Put pressure on the sole

The foot reflex zone therapy is an invention of the Indians. So far, however, no one has been able to prove that certain parts of the feet reflect other parts of the body.

Reflexology works in a similar way to acupressure . The therapist uses finger pressure to stimulate certain points or areas on the soles of the feet. She assumes that these points are connected to the corresponding body regions, muscles or organs. This should relieve tension and help with digestive problems, headaches and back pain, for example . However, several studies did not provide any evidence that diseases can be cured with the method.

If you want to try this procedure anyway, keep this in mind: Small feet are much more sensitive and delicate than adult’s. And the younger the child is, the gentler the pressure on the sole needs to be. If your offspring complains of more pain than before after the treatment, there is only one thing left: stop the therapy immediately. And you should never massage inflamed, injured, or swollen areas.

That’s behind it:

Even the ancient Egyptians relied on the beneficial effects of foot massage. The ancient doctors also put pressure on the sole. The foot reflex zone massage practiced today goes back to the American doctor William Fitzgerald (1872-1942). But he had found the method rather than invented it – he further developed the corresponding techniques used by North American Indians. According to Fitzgerald, examining the feet allows conclusions to be drawn about general health. Painful and grainy areas that are assigned to specific areas in the body supposedly show where the flow of energy is disturbed. If these areas are then stimulated by pressure or massage, this should harmonize the body functions.

This is how it works:

The assumption that certain foot zones are connected to certain organs is scientifically not tenable. There are now also different reflex zone maps, some of which contradict each other. Scientists have repeatedly studied this massage technique. Some studies also certify that foot reflexology has a positive effect – for example for headaches or multiple sclerosis. But the procedure has not been proven to cure or prevent disease. However, reflex zone therapy seems to relieve symptoms that have no organic cause.

 

This is what the expert says:

Edzard Ernst is Head of Complementary Medicine at Exeter University in the UK. He has long been concerned with the effectiveness of alternative healing methods and has tested many procedures.
His verdict: massaging the feet is definitely pleasant. The assumption that additional therapeutic effects can be expected is not supported by clinical studies.