By placing pressure on specific points on the feet, reflexologists claim to stimulate natural healing powers in associated parts of the body. Anne Woodham investigates body and sole

Reflexologists believe that the feet and hands mirror or 'reflect' the body. The big toe, for example, reflects the head and brain and a reflexologist would work on this to relieve headache.

The combination of massage, pressure and pinching over all parts of the feet, and in some cases the hands, can produce deep relaxation. For this reason if nothing else, reflexology is one of the most popular complementary therapies, and is found in NHS cancer centres, pain clinics and special care baby units.

Forms of foot massage appear to date back to ancient China and Egypt, but reflexology as practised today was introduced in 1915 by Dr William H. Fitzgerald, a US ear, nose and throat specialist. Known at the time as 'zone therapy', it was based on the theory that energy flows in vertical zones through the body, from the head to the feet, and pressure applied to a reflex point on the foot can affect all the organs, glands, bones and muscles in that zone.

In the 1930s, Eunice Ingham, a US physiotherapist, mapped the reflex points on the feet and developed techniques for stimulation. One of her students, Doreen Bayley, introduced reflexology to the UK in the 1960s and its popularity has spread rapidly.

How does it work?
Zones on the left side of the body are said to correspond to reflex points on the left foot and hand, and those on the right to the right foot and hand. Picture the sole of the foot as the body, with the big toe representing the head. The lungs are somewhere around the ball of the foot and the waist is a line crossing the instep. and the small intestine and bladder towards the heel.

Practitioners believe that granular or crystalline accumulations of waste products, possibly uric acid and calcium, collect around reflex points. The more tender the points to the touch, the greater the 'imbalance' in the body. The reflexologist tries to break down these deposits to free 'energy flow' along the zones and stimulate circulation to flush away toxins. Because mental health is also said to be reflected in the foot, reflexology is used to treat emotional problems as well.

Although the theory of reflexology sounds similar to the idea of meridians in Traditional Chinese Medicine, practitioners say it is separate - reflex points do not necessarily correlate to acupoints.

What can I expect?
Reflexologists tend to prefer working on the feet rather than the hands, so expect to take your shoes off and relax in a reclining chair with your feet raised. The practitioner first examines your feet, noting their shape, colour and condition, and asks about your health and lifestyle. He or she may use a dusting of talcum powder or cornstarch before working the reflex points by massaging each foot with his or her knuckles or thumbs, observing areas of pain or tenderness.

When worked on intensely, even extremely sensitive areas usually become less so. Most people find the treatment relaxing, but occasionally it is followed by a worsening of symptoms, believed to indicate the body's natural healing processes are removing toxins.

What is it good for?
Apart from relaxation, reflexology is said to benefit high blood pressure, stress, anxiety and stress-related conditions like insomnia and migraine, asthma, sinusitis, eczema, wound healing, back pain and general pain relief, PMS and other menstrual problems, infertility and constipation.

There are few proper scientific studies of reflexology. In one US trial published in 1993, reflexology reduced premenstrual symptoms by 41 per cent in 35 women. A 1999 Danish trial found 81 per cent of 220 patients with migraine or tension headache reported that reflexology either helped or cured symptoms. But a British trial published last year found that reflexologists were unable to diagnose six common medical conditions when prevented from talking to the patients.

On the other hand, studies of rats show changes in the brain when their feet are massaged. Like acupuncture, reflexology may also trigger the release of endorphins, natural 'feel-good' chemicals.

What to watch out for

• Some reflexologists claim to diagnose health problems
• Always report any symptoms to your doctor
• Check with your doctor before having reflexology if you have a thyroid disorder, diabetes or any long-term health problem
• Avoid reflexology in the first three months of pregnancy
• Tell the reflexologist if you are taking medication as reflexology is thought to increase body excretions that could interfere with drug action

How can I find it?
Reflexologists are trying to agree a professional code of ethics and practice and minimum training standards. At present, practitioners can qualify after a few weekends' training. The following maintain registers of practitioners from accredited training schools.

Association of Reflexologists
27 Old Gloucester Street,
London WC1N 3XX
Tel 0870 5673320
www.aor.org.uk

The British Reflexology Association
Monks Orchard, Whitbourne,
Worcester, WR6 5RB
Tel 01886 821207
www.britreflex.co.uk

British Complementary Medicine Association
Provides information and a directory of the following reflexology associations:
International Federation of Reflexologists, Holistic Association of Reflexologists, Reflexologists Society, Scottish Institute of Reflexology.
PO Box 2074, Seaford BN25 1HQ
Tel 0845 345 5977
www.bcma.co.uk