Foot Reflexology is known as the main modality within Therapeutic Reflexology, but there are more options available like hand reflexology, face reflexology, ear reflexology, body reflexology, lymph drainage reflexology and Vacuflex reflexology.
Having a look at what reflexology is, is necessary before you can understand why there are numerous options available within therapeutic reflexology and why the feet are mainly associated with the modality of reflexology.
What is reflexology?
Reflexology is a Complementary Healthcare Modality where the therapeutic reflexologist works on the reflexes on the feet, but also on other parts of the body (if he or she is fully trained to do so).
In reflexology the use of a reflexology chart is used to identify the reflexes appearing on the feet, but also on other body parts. The reflexes are basically nerve endings.
The reflexology chart identifies the various body parts on a specific part of the body. On the reflexology chart it is possible to identify all the organs and the various body parts in your entire body on the feet, but this can also be done on various other body parts like the hands, face, ears, eyes and so forth.
The human body is so fascinating that one body part like the feet may represent the entire body on the various parts of the feet, namely the toes, the ball of the foot, the arches, the heel, the plantar aspect, the dorsal aspect, the lateral side and the medial side. This is a lot of description that the therapeutic reflexologist should be aware of, but not necessary of interest to the person wanting to receive reflexology. All you need to remember is that the entire body is represented on the feet.
The same can be said of the hands, the face, the ears and on various body parts. It is also represented in the eyes, but that is usually a different modality called iridology that diagnostic practitioners like homeopaths make use of and not the domain of the therapeutic reflexologist.
Therapeutic reflexologists are trained as non-diagnostic therapists and therefore will never attempt to make any diagnosis. Therapeutic reflexology is a modality formally regulated by the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA) and the prescribed scope of practice makes it clear that therapeutic reflexologists may treat pre-diagnosed conditions, but may not diagnose themselves.
When therapeutic reflexologists receive their formal training consisting of a two-year national diploma qualification (presently only three training academies in South Africa may offer this training recognised by the AHPCSA), the training is usually focused on foot reflexology only. All therapeutic reflexologists therefore do not offer the other options as their basic training only trained them within the modality of foot reflexology. Some therapeutic reflexologists obtain further training, often in the form of Continues Development Programme (CPD) training and when this is successfully completed, they may also offer therapeutic reflexology options like hand, ear, face, body, lymph drainage and Vacuflex reflexology within the AHPCSA scope of practice.
Why is foot reflexology the norm within the profession?
Therapeutic reflexologists usually work on the feet for various reasons.
The feet are the most sensitive part with numerous nerve endings; each foot contains about 200 000 nerve endings. By stimulating these many nerve endings or reflexes on the feet, provide excellent results, but is also very enjoyable and relaxing.
The feet are bigger than body parts like the hands or the ears, making the various reflexes more accessible to work on and the therapeutic reflexologist can work more specific on certain reflexes.
All the meridians (nerve pathways) originate in the feet and then move up the body, but since all are present in the feet, it helps to provide better results to work on the specific areas.
What are the options in therapeutic reflexology?
- Foot Reflexology – reflexology performed on the feet
- Hand Reflexology – reflexology performed on the hands
- Ear (Auricular) Reflexology – reflexology performed on the ears
- Facial Reflexology – reflexology performed on the face
- Body Reflexology – reflexology performed on other parts of the body like the legs and the arms
- Vacuflex Reflexology – contemporary reflexology making use of electronic device called the Vacuflex to offer vacuum reflexology
- Reflexology Lymph Drainage – offering manual lymph drainage by means of reflexology techniques.
Do the other options replace foot reflexology?
Each therapeutic reflexologist trained in offering the various options of reflexology has a different approach and they may prefer certain options over others. It is not uncommon for a therapeutic reflexologist to offer only one form of reflexology, but others offer a variation of options.
What options does Christo Scheepers offer in his therapeutic reflexology practice?
Christo Scheepers is fully trained to offer the full range of therapeutic reflexology options. His approach has always been to use foot reflexology as the main modality and then to add the other options as ad-on treatments to enhance the effectiveness of the reflexology treatment.
Each patient is different and therefore he customises his approach to ensure the person receiving the treatment, is receiving the best possible therapy for his or her specific condition and requirements. He has successfully worked with people who had both legs amputated after a vehicle accident and in that instance hand reflexology was used to replace feet reflexology.
Your choice
It is of the utmost importance that you are fully comfortable with the form of reflexology being used and that you never feel awkward during a treatment session. Therapeutic reflexology is known for being a non-invasive therapy and therefore you should always feel at ease with the form of reflexology begin offered.
If you want to experience a specific form of reflexology or a combination of options, you are welcome to indicate it to your therapeutic reflexologist in order for it to be fully discussed and then offered to you.
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Christo A. Scheepers: Therapeutic Reflexologist
Dip.T.R.(Cum Laude) [IARAMT]
AHPCSA: A11945
Pr. No.: 1080000737453
Tel. 072-800 7243