Overview
Reflexology, Acupressure, Acupuncture, and Massage have a
common origin and modality. They all use the concept
of stimulating pressure points in various locations of the
body to relieve stress and/or to stimulate the body’s
natural healing processes. These points can be the
actual locations of discomfort, may be associated with
“meridians” (energy lines) through the body, or may be the
projections of the other anatomical parts of the body on the
ear, hand, or foot. This concept of using pressure on
various parts of the body dates back to as early as those
that practiced acupressure in China over 2000 years ago.
Those in western medicine followed much later. One,
often mentioned, is Dr. Paul Nogier of Lyon, France who, in
the 1950’s mapped the pressure points of the ears. As
time followed others elaborated on these early works and a
wide variety of “maps” are presently available. In
many ways the mappings are similar but there are some
differences.
The
Reflexology maps are based on the concept that the ear,
foot, or hand are connected to all the other parts of the
body through the nervous system or “energy” system and thus
become a reflection or snapshot
of
the entire body. Interestingly, Dr. Nogier put forth
the concept that the ear can be mapped by comparing to a
baby curled into the fetal position. Others suggest
that you have to make some exceptions with this comparison
but we have include both images for your own study.
The techniques for stimulating these pressure points vary
widely. Acupuncture, of course, uses a needle inserted
and manipulated to stimulate the pressure point.
Magnets are used by some. Acupressure, Massage, and
Reflexology all use manual pressure on various points to
promote stimulation.
The charts available through the tabs at the top of this
page (feet, hands, and ears) were developed by comparing a
number of sources and looking for the commonality among
them. They can generally be regarded as a merging of
Chinese mappings with additions from the more recent French
studies. The graphics were developed to make it easy
for the reader to quickly find the pressure points of
interest. By clicking on the charts themselves you
will have access to a high resolution chart that can be
printed for handy personal use or to pass on to others.
Essential Oils.
It has been the experience of those using essential oils
that applying oils to these same pressure points, identified
by these other disciplines, can provide another “gateway” