There exists the opinions in Reflexology that
when approaching reflexes for the face and head (let's say for the left side) that the Reflexologist should...
a. work on the left foot on the corresponding reflex zones in line with Zone theory of Dr. Fitzgerald
b. work on the right foot on the corresponding reflex zones because sensory transmission will ascend and crossover along the spinal cord or higher brain centers depending on the stimulus in line with physiology of the nervous system.
c. examine the corresponding reflexes on both feet and work thoroughly on the reflexes were a needle like or sharp pain exists, a "sore spot" as Ingham described, and/or a crystal formation is present (Ingham), a calcification is present (Ida Rolf) or multiplied and "larger" nerve endings (Manzanares).
I myself choose and recommend to those trained in #orthopedicreflexology to follow option c.
But my point today is to share findings possibly validating Dr. Fitzgeralds theory or at least recommend we all keep an open mind because we all still have a lot to learn and discover.
First of all there are a few fMRI studies in Reflexology and these have shown both ipsilateral and contralateral effects. The ipsilateral ones caused surprise.
Secondly, it is scientifically accepted that any kind of touching of the feet would have a more or less effect on the pelvis and lumbar area either viscera either myoskeletal thanks to the dermatomes. This would be a segmental reflex action, but does not explain at all the positive acquired effects of foot reflexology on issues refering to the face and thorax.
Recent research has stumbled on to something that might explain and validate the teachings of Fitzgerald and add one more explanation to why/how reflexology works.
Read the research here:
A Human Sensory Pathway Connecting the Foot to Ipsilateral Face That Partially Bypasses the Spinal Cord
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnins.2019.00519/full
And here:
Researchers discover new nerve pathway in the body.
https://m.medicalxpress.com/news/2019-06-nerve-pathway-body.html
End of September 2019 Orthopedic Reflexology training will take place in Greece. If you like our approach to Reflexology why not join us for four days of training?
https://spiros-reflexologia.blogspot.com/2019/07/orthopedic-reflexology-indian-summer.html?m=1
a. work on the left foot on the corresponding reflex zones in line with Zone theory of Dr. Fitzgerald
b. work on the right foot on the corresponding reflex zones because sensory transmission will ascend and crossover along the spinal cord or higher brain centers depending on the stimulus in line with physiology of the nervous system.
c. examine the corresponding reflexes on both feet and work thoroughly on the reflexes were a needle like or sharp pain exists, a "sore spot" as Ingham described, and/or a crystal formation is present (Ingham), a calcification is present (Ida Rolf) or multiplied and "larger" nerve endings (Manzanares).
I myself choose and recommend to those trained in #orthopedicreflexology to follow option c.
But my point today is to share findings possibly validating Dr. Fitzgeralds theory or at least recommend we all keep an open mind because we all still have a lot to learn and discover.
First of all there are a few fMRI studies in Reflexology and these have shown both ipsilateral and contralateral effects. The ipsilateral ones caused surprise.
Secondly, it is scientifically accepted that any kind of touching of the feet would have a more or less effect on the pelvis and lumbar area either viscera either myoskeletal thanks to the dermatomes. This would be a segmental reflex action, but does not explain at all the positive acquired effects of foot reflexology on issues refering to the face and thorax.
Recent research has stumbled on to something that might explain and validate the teachings of Fitzgerald and add one more explanation to why/how reflexology works.
Read the research here:
A Human Sensory Pathway Connecting the Foot to Ipsilateral Face That Partially Bypasses the Spinal Cord
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnins.2019.00519/full
And here:
Researchers discover new nerve pathway in the body.
https://m.medicalxpress.com/news/2019-06-nerve-pathway-body.html
End of September 2019 Orthopedic Reflexology training will take place in Greece. If you like our approach to Reflexology why not join us for four days of training?
https://spiros-reflexologia.blogspot.com/2019/07/orthopedic-reflexology-indian-summer.html?m=1
