Reflexology History and Principles Flashcards

What does the term 'reflex' mean in the context of reflexology?

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.

Which holistic principle does reflexology share with Traditional Chinese Medicine regarding energy flow?

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.

What is the proposed mechanism by which reflexology promotes relaxation and healing according to practitioners?

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.

Which model describes reflexology as a 'map' of the entire body reproduced on the feet?

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.

Who introduced reflexology to the United Kingdom and helped establish it as a recognized complementary therapy there?

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.

The concept of 'crystalline deposits' or 'crystals' on reflex points refers to what proposed phenomenon in reflexology?

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.