Reflex Zone Therapy of the Feet

Chapter 15

Possible Background Zone

Headache Patients

Patients presenting with headaches can be used to illustrate the variety of possible causal relationships. For example, six patients came for therapy complaining of the same symptom, namely headache.

For these patients, basic treatment always focuses on the reflex zones of the head, which are the symptom zones. In addition to the symptom zones, the following causal reflex zones (CRZ) must be considered:

1. The alimentary tract
2. Altered dynamics of the spinal column, particularly in the cervical vertebrae
3. Teeth and sinuses
4. The genitourinary tract
5. The solar plexus and diaphragm, whose reflex zones may be a factor in conditions of stress and psychic disturbance
6. The organs of respiration

In reality, however, it is rare to find only one of these CRZs playing a role. More frequently, we are dealing with a combination.

The toes of course comprise the symptomatic zone to be treated for a headache; but, in finding the true origin of this ailment, any or all of the zones listed above could be affected: digestive organs and respiratory tract, the spine and teeth, and urinary tract and diaphragm.

Since every patient undergoes an initial assessment to test all zones for stress, it is furthermore possible that in addition to the zones listed above, others in need of treatment might be found.

The following are examples of the dynamic relationship between body and emotions.

-A painful reflex zone to the gallbladder gives not only the impression of a physical state of illness, which may be confirmed in the laboratory, but also that in such a person “the gall overflows.”

-A painful reflex zone to the shoulder girdle gives, on the surface, evidence of tension in this area, but behind this there is frequently an additional psychical stress, so that the patient “carries a heavy burden on his shoulders.”

-Another has an extremely sensitive zone to the intestine, suffers from flatulence, and has little appetite despite careful selection of diet, all of which indicate an organic problem. Such symptoms frequently disappear spontaneously when the patient is better able to “digest” his problems.


Note: While the knowledge of the relationships between body and psyche is widely known, it has to be realized anew by each and every person and in every treatment to keep it alive. Whether, when, and in what way the therapist can discuss these relationships with a patient depends on the practitioner’s experience and sensitivity.


The question of the effectiveness of reflex zone therapy on the foot always includes the question of the patient’s reaction as well. Depending on the patient’s own readiness for internal and external order, abilities and possibilities for healing will either grow or diminish. It can thus be said that many diseases can be treated but not all people, since some lack the necessary will to be restored to health and well-being.

As a differentiated, manual form of treatment, reflex zone therapy of the foot meets a healthy and natural need on the part of both therapists and patients.

-The therapist will exercise her profession with greater commitment and devotion when she is engaged in a sensibly planned total regime and is not just treating isolated parts of the patient at random.

-Patients are, in many cases, already seeking healing and alleviation from unorthodox forms of medicine and are not wholly dependent on the apparatus of modern medicine. They will come to recognize that balanced, physically oriented organ therapy always stimulates the person’s entire energy field as well, including the psyche, with beneficial effects.

The task of an aspiring practitioner extends far beyond learning and applying the actual “technique” of the grip sequence. With skilled, imaginative, and informed reflex-zone massage to the feet the whole person can be treated, the rational, the emotional, and the physical. The therapist acquires a broad view of medicine and learns to apply her skills with compassion.

-On the rational level by learning new theoretical foundations and relationships.

-On the emotional level through healthy empathy when learning to deal with a patient’s ailments--not through personal empathy since this loses the necessary professional distance, but through attentive care.

-On the physical level, through the balanced use of his strength; thus, the therapist helps a person on one part of the journey from illness to health and can encourage him to take responsibility for his health.

Migraine Case History

A 42-year-old patient complained of almost daily attacks of migraine headache, which he had been having with increasing severity for the past ten years. Because of his frequent absences from work, he was about to lose his position.

