Reflexology is a form of bodywork that focuses primarily on the feet, but it also applies to the hands as well. The theory is that there are reflex areas on the feet and hands that correspond to specific organs, glands, and other parts of the body. For instance, the liver, pancreas, and kidneys are in the arch of the foot; and, the tips of the toes reflect the head. The heart and chest are around the ball of the foot. There are many charts available in books and on the Internet that show the areas in detail.
Reflexology is both a science and an art. There are thousands of nerves in the feet, and because they are concentrated in such a small area, pressing on them is believed to have a calming effect. Fostering stress reduction and relaxation improves circulation because stress acts like a tourniquet, restricting blood flow.
All of this may be beneficial to most people, especially those with diabetes, as a way to reduce pain and stress. But does it really work? That depends who you ask, but of the couple hundred studies readily available, more than 90 percent show positive results of varying degrees. Practitioners believe that applying pressure to the specific reflex areas can promote health in the corresponding organs and parts of the body.
You can perform it on yourself using such techniques as "thumb walking." That is, applying pressure by moving one thumb's width at a time from the base of the heel up to the little toe, back down and then up to the next toe and so forth until you have covered the bottom of each foot. Or you can go to a professional massage therapist or reflexologist and have them perform the technique.
At the very least, most people find reflexology to be relaxing. Not surprising, whether you do it yourself or have it done, it should not be painful.
Reflexology is not new. Indeed, archeological evidence suggests that it was practiced in Egypt dating back two millennia BC and used in China as long ago as 3000 BC. Its emergence in the US is much more recent and is generally credited to Dr. William H. Fitzgerald, an ear, nose, and throat doctor, who introduced it as "zone therapy" in 1915. Physiotherapist Eunice Ingram expanded on the theory in the 1930s and it evolved into what is today known as reflexology.
It might be worth a try if you find yourself suffering from stress or the pain often associated with diabetes. Remember, though, that reflexology is a complementary therapy and should never replace medical treatment.
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