying to understand why and how reflexology works, or why it does not. By trying to understand about pain, the nervous system and when to work the feet or hands, face or ears, and the effect the body’s internal – external environment has on it.
Please note – Orthopedic reflexology is open to all, not only reflexologists. Therapists who are new to working the feet will notice the differences, and body workers can use the information regarding rubbing immediately anywhere on the body, these are fundamental laws. Rubbing – anatripsis is the word Hippocrates used, while massage is of other origin.
Orthopedic Reflexology Course (Part 1-2)
A Referenced reflexology history – why is this important for the outcome of your treatment and why for our future as a profession.
Hippocrates and Galens guide on the effects of “rubbing” Anatripsis depending on the combination of amount of pressure and duration of time.
There are different types of combinations, nine different results explained.
Spiros Dimitrakoulas started his reflexology journey back in 1992; he is President of the Hellenic Association of Reflexologists HAR and editor of 12 years of “Enarmonisi”, the HAR official magazine. Since 2003 he has continued in the role of Greek representative for Reflexology in Europe Network (RIEN). Spiros heads a team of reflexologists, working at the pain clinic of the university hospital Aretaieio, in Athens, in addition to running his own private clinic. He most recently published an article; a documented history of reflexology.
Spiros teaches reflexology to students at Natural Health Science in Athens, Greece. He is also the tutor for MNT-NR (Nerve Reflexology), teaching both AT-R (anatomical topographical reflexology) and Nerve Reflexology courses. In addition to his reflexology courses which includes Orthopedic Reflexology (OR), he also teaches the Art of Hippocratic Kneading and his disciplines include Su Jok , Tui Na massage (Tiangin university, China) ,NOI (Neuro Orthopedic institute) , ear acupuncture and fascia therapy. Over the last five years he has led the Athens Classic Marathon massage & reflexology teams of volunteers, where he has the privilege of working on many athletes personally.
This page is intended to also be an educational resource for those studying Orthopedic Reflexology. Of course looking at cadever anatomy videos is helpfull, but if you are not up to it, just look at the more "milder ones".
Take note!: Do not accept as "complete or accurate" everything you see, hear and read in these videos, or in any anatomy atlas, differations do exist, it is OUR goal to examine many sources in order to finally be complete and accurate!
Of course attending an Orthopedic Reflexology course gives more insight into foot anatomy, plus learning through a somato-kinetic experience.
http://www.footeducation.com/
Anatomy for beginners movement 1-2 complete series
The most common questions among students of reflexology, reflexologists and body workers in general regarding the practical part of their art is, depending on the nature of their clients problem(s) is where to rub (press), how strong (pressure) and for how long (duration)? These questions need to be answered every time we hold a pair of feet in our hands, either the first time or every other time after that. Independent of the school of thought you have been trained Orthopedic Reflexology supplements your existing knowledge by answering these questions every time. Orthopedic Reflexology (OR) is based on the teachings of Hippocrates, the father of western medicine. This regards the art of rubbing – Anatripsis. Hippocrates wrote small concise passages on rubbing which he considered easy to learn and apply. Scattered in the Hippocratic corpus many references to rubbing (and of the feet) can be found, Orthopedic Reflexology (OR) is about utilizing the experience one has obtained in discriminating the reflex areas or the condition of the foot’s tissues and then applying the correct technique, the proper amount of pressure for the appropriate amount of time to achieve the medium as taught by Hippocrates in order for nature to heal.
There are so many different charts, which one is the best to learn, to use? Orthopedic Reflexology practitioners never stop learning, this is the fundamental concept of Hippocrates, they always seek knowledge, and thus they will study and learn as many charts as possible. We use the condition of the tissues of the feet to guide us; the body’s internal doctor will tell us what to do ,if we listen to the feet. Orthopedic Reflexology charts are anatomical foot charts, knowing these charts help us to understand zones, meridians, and fascia but also to effectively manipulate the feet.
Orthopedic Reflexology is also about learning the history, trying to understand why and how reflexology works, or why it does not. By trying to understand about pain, the nervous system and when to work the feet or hands, face or ears, and the effect the body’s internal – external environment has on it.
Please note – Orthopedic reflexology is open to all, not only reflexologists. Therapists who are new to working the feet will notice the differences, and body workers can use the information regarding rubbing immediately anywhere on the body, these are fundamental laws. Rubbing – anatripsis is the word Hippocrates used, while massage is of other origin.
Orthopedic Reflexology Course (Part 1-2)
- Anatomy of the foot – Muscle chains – Zones – Chinese meridians, and Hippocrates (4 pairs of meridians) – Nerves
- Orthopedic reflexology maps
- Lets talk about pain
- Hippocrates Holistic approach
- Case History taking
- Why & how does reflexology work?
- How to explain this to a lay person and how to explain to a doctor.
Spiros Dimitrakoulas started his reflexology journey back in 1992; he is President of the Hellenic Association of Reflexologists HAR and editor of 12 years of “Enarmonisi”, the HAR official magazine. Since 2003 he has continued in the role of Greek representative for Reflexology in Europe Network (RIEN). Spiros heads a team of reflexologists, working at the pain clinic of the university hospital Aretaieio, in Athens, in addition to running his own private clinic. He most recently published an article; a documented history of reflexology.
Spiros teaches reflexology to students at Natural Health Science in Athens, Greece. He is also the tutor for MNT-NR (Nerve Reflexology), teaching both AT-R (anatomical topographical reflexology) and Nerve Reflexology courses. In addition to his reflexology courses which includes Orthopedic Reflexology (OR), he also teaches the Art of Hippocratic Kneading and his disciplines include Su Jok , Tui Na massage (Tiangin university, China) ,NOI (Neuro Orthopedic institute) , ear acupuncture and fascia therapy. Over the last five years he has led the Athens Classic Marathon massage & reflexology teams of volunteers, where he has the privilege of working on many athletes personally.
This page is intended to also be an educational resource for those studying Orthopedic Reflexology. Of course looking at cadever anatomy videos is helpfull, but if you are not up to it, just look at the more "milder ones".
Take note!: Do not accept as "complete or accurate" everything you see, hear and read in these videos, or in any anatomy atlas, differations do exist, it is OUR goal to examine many sources in order to finally be complete and accurate!
Of course attending an Orthopedic Reflexology course gives more insight into foot anatomy, plus learning through a somato-kinetic experience.
http://www.footeducation.com/
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Walid Aziz has been a favourite of mine years now!
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