Reflexology: Where West Meets East

Zones & Meridians, The Endocrine System & Subtle Energies

Ken Orr, LMT & Reflexologist

(Fifth of a series on Reflexology: Ancient Healing Art & 21^st Century Science)

(In previous articles, the focus was on a brief history of Reflexology; the feet and hands; proven health benefits; Zone Therapy and Meridians; treatments and health issues; some body systems and the human organism. Copies of articles may be obtained from the author or through the website: CreativeCompounds.net)

Over 130 years of clinical research, neurological and therapeutic studies in the West have documented the therapeutic effects and proven benefits of Reflexology treatments. The research is based on Zone Reflex Therapy which was formalized as Reflexology in the early 20^th century (U.S.). Eastern studies based on meridians and subtle energies (mostly Chinese) have spanned hundreds of years (known as Chinese Energy Medicine. Each has its place in the practice and study of Reflexology. Reflexology is an ancient art and holistic healing technique – and as such, aims to treat the whole person (mind, body and spirit) with the stimulation of the natural healing processes. It activates a gentle spark in the body that can sometimes be felt by clients, much like an electrical current (nerve impulses) through the body. In Zone Therapy there are ten vertical (longitudinal), neurological and energy zones. Each zone extends from the head, ending in the toes and fingers. All muscles, glands and organs in the body lie within these zones. The reflex points located on the feet and hands reflect a mapping of the body and its systems. Using direct pressure techniques, massaging the reflex points on feet and hands can spur mental, emotional, physical health and well being throughout the whole body. It helps to unblock neural pathways (bio-physical energy channels), bringing a more uninterrupted flow of energy and natural balance.

While the nervous system is the central focus, it is the endocrine system that has strong links between body systems as we know them and the subtle energies. Subtle energies profoundly impact the healthy functions of the human body. The Western point of view embraces a more conventional approach to treatments and how Reflexology works. Neurological, bio-chemical and electro-magnetic responses (electrochemical impulses) are sparked by the therapeutic effects of Reflexology treatments. The endocrine system is the chemical system in the human body consisting of several glands. These glands (which include the pituitary, thyroid, adrenals, pancreas and others) secrete hormone messengers to regulate body organs and energy vitality. The endocrine system guides most body functions in concert with the nervous system. Reflex responses brought onby treatments can stimulate the lymph and circulatory systems. This promotes a clearing of energy blocks, removing toxins and breaking down crystallized deposits through the body’s elimination systems. (Refer to Endocrine System Chart.)

In Meridian Therapy all body areas, organs and glands are linked by meridian channels. These channels are energy pathways that run through the entire body. Each meridian connects to a specific body organ. The vital subtle energies that are channeling through the body are known as Chi. Chi is organized energy that originates and flows from the universal laws of nature that lay beneath the known physical world. Chi enters from the outside environment into the human body through low resistance energy points (acupuncture or reflex points). This nutritive and vibrant life force manifests itself in human emotions, body tissue, blood, organs, plant life and animals. According to Nei Ching (4,500 year old Chinese medical journal), Chi circulates along meridian channels (similar to pathways of the blood, lymph and nerve circuits in the body). It is the major life force which controls the performance and function of all major organs and body systems. (Refer to Meridian Diagram.)

Though somewhat elusive, meridian channels and Chi have been measured by modernscience in the East and West (thermal, electro-magnetic and radioactivity, among others). Meridian channels are like electrical circuits, unifying all parts of the body. In Chinese medicine, each of us is a human organism. The body is an integrated, multi-dimensional energy system. All matter, both physical and subtle,has a frequency or vibration. The etheric body (elusive and subtle energies/higher vibrations) contains meridians and Chi. It coexists and overlaps with the physical body (physical matter/body systems with lower vibrations or frequencies). The meridian system connects the etheric with the physical body. This network has relay circuits that channel Chi from the environment to nerves, blood supply and organs through portals (acupuncture or reflex points). Reflex points are highly energized areas which are sensitive to energy blocks in the meridian system and corresponding body imbalances.

