Early Egyptian, Chinese and Indian civilisations identified the hands and feet as a way to treat conditions around the body. As research into the theories of the treatment gained momentum over the centuries, pioneering physicians and therapists developed the therapy we know today as reflexology. By mapping areas of the feet and hands that link to other areas of the body, reflexologists were able to help treat specific conditions not associated with our extremities. So how does reflexology work?

Blocked channels of energy flowing around the body, stress and poor circulation are all attributed to causing pain, discomfort and disease. Modern reflexology techniques look to place the human body back into a state of well-being and aid the systems that keep our body healthy. Knowing what pressure applied to where on our body can help us understand how a reflexologist works. The right side of our body is linked to the right foot and the left side to the left foot. On a foot, there are 72,000 nerve endings and some 72 reflex areas to concentrate on. Each area can link to one or more parts of the body so what links where?

The end of the toe links to the brain and head and with reflexology can help with headaches. Working down, the first small joint of the toe links to the sinuses and face and can help with colds. The next joint is for the jaw, teeth and gums and is worked on for dental problems. Neck and brain conditions are linked to the base of the toe and the main joint of the toe links to the top of our shoulders. The main part of our foot is divided into four areas, working down there are links to: the breast, chest and lung, the upper and lower back, and nearest the ankle for fallopian tubes, groin and lymph glands. On the inner side of the foot, there are reflex points that link to the stomach, thymus, bladder and spine. On the outside of the foot, two points link to the arm, knee and leg.

On the sole of the foot there are further reflex points. On the pad of the big toe is an area that links to the pituitary gland and under the joint reflex points that link to the parathyroid gland and thyroid gland. At the base of the toes, there are two areas that link to the eye and ear. The ball of the big toe joint links to the heart and across the sole there are various points that link to our internal organs including: liver, kidney, spleen, colon, pancreas and small intestine. Reflex points at the heel of the foot link to our lower back, sciatic nerve and tailbone.

Across the hands there are over 30 reflex points that link to the same areas as the feet. The fingertips for instance link to the head and sinuses with the rest of the finger linking to the neck. Shoulders link to the knuckles on the hand and the top of the hand has two main areas that link to the upper and lower back. Across the palm of the hand, reflex points link to the main internal organs and at the base of the little finger are two points that link to the arm and shoulders.

Reflexology has proven to be an effective treatment in helping the body overcome a number of conditions and is used worldwide. Contact your local practitioner to see what impact reflexology can have on your life.