The Journal of Reflexology Research Project
New reflexology publications by European medical personnel demonstrate findings from the application of reflexology in a medical setting. Of benefit to the reflexologist is the opportunity to view exacting reflex area charts resulting from research. Anatomical structures such as the reticular core of the brain stem and the macula of the eye are reflected in the toes of foot illustrations in a book by M. D. Jesus Manzanares of Spain. Teeth, jaws, and sinus reflex areas are detailed and pictured in color over gray-toned bones in the foot illustrations in a new book by Hanne Marquardt of Germany. Mrs. Marquardt's book includes the more detailed information about her method of reflexotherapy than her previous book. All in all, the authors' information and its presentation provides credibility for reflexology and reflexologists.
Adding further credibility are the results of Dr. Manzanazres's research about a mechanism of action for reflexology. Dr. Manzanares has conducted the first research specifically aimed at identifying such a mechanism for reflexology. The issue is of great importance to reflexologists communicating with the medical community. As with any therapy or drug utilized in medical practice, medical personnel ask, How does reflexology technique application provide specific influence within the body? Previously, following work with paralyzed individuals who had experienced lesioning of the spinal cord, Kunz and Kunz postulated a reflexological theory of Autonomic-Somatic Integration. Noting the response of paralyzed individuals to reflexology work and reading texts about the physiology of the nervous system, Kunzes noted that the reticular core of the brain stem both receives sensory information coming from the body and is the final common pathway for information from the brain to the autonomic and motor nervous systems. The integration of information from the feet and information to the internal organs of the autonomic nervous system takes place in the reticular core. The reticular core acts as a "volume control" on activities of both the autonomic nervous system, regulator of the internal organs, and the gamma efferent portion of the motor nervous system, regulating the degree of muscle tone throughout the body.
Dr. Manzanares has explored how and why reflexology works using EEG studies with individuals experiencing lesions in the brain and peripheral nervous system. Working at the Neurophysiology Department of the Autonomous University of Barcelona, he studied individuals with lesions in the medulla and peripheral nerves. (Lesions prevent nerve transmission to higher levels of the brain and central nervous system respectively.) From this, he concluded that there are "pathways for the reflexological impulse toward the central nervous system." He labels this the "Theory of Spinothalmic - Reticular Formation in Reflexology," noting the path from spine to thalamus to reticular formation (of the brain stem). "Once certain of this aspect, the following step was made to determine what (part of the) cerebral (brain) are acts (sic) as an integrative reflexologic centre." (To effect the functioning of internal organs and body structures, the sensory input of pressure must be "integrated" with autonomic and motor nervous system information.) Studies with EEG documented increased activity in the reticular formation following application of reflexology technique to the feet. However, studies in patients with lesions of the sensory peripheral nerves, showed no EEG bioelectric activity in the reticular formation.
Principles of Reflexology I and Principles of Reflexology II by Dr. Jesus Manzanares, M. D. The books of Dr. Manzanares report his findings resulting from twenty years of work at the Neurophysiology, Rheumatology, Neurology, Trauma, and Cardiology departments at the Hospital Vall d'Hebron, the Sacred Heart Hospital, and the Autonomous University of Barcelona. Gathering data from 70, 000 clinical cases, Dr. Manzanares obtained what he describes as "sufficiently precise reflexological charts."
Review: Highly recommended. Not for beginners. Have a medical dictionary and a physiology book handy. Some language translation confusion. Pricey but worth it for the finely illustrated and researched reflex area charts of the feet. (Two books, Spiral-bound, 40 pages, Self-published, $28 each, $2.50 shipping, Available from RRP Press, P. O. Box 35820, ABQ, NM 87176)
In this book newly translated from the German original, Hanne Marquardt presents details from her forty plus years of work with reflexotherapy of the feet. Well-illustrated with detailed charts, Frau Marquardt's philosophy, technique descriptions, therapeutic approach to the feet, characteristics of "abnormal" zones, techniques, indications, contra indications, reactions, and first treatment assessment (visual inspection, palpation) are detailed. Pain from the "patient's" view is described.
Review: For those with an interest in all things reflexology, this book provides an unparalleled opportunity to learn about German reflexotherapy. Highly recommended. Not for beginners. (Published by Thieme, Hard back, 210 pages, $35, $2.50 shipping, Available through Amazon. com)
Florida The state Board of Massage Therapy has deleted language in its Rules and Regulations mentioning reflexology. Previously it had been stated that "The following acts shall constitute gross negligence in the practice of massage for which the disciplinary penalties contained in Sections 455.227 and 480.046, Florida Statutes may be imposed: … (e) engaging in the practice of reflexology without a current massage license." While the significance of the deletion to reflexologists is unclear, the change may spell the end of a long-standing controversy in Florida. Some reflexologists had been issued cease and desist orders and continued reflexology practice only after action had been taken by attorneys.