So how does this relate to the marriage of East and West in Reflexology treatments? In a harmonious way, the meridian network and nervous system operate to bring a higher energetic vibration to cellular activity, body functions and the human organism. (Recently, high concentrations of adrenal hormones have been discovered in meridian fluids and reflex points.) The seven major Chakras (Crown, Third Eye, Throat, Heart, Solar Plexus, Sacral and Root) are highly energetic centers, gateways for subtle energies to enter the meridians and physical body. Each Chakra connects with a major nerve center and endocrine gland; resonates to different frequencies of higher energy; and flows like tops of spinning energy, similar to a vortex or sensors.) Three of the Chakras – Crown, Third Eye and Throat – are associated with higher awareness and intuition; the psychic/clairvoyant; insight and creativity; meditation; self-image and self-expression. Each Chakra receives and distributes Chi to the body, manifesting as different emotions, sensations and thoughts. Energetic threads, known as streams or nadis, connect the Chakras to each other, the meridians and our physical body. (Refer to both Chakra charts showing East and West viewpoints.)

The human organism exists in an ever-changing state or condition. Universal principles (macro level) in nature (Yin and Yang, for example) work in unison with humans (micro level). Reflex points (for our purposes located in the feet and hands) are like access points. As mentioned in previous articles, Chi flows through twelve pairs of meridians in cycles that mirror nature. Six pass through the feet (Liver + Gallbladder, Kidney + Bladder, Stomach + Spleen/Pancreas). Meridians deliver energy to the major body organs in biorhythmic patterns, like an energy clock (each organ has a rhythm/time of day for optimal function and receptivity to treatment). Acupuncture or reflex points have been monitored toidentify the location of imbalances in organs and body systems. This process has been done successfully by electrographic scans and other modern technologies, as well as foot readings by highly-skilled Reflexologists. In addition, the seven Chakras have reflex points on the feet which can be included in a Reflexology treatment plan. (Refer to charts of Foot/Chakras and Gallbladder/Liver Meridians.)

In essence, the physical body is closely connected to, highly energized by and dependent upon the ethericbody for balancing body functions and cellular activity. Subtle energies and the physical body operate and interact on different vibrational levels (think of radio and television frequencies/waves existing in the same space). Current research, which is drawn from Asian studies, strongly suggests that energy streams and meridiansprecede the early development of our body organs and systems. Within less than 24 hours of conception, it was found that intricate energy patterns appeared in pregnant animals before evidence of internal organs and other physical matter. It shows that some kind of electrical axis exists which helps guide cellular and embryo development, as well as genetic blueprints. It follows that meridians (and reflex points) are the doorway between the physical and etheric bodies. Taking a closer look at clients’ case histories and the treatment process, it shows that integrating Body Zone (West) and Meridian (East) therapies has been far more effective in treating the whole person and addressing specific health issues. It often requires an intensive and relaxing table massage session (90 minutes of more). Sessions include Reflexology (30-45+ minutes), Aromatherapy, Swedish, Deep Tissue and other therapeutic methods. At the very least, it might require an extensive 45 minute to one hour Reflexology treatment. Recent medical studies (West) have concluded that the kidneys and lungs have an important direct physiological relationship (previously unknown). In emphysema patients it was discovered that the kidneys produce a hormone to help improve the ability of the lungs to absorb oxygen. Chinese energy medicine identified a vital kidney/lung connection many years ago (Nei Ching), as both are closely linked in the meridian circuits. Further evidence that Reflexology is an ancient healing art and 21^st century science where West meets East.

Ken Orr is a local LMT and Reflexologist (20+ years) who has a practice in the Dallas area. He and his wife, Diane, have a massage business, MassagingDallas. Business phone: 972-238-5145.

Email: MassagingDallas@hotmail.com . On the web: www.MassagingDallas.com.

The material contained in this article is provided for information and educational purposes. It is not intended as medical advice. Licensed Massage Therapists (LMTs) do not: (1) diagnose illness, disease, or any other physical/mental disorder; (2) prescribe medical treatment or pharmaceuticals; perform spinal manipulations. LMTs and Massage Therapy are not a substitute for medical examinations or diagnosis. Consult with a physician when you may have a disease, illness or injury. All client information is held in strict confidence.