Reflexology Reflexology History and Principles 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the term 'reflex' mean in the context of reflexology?
- An involuntary spinal response only
- A response in one part of the body caused by stimulation in a corresponding distant area (Correct answer)
- A direct pressure on an organ
- A nerve stretch reflex
Correct answer: A response in one part of the body caused by stimulation in a corresponding distant area
In reflexology, 'reflex' refers to the indirect effect — stimulating a foot reflex point influences the corresponding distant organ or body area through reflex pathways.
Question 2: Which holistic principle does reflexology share with Traditional Chinese Medicine regarding energy flow?
- Homeostasis only
- The concept of energy or 'qi' flowing through pathways in the body (Correct answer)
- Dermal absorption of minerals
- Spinal subluxation correction
Correct answer: The concept of energy or 'qi' flowing through pathways in the body
Reflexology shares with TCM the concept that energy (qi or vital force) flows through pathways and that blockages cause imbalance and illness.
Question 3: What is the proposed mechanism by which reflexology promotes relaxation and healing according to practitioners?
- Directly manipulating organs through the foot
- Stimulating nerve endings that send signals to the nervous system to promote homeostasis (Correct answer)
- Increasing blood flow to the foot only
- Releasing endorphins through joint cracking
Correct answer: Stimulating nerve endings that send signals to the nervous system to promote homeostasis
Reflexologists believe that stimulating reflex points sends nerve impulses that help the nervous system promote homeostasis, relaxation, and self-healing.
Question 4: Which model describes reflexology as a 'map' of the entire body reproduced on the feet?
- Segmental reflex model
- Holographic or somatotopic model (Correct answer)
- Dermatome model
- Trigger point model
Correct answer: Holographic or somatotopic model
The holographic or somatotopic model suggests the foot contains a complete miniature map of the body, with every organ represented at a specific location.
Question 5: Who introduced reflexology to the United Kingdom and helped establish it as a recognized complementary therapy there?
- Eunice Ingham
- Doreen Bayly (Correct answer)
- Laura Norman
- Hanne Marquardt
Correct answer: Doreen Bayly
Doreen Bayly, a student of Eunice Ingham, brought reflexology to the UK in the 1960s and published 'Reflexology Today', popularizing it throughout Britain.
Question 6: The concept of 'crystalline deposits' or 'crystals' on reflex points refers to what proposed phenomenon in reflexology?
- Calcium deposits visible on X-ray
- Uric acid or calcium crystal accumulations in nerve endings that impede energy flow (Correct answer)
- Skin calluses only
- Lymph node clusters
Correct answer: Uric acid or calcium crystal accumulations in nerve endings that impede energy flow
Some reflexologists believe uric acid or calcium crystals accumulate in nerve endings of the feet, causing granular sensations and impeding reflex pathways.
Reflexology Reflexology History and Principles 2
What does the term 'reflex' mean in the context of reflexology?