On palpation the reflex zones of the head, liver, stomach, and lymphatic system were sensitive. The feet were treated at intervals of three days. After the seventh treatment the man was no longer in need of the usual drugs for his headaches, and his headaches did not recur even at times of great stress at work. He was given, in all, fourteen massages to the reflex zones of the feet, and he noted with some astonishment that his circulation had greatly improved, even though he was no longer taking any drugs for this either.

Preface to the New Edition

Translator’s Preface to the First English Edition, 1983

Foreword to the First Edition, 1975, by Dr. Erich Rauch

Introduction


Part One - Theory

1    The History of Reflex Zone Therapy
2    The Zone Grid
3    The Concept of Reflex Zones
4    Review of the Reflex Zones of the Feet
5    Burdened Reflex Zones of the Foot
6    Symptomatic and Background Zones
7    Indications for Therapists and Laypeople
8    Contraindications


Part Two - Practical Application

9    Positioning the Patient
10    The Grip Sequence
11    The First Treatment
12    Treatment Sequence
13    Subsequent Treatments
14    Reactions
15    Using Background Zones: The Example of Headache Patients
16    Interpreting Stressed Reflex Zones
17    Duration of Treatment
18    Treatment Combinations
19    Feet and Hands
20    The “Right” Age for Reflex Zone Massage
21    Emollients and Foot Aids
22    Self-Treatment


Part Three - Case Histories

23    Treatment of Specific Ailments: Case Histories


Part Four - Indications

24    Using Treatment Indications
25    Indications for Reflex Zone Therapy


Notes

Bibliography

About the Author

Index

Hanne Marquardt, a registered nurse, naturopath, and student of the reflexology pioneer Eunice Ingham, is the most well-known and experienced reflexologist in Europe today. The founder of 15 reflexology schools in Germany and abroad, she lectures on foot reflexology throughout the world. She lives in Germany.

“Reflex Zone Therapy of the Feet is likely to be a welcomed addition to the library of every practitioner or serious student of this ancient art.”
Donna J. Finando, L.Ac., L.M.T., coauthor of Trigger Point Therapy for Myofascial Pain

“I believe Reflex Zone Therapy of the Feet is a book that should be in every bodyworker's library. It would be a wonderful addition to the already published information and used as a resource. Hanne Marquardt is very knowledgeable and we have much to gain from her expertise.”
Irene Watson, Reader Views, February 2011

“Reflex Zone Therapy of the Feet is likely to be a welcomed addition to the library of every practitioner or serious student of this ancient art.”
Donna Finando, co-author of Trigger Point Therapy for Myofascial Pain

HEALTH / BODYWORK

“Reflex Zone Therapy of the Feet is likely to be a welcomed addition to the library of every practitioner or serious student of this ancient art.”
--Donna J. Finando, L.Ac., L.M.T., coauthor of Trigger Point Therapy for Myofascial Pain

Based on Hanne Marquardt’s early training with Eunice Ingham and her many years of practical experience as a therapist and teacher, this authoritative manual describes the reflex zones of the feet in detail. With full-color illustrated maps as well as explanations of how these zones relate to the internal organs, Marquardt’s guide to treating many common ailments such as migraine, sciatica, and bronchitis--both in others and oneself--has stood the test of time.

This thoroughly revised edition contains completely new and enhanced color illustrations throughout as well as new case studies and an expanded list of ailments and treatments. Marquardt also includes new information on symptoms, massage techniques, treating babies and children, and recent discoveries in reflexology such as the solar plexus zone. Offering the latest information on the relationship between the foot and the human form, why the feet are treated and not the hands, and recognizing the healing signs of detoxification reactions, this updated edition provides a solid foundation for those just delving in to reflexology as well as an enriched reference for bodywork professionals.

HANNE MARQUARDT, a registered nurse, naturopath, and student of the reflexology pioneer Eunice Ingham, is the most well-known and experienced reflexologist in Europe today. The founder of 15 reflexology schools in Germany and abroad, she lectures on foot reflexology throughout the world. She lives in Germany.