World Reflexology blog based in Athens Greece by Spiridon Dimitrakoulas, Orthopedic Reflexologist.
"All people should learn the art of medicine, Hippocrate, especially those who are educated and have experience with words, because this is beautiful and at the same time usefull in life." -
- Democritus
Google Website Translator Gadget_________ ATTENTION "Αγγλικά" is ENGLISH !!!!!
To welcome the year 2026, I created the number 26 using only anatomical structures, combining anatomy, creativity, and my passion for teaching.
On my YouTube channel, you can find more anatomical drawings from previous years, as well as seasonal creations such as a Christmas tree, candy cane, and a Valentine’s Day heart.
If you enjoy this kind of work and feel connected to my teaching style, you may like to join me in one of my upcoming Orthopedic Reflexology trainings, held in different locations around the world.
Athens – April Training
The Athens training in April is a small, intimate group, offering not only in-depth learning but also a special experience of the city. As a local, I personally guide students so they can truly feel the spirit of Athens while studying.
Για να υποδεχτούμε το 2026, δημιούργησα τον αριθμό 26 χρησιμοποιώντας μόνο ανατομικές δομές — μια σύνθεση ανατομίας, δημιουργικότητας και πάθους για τη διδασκαλία.
Στο κανάλι μου θα βρείτε κι άλλα ανατομικά σχέδια από προηγούμενα χρόνια, καθώς και εποχιακές δημιουργίες, όπως χριστουγεννιάτικο δέντρο, την καραμέλα των Χριστουγέννων, και την καρδιά του Αγ. Βαλεντίνου.
Αν βρίσκετε ενδιαφέρον την ανατομία και και την προσέγγισή μου στη διδασκαλία, ίσως σας ενδιαφέρει να συμμετάσχετε σε κάποιο από τα επόμενα σεμινάρια Ορθοπεδικής Ρεφλεξολογίας, σε Ελλάδα και εξωτερικό.
Το επόμενο σεμινάριο Ορθοπεδικής Ρεφλεξολογίας στην Ελληνική γλώσσα θα πραγματοποιηθεί στην Αθήνα 16, 17, 18 Ιανουαρίου 2026
Μαυροβούνιο - Ελλάς (Ποντγκόριτσα)
Το γήπεδο ήταν γεμάτο με 6000 κόσμο πριν ξεκινήσει το ζέσταμα!
Βλέπετε το ζέσταμα με την χρήση σημείων βελονισμού και Ρεφλεξολογίας. Δείχνει ο αθλητής της Εθνικής ομάδας αλλά και Ρεφλεξολόγος Χριστόδουλος Μυλωνάς.
The Toulouse Reflexology fMRI research and its application on the Greek mens Handball team. I was reading the results of their research and found very interesting the schema of the reflexology protocol, which was very similar to the sham massage protocol. There are some correlations to TCM and the specifically the kidney meridian but also to the circulatory system of the pedis.
Link to the research paper https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37816799/
Non-pharmacological approaches, such as massage and reflexology, are increasingly used in healthcare to help people feel better without medication. In this study, 30 healthy volunteers received foot reflexology and a gentle comparison massage while their brain activity was measured using MRI.
The results showed that both approaches affected brain networks involved in relaxation, body awareness, and pain processing. These brain changes are linked to comfort, reduced stress, and overall well-being. Importantly, the study identified brain signals that may help explain why patients often report feeling calmer and better after such treatments.
Although no clear difference was found between reflexology and the comparison massage, the findings show that these non-drug interventions are safe and can positively influence the brain. This supports their use in clinical settings as complementary therapies that may improve patients’ comfort, well-being, and quality of life, especially alongside standard medical care.
The Reflexology schema they used in the research. It is similar with the description given for the sham massage.
Οι μη φαρμακευτικές παρεμβάσεις, όπως η μάλαξη και η ρεφλεξολογία, χρησιμοποιούνται όλο και περισσότερο στην υγειονομική φροντίδα για να βοηθήσουν τους ανθρώπους να αισθάνονται καλύτερα χωρίς τη χρήση φαρμάκων. Στη μελέτη αυτή, 30 υγιείς εθελοντές έλαβαν ποδο-ρεφλεξολογία και μια ήπια συγκριτική μάλαξη, ενώ καταγράφηκε η εγκεφαλική τους δραστηριότητα με μαγνητική τομογραφία.
Τα αποτελέσματα έδειξαν ότι και οι δύο παρεμβάσεις επηρέασαν θετικά εγκεφαλικά δίκτυα που σχετίζονται με τη χαλάρωση, την αντίληψη του σώματος και την επεξεργασία του πόνου. Αυτές οι αλλαγές συνδέονται με μείωση του στρες, αίσθημα άνεσης και γενικότερη ευεξία. Σημαντικό είναι ότι εντοπίστηκαν εγκεφαλικοί δείκτες που βοηθούν να κατανοήσουμε γιατί πολλοί ασθενείς αναφέρουν ότι νιώθουν πιο ήρεμοι και καλύτερα μετά από τέτοιες θεραπείες.