Texas The Texas Department of Health is changing its Rules and Regulations for massage therapy licensing. Under the current proposal, the requirement that reflexologists obtain massage therapy registration is put formally into writing. Such a requirement has been in force for several years but not in writing. A coalition of bodywork therapists is working to represent their interests. Other bodywork therapies have been deleted from the Rules and Regulations and thus are exempted from registration requirements in the current proposal. Reflexologists who would like to see a change in massage registration requirements (especially those in the Austin area who could attend Texas Department of Health meetings) should contact the coalition's Pam Ellen Ferguson, fwpb39@sprintmail.com or 512-467-1859.
Pennsylvania The Somatic
Practices, Massage Therapy and Reflexology Act creating licensing for
practitioners of reflexology and other modalities continues to be
considered by the Pennsylvania legislature. Introduced on November
30, 1999, the bill has been under review of the Senate's Consumer
Protection and Professional Licensure Committee since December 1999.
All Pennsylvania reflexologists are encouraged to write their
Senators to support the bill and help move it out of committee. For
information, contact Jonna Boyd at 610-966-2424 or footlady@fast.net.
New Mexico: Exclusion under Rules and Regulation New Mexico Board of Massage Therapy Rules: Title 16, Chapter 7, part 1, 7.7.3 "The practice of Massage Therapy DOES NOT apply to the practice of: Craniosacral, Feldenkrais, Polarity Therapy, Reiki, Foot and Hand Reflexology (without the use of creams, oils, or mechanical tools), and Trager."
Tennessee: Exemption in Law "An Act to Amend Tennessee Code Annotated Title 63, Chapter 18, Part 2, relative to massage therapists. Be it enacted by the General assembly of the State of Tennessee: Section 1. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 63-18-204, is amended by adding a new subsection thereto, as follows: The practice of reflexology shall not be subject to the licensure requirements of this chapter. For the purposes of this chapter, "reflexology "means the application of specific pressures to reflex points in the hands and feet only. Section 2. This act shall take effect upon becoming a law, the public welfare requiring."
Maine: Exemption in Law Chapter 127; Massage Therapists (Heading: RR1991, c. 2, @124 (cor)) 14307. Exemptions to registration or certification 2. Other exemptions. This chapter does not apply to the activities and services of individuals who practice other forms of tissue work exclusive of massage therapy, such as rolfing, Trager, reflexology, Shiatsu, Reiki and polarity if those practitioners do not use the title "massage therapist" or massage practitioner," unless they choose to meet the requirements of this chapter."
Albuquerque, New Mexico A
class in Assessment for Reflexologists Saturday, September 30 -
Tuesday, October 3, 2000, 32 hours $600; A class in Hand Reflexology
Saturday, October 28 - Tuesday, October 31, 2000, 32 hours $600. For
information, contact footc@aol.com. teacher training is available.
The Conference will be held Friday and Saturday, October 13 and 14, 2000 at Pinewood Education Centre, Stepping Hill Hospital, Stockport, Manchester, England. The £60 fee includes lunch on Saturday. The Conference is held under the auspicious of the University of Manchester School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting, the Centre for Advanced Reflexology and the journal Complementary Therapies in Nursing & Midwifery. In addition to the presentation of papers, participants will select from a range of 50-minute workshops. For information, contact Peter.A.Mackereth@man.ac.uk.; FAX 01612372958; E. Pacey, School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Visiting, Univ. of Manchester, Gateway House, Piccadilly, Manchester, England M60 7LP.
The Complementary Cardiac
Care Unit at Columbia- Presbyterian Hospital has been disbanded.
Among alternative health services offered to patients was
reflexology. The close of the unit was attributed to opposition by
traditional medical practitioners at the health center complex.
… Reflexology is now
available at the Best Western Chancery Saigon Hotel of Ho Chi Minh
City, Vietman (www.all-hotels.com) • Prince Charles of England
asked a wheel-chair bound multiple sclerosis sufferer if she smokes
pot for pain relief. She replied no, but that she took complementary
therapies such as reflexology (www.anaova.com/news/story/sm, June 3,
2000) • According to Tokyo police, "Nine members of a religious
cult that claimed to cure diseases by inspecting the soles of
people's feet were arrested Tuesday for allegedly defrauding
believers and their families out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
… Police believe the cult has swindled as many as 30,000 people
out of $822 million." (Tokyo Cult Members Detained," Albuquerque
Journal, June 21, 2000, P. A3) • A South Dakota man who "does
not believe in the state's laws and instead follows the religion of
advanced reflexology," has been charged with breaking the law in
conjunction with cremating his wife's body and scattering her ashes
following her death by cancer. "He said the couple determined,
through their religion, that her chemical makeup made her illegal
under the laws of the universe."("Freeman Man's Trial Postponed,"
Press & Dakotan, March 26, 1999)
… Russian engineer
Roman Kunikov has invented gasoline- powered boots that allow the
wearer to move along at speeds up to 25 miles per hour. A piston
strapped to the wearer's calf works with a metal plate in the boot's
sole and metal rods that act as shock absorbers. The shoe work in
rhythm with the wearer's step and push him forward. The device
includes a fuel tank, carburetor, spark plug, wires, and pipes.
(Associated Press)
