Is the stimulation of the foot for health conditions in other parts of the body using specific hand and finger techniques
Reflexology is an active and continually evolving therapeutic practice. In recent years traditional reflexology has branched out into new and exciting therapeutic expressions in an effort to improve the health and wellness of clients. Within all of these different types of reflexology, there are therapists who specialize in different protocols.
Types of Reflexology
Foot Reflexology
Hand Reflexology
Is the stimulation of the hands for health conditions in other parts of the body.
Ear
Reflexology
is the stimulation of the auricle of the external ear for health conditions in other parts of the body using specific hand and finger techniques.
Facial Reflexology
Facial reflexology is a therapeutic practice that involves applying pressure to specific points on the face, corresponding to various organs and systems in the body. It can be done using specific hand and finger techniques as well as specialized tools designed to activate reflex points and areas with precision.
Specific Protocols of Reflexology:
Although the nature of reflexology doesn’t allow the treatment of specific conditions, reflexology therapists are able to specialize, through experience and/or training, to work with specific client groups. Here are some of the main reflexology protocols that reflexology therapists may be trained in.
Craniosacral Reflexology
Is a different approach to working with the zones and reflex areas of the feet. Craniosacral reflexology integrates the principles of reflexology, cranial osteopathy, and cranio-sacral therapy.
Dermoneural Reflexology
Or Clavitherapy for short, is a non-invasive therapy that stimulates the nervous system using with clavicles to activate receptors of neurochemical transmitters on molecular and submolecular levels on the skin.
Emotional Reflexology
Emotional reflexology is a therapeutic approach that recognizes the connection between physical health and emotional well-being. This protocol involves applying pressure to reflex points that correspond not only to physical organs but also to emotional states and experiences. The goal of emotional reflexology is to help release stored emotional tension, alleviate stress, and promote emotional balance.
Fertility Reflexology
Fertility reflexology is a specific set of protocols for specific fertility problems such as endometriosis, low progesterone, low sperm motility/morphology. The aim of fertility reflexology is to help couples conceive.
Hot Stone Reflexology
Hot stone reflexology is a therapeutic technique that combines traditional reflexology with the use of heated stones. In this practice, smooth, heated stones are placed on specific reflex points of the feet, hands, or body, and the practitioner may also use the stones to apply gentle pressure. The warmth of the stone allows the reflexology therapist to work more deeply into the reflex points.
Lymphatic Drainage Reflexology
Lymphatic drainage reflexology is a reflexology technique which focuses on stimulating the entire lymphatic system, encouraging the flow of lymph fluid and helping to reduce swelling, remove toxins, and promote overall wellness. It can be particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with conditions like lymphedema, chronic fatigue, or after surgery.
Maternity Reflexology
Supports a mother and babe through all trimesters of pregnancy with specialized protocols for common symptoms and complaints that often accompany pregnancy. The focus is the alleviation of the uncomfortable side effects of pregnancy without the use of drugs.
Menopause Reflexology
Menopause reflexology is a specialized form of reflexology aimed at helping women manage the symptoms associated with menopause. This protocol focuses on applying pressure to specific reflex points that correspond to the hormonal and reproductive systems.
Nerve Reflexology
(Also called Praxis Vertebralis Neuro-foot Reflexology)
Taking advantage of new neurological maps, this technique consists of working the spinal cord reflex points in the feet in a way that sends a nerve impulse in an arc from foot to brain to organ, initiating a change in that part of the body.
Oncology Reflexology
Oncology reflexology is a specialized form of reflexology designed to support individuals with cancer. Practitioners are trained to work with the unique needs of cancer patients, considering factors like treatment side effects and individual health conditions.
Palliative Care Reflexology
Palliative care reflexology protocol designed to support individuals with serious illnesses, focusing on improving their quality of life. This approach involves applying gentle pressure to reflex points.
Animal Reflexology
Animal reflexology involves stimulating specific points on an animal’s body—such as their paws, ears, or other areas.
Thai Reflexology
Most reflexology therapists who are trained in this technique will use a rounded wooden Thai stick to work the reflex points and areas found on the feet, hands, or ears.
Vertical Reflex Therapy
Vertical reflexology involves the stimulation of the reflex points on the hands and feet while a person is in a standing position or the hands are bearing weight. The logic behind this technique is that the nerves are more sensitized in these positions.