Reflexology Reflexology Techniques 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is finger walking, and when is it most commonly used in reflexology?
- Using all fingers together on the dorsal foot surface
- The index finger performing a caterpillar motion, used on top of the foot and hands (Correct answer)
- Walking the fingers along the spine reflex
- A technique used only on the ear
Correct answer: The index finger performing a caterpillar motion, used on top of the foot and hands
Finger walking uses the index finger in a caterpillar motion and is commonly applied to the dorsal (top) surface of the foot and on hand reflexology.
Question 2: What does the term 'support hand' refer to in reflexology technique?
- The hand that performs thumb walking
- The non-working hand that holds and stabilizes the foot (Correct answer)
- A gloved hand used for hygiene
- A hand brace worn by the practitioner
Correct answer: The non-working hand that holds and stabilizes the foot
The support hand holds and positions the client's foot to maintain proper tension for the working thumb or finger.
Question 3: The spinal twist technique in reflexology is used to work which reflex area?
- Adrenal glands
- Sigmoid colon
- Spine / medial edge of the foot (Correct answer)
- Shoulder
Correct answer: Spine / medial edge of the foot
The spinal twist involves both hands working along the medial edge of the foot simultaneously to stimulate the entire spinal reflex area.
Question 4: How much pressure should a reflexologist apply during a standard session?
- As firm as possible to ensure deep stimulation
- Firm enough to be felt but not cause pain or bruising (Correct answer)
- Very light, feather-like touch only
- Variable — the client should feel acute pain to indicate a blocked reflex
Correct answer: Firm enough to be felt but not cause pain or bruising
Pressure should be firm enough to engage the reflex but never painful; the goal is therapeutic stimulation, not pain.
Question 5: What is 'dessert' in the context of a reflexology session?
- A light concluding effleurage performed after working reflex points (Correct answer)
- A sweet reward for the client
- A deep pressure finale technique
- Nutritional advice given after the session
Correct answer: A light concluding effleurage performed after working reflex points
Dessert refers to soothing relaxation strokes (effleurage, ankle rotations, toe stretches) performed between or after working reflex points to relax the foot.
Question 6: What is the purpose of applying powder or lotion sparingly (or not at all) during reflexology?
- To increase friction for thumb walking
- Too much lubricant causes the thumb to slide, reducing precision on reflex points (Correct answer)
- Lotion is always required for hygiene
- It has no effect on the technique
Correct answer: Too much lubricant causes the thumb to slide, reducing precision on reflex points
Excess lubricant causes the thumb to slide rather than walk, which reduces the practitioner's ability to precisely locate and stimulate individual reflex points.
Reflexology Reflexology Techniques 2
What is finger walking, and when is it most commonly used in reflexology?