by Heather Peake

It sounds kind of kinky – sitting around playing with your feet – but that is what the massage therapy known as reflexology amounts to. In fact, reflexologists say that happy feet may be the key to lifelong health.

In the zone

Here’s the theory: the body is divided into 10 zones running the length of the body, five zones on each half of the body, exiting through the fingers and toes. Certain points on the hands and feet are supposed to correspond to organs, muscles and nerves within each zone. The therapeutic effect comes with pressure is put on these points.

Even practitioners aren’t sure exactly how it works. Some think it follows the same principle as acupressure, breaking up blockages in the vital “life force” the body needs to keep in balance. Others think it may have a detoxifying effect, breaking up crystals of uric acid that settle in the feet. Still others think it may simply release endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller.

While forms of reflexology have been practiced for many centuries, the modern science got its start in the early 1900s. Dr. William Fitzgerald developed the concepts of the 10 “zones.”

In the 1930s, nurse Eunice Ingham refined Fitzgerald’s theories into a system of “reflex points.” At first, she used it only to relieve pain, but later found that it had even more therapeutic uses. Ingram was the first to “map” the feet, and she published the first reflexology book in 1938.

Today, it is one of the more popular forms of alternative medicine, with more than 25,000 practitioners worldwide, it’s and used by reflexologists, podiatrists, massage therapists and chiropractors in their treatment programs.

Proponents believe this therapy can alleviate a wide variety of stress-related illnesses, including headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, asthma and PMS, as well as chronic conditions such as arthritis and sciatica. It is also sometimes used to relieve the symptoms of neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis.

Love thee, love thy appendages Some treatments you can do yourself. For example, firmly massaging the web of skin between the thumb and index finger for 15 or 20 seconds at a time can help relieve a tension headache.

For allergies or sinus problems, get yourself a golf ball. Hold it between your hands, locking your fingers together. Roll the ball back and forth, concentrating on the area just below the thumbs. You can do this for 15 to 30 seconds, followed by 15 to 30 seconds rest, up to 5 minutes at a time, 3 to 4 times a day.

You might also want to check out the wide variety of foot massagers and therapeutic or magnetic shoe inserts now on the market. Most of these products work to relieve stress, and can be purchased for under $30.

Treat your feet

For more serious problems, you will want the services of a reflexologist. Sessions last from 30 minutes to an hour, once a week initially, then less frequently as your condition improves.

Sessions generally begin with a foot massage. Then the practitioner will begin putting pressure on the area corresponding to your particular problem. No scary needles or strange-looking instruments are involved, but sometimes pressure may be applied with a rubber ball.

As with most alternative health care, there is no standard certification for practitioners.

Reflexology is considered safe for most people, but if you have serious foot problems or vascular problems such as thrombosis and phlebitis, you need to consult your doctor before beginning treatment. If you are pregnant, talk to both your obstetrician and reflexologist; stimulation of the feet could cause uterine contractions.

Like all alternative therapies, reflexology is a supplement, not a substitute, for regular medical care. See your doctor for initial diagnosis of medical problems and for any new symptoms that develop.

Charts courtesy of Chicky Palmer of Chicky's Theraputic Touch.