Παρόλο που δεν βρέθηκαν σαφείς διαφορές μεταξύ ρεφλεξολογίας και συγκριτικής μάλαξης, η μελέτη δείχνει ότι οι μη φαρμακευτικές παρεμβάσεις είναι ασφαλείς και μπορούν να έχουν θετική επίδραση στον εγκέφαλο. Τα ευρήματα αυτά υποστηρίζουν τη χρήση τους στην κλινική πράξη ως συμπληρωματικές θεραπείες που μπορούν να βελτιώσουν την άνεση, την ευεξία και την ποιότητα ζωής των ασθενών, παράλληλα με την καθιερωμένη ιατρική φροντίδα.
The group I mention I was a part of, had to do with the study titled "Reflexology-specific guidance for using the TIDieR checklist: A Delphi study"
I particpated in this study on the panel of experts in a three-round online Delphi process. During this process a structured communication and forecasting method was used to achieve consensus on the content of the Reflexology specific guidance. This was followed by online meetings to refine the wording and agree on illustrative examples.
The primary goal of the study was to improve the completeness and transparency of reporting reflexology interventions, which historically has been a barrier to the therapy's replication, meta-analysis, and broader acceptance in evidence-based practice.
The study titled "Reflexology-specific guidance for using the TIDieR checklist: A Delphi study" developed and validated a set of comprehensive, standardized guidelines for the reporting of reflexology interventions in research publications.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876382024000854
Η εταιρεία NIKE, στηριζόμενη σε αρχές της Ρεφλεξολογίας δημιούργησε ένα υπόδημα που όπως λένε αυξάνει την νοητική οξυδέρκεια και την συγκέντρωση των αθλητών.
Thanks for watching!
If you like my teaching approach these are the Orthopedic Reflexology trainings for 2026 and where they are scheduled to take place.
🇬🇷ΑΘΗΝΑ 16 - 18 Ιανουαρίου στο Natural Health Science στα Ελληνικά info@nhs.gr
🇨🇾Cyprus PRIVATE CLASS 6th-8th February
🇮🇩Krakow 27th- 28 February - 1st March annakhadir@aol.com
🇬🇷Athens 17th - 19th of April (international students - in the english language) spirosreflex@gmail.com
🇬🇧London 26th - 28th June hagarbasis.reflexology@gmail.com
🇱🇺Holland, Asperen 10th-12th July nathalie@ohm-academy.nl
🇨🇮Ireland 17th-18th October 2026 NRRI Symposium
email: info@nationalreflexology.ie
For those interested in attending the Athens training in April from the 17th to the 19th may take advantage of the EARLY BIRD price until the 30th of November.
For more information on the Athens training, please follow this link
https://spiros-reflexologia.blogspot.com/2025/10/orthopedic-reflexology-spring-training.html
Or send me directly a message!
spirosreflex@gmail.com
Spiros Bodyworx Dimitrakoulas
Today through a Orthopedic Reflexology lens, we will look at the reflex "nerve" for the sciatic nerve, and what foot anatomy reveals to us.
We also look at where the wise Mother of Reflexology Eunice Ingham placed that reflex and now we will understand why she was also knowledgeable anatomy wise.
Inge Dougans has an interesting variation that complements what Ingham proposed so we will look at that also.
If you like my teaching approach Orthopedic Reflexology trainings for 2026 are scheduled to take place in
ΑΘΗΝΑ 16 - 18 Ιανουαρίου στο Natural Health Science στα Ελληνικά info@nhs.gr
Krakow 27th- 28 February - 1st March annakhadir@aol.com
Athens 17th - 19th of April (international students - in the english language) spirosreflex@gmail.com
London 26th - 28th June hagarbasis.reflexology@gmail.com
Holland 10th-12th July nathalie@ohm-academy.nl
Ireland October 2026 NRRI Symposium 2026
For those interested in attending the Athens training in April from the 17th to the 19th may take advantage of the EARLY BIRD price until the 30th of November.
For more information, please follow this link
I would like to welcome colleagues, Jewels from Scotland, and Oran from Israel to the Orthopedic Reflexology Spring training in Athens.
They both took advantage of the EXTRA EARLY BIRD PRICE and good for them.
For those interested in attending this training in April from the 17th to the 19th may still take advantage of the EARLY BIRD price until the 30th of November.
🌿 Reflexology Training in Athens – 2025 Dates Announced! 🌿
I'm very pleased to announce the next date for our internationally recognized reflexology training in Athens!
Over the years, this 3-day course has grown in popularity, with consistently high satisfaction rates from participants worldwide.
🗓️ Upcoming Training Dates:
Spring Session: Friday 17th – Sunday 19th April 2026
🌍About the Training
Taught in English and open to international students, this course offers a unique opportunity to combine professional development with an unforgettable trip to Greece.
You'll not only enhance your reflexology skills but also enjoy an immersive cultural experience in one of the most historic cities in the world.
🏛️ More Than Just Training
In addition to the daily training sessions, optional afternoon and evening activities are available for those interested:
Small sightseeing tours around Athens
Late dinners at local spots – just like the locals do!
These experiences will help you get the most out of your visit.
(Please note: Museum entry fees and meals are at participants' own expense.)
🕤 Course Schedule
Training runs daily from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, leaving you plenty of time to:
Explore downtown Athens
Visit nearby beaches on the Athens Riviera
Or simply relax and soak in the Greek sun!
Throughout the training, I’ll be your host, ensuring a warm welcome and personalized support to make your stay comfortable and enriching.
🎁 What’s Included (Athens-Only Bonuses!)
The Orthopedic Reflexology Crash Course Training Video – normally priced at €120, included for free!
A unique and enriching masterclass that blends modern pain science with the timeless clinical insights of Hippocrates. This session is designed specifically for Reflexologists who want to deepen their understanding of pain, refine their clinical reasoning, and confidently educate clients dealing with chronic discomfort.
The Pythagorean Cup – also known as the “Cup of Greed” – a great tool to complement your pain education practice and a unique Greek souvenir
💰 Investment
Spring Training: April 17th–19th, 2026
Full Price: €430
Early Bird (End of November, 2025): €350
50 euro EXTRA discount on the Early Bird price for those booking until the 12th of October
🔁 Returning participants (who have completed OR training): 50% discount applies!
💳 Deposit: €100 (non-refundable, but you will receive the OR training video regardless of attendance)
A Deeper Understanding of the Feet – Rooted in Ancient Wisdom, Backed by Modern Science
What is Orthopedic Reflexology?
Orthopedic Reflexology is an advanced reflexology training focused on the detailed anatomy of the lower limbs, with a strong emphasis on practical applications. This unique approach combines:
Anatomical precision
Manual therapeutic techniques
Insights from Hippocratic medicine
Modern pain science and fascia theory
In this course, you’ll explore how understanding the structures beneath your hands—bones, muscles, nerves, vessels, ligaments, and tendons—can elevate your reflexology practice to a new level of effectiveness and purpose.
Why Anatomy Matters in Reflexology
As Reflexologists, we apply techniques not just on the skin, but deeper—right down to the bone. Understanding what lies beneath the surface allows you to:
Choose the most effective technique for each structure
Apply the correct amount of pressure, for the right amount of time
Recognize and respond to the condition of the foot’s tissues
This is where Orthopedic Reflexology shines—bridging traditional techniques with anatomical knowledge for more targeted and impactful results.
Hippocrates’ Timeless Teachings
In the 5th century BC, Hippocrates wrote about manual therapy, describing how variations in pressure and duration affect the tissues. Modern research is now confirming what Hippocrates taught centuries ago.
In this course, we study his original paragraph on “Anatripsis” (rubbing) and apply his principles practically to:
The intrinsic muscles of the foot
Structures where the reflexes are embedded
Discriminating tissue conditions and selecting appropriate techniques
"In order for nature to heal, everything must be in moderation." – Hippocrates
What You’ll Learn
This intensive course blends ancient Greek medicine with modern therapeutic understanding, covering:
Anatomy of the foot (bones, muscles, nerves, vessels)
Hippocrates' 4 pairs of “veins” – the precursors to Chinese meridians
Myofascial chains (as taught by Tom Myers) and how they relate to reflexology
Nerve pathways, zones, and meridians
Reflexology maps from an orthopedic perspective
The “Science” of Reflexology – modern pain concepts explained
Practical techniques for common foot issues:
Hallux valgus
Plantar fasciitis
Hammer toes
The origin and evolution of Reflexology and why understanding history is vital to our future as a profession
Who Can Attend?
This training is open to everyone, not just Reflexologists. Whether you're a therapist, bodyworker, or healthcare practitioner, you’ll gain immediate, applicable skills and a new appreciation for the complexity of the feet.
Course Structure
3 Days of Training
Major focus on hands-on techniques
Theoretical and practical integration of:
Hippocratic Medicine
Chinese Medicine
Western Anatomy
Modern Fascia & Pain Science
This course is for you if:
You’ve ever wanted to specialize in lower limb anatomy and reflexology
You wonder why what you do is effective—or why it sometimes isn’t
You’re curious about Greek medicine’s influence on modern practices
You want to combine ancient theory with modern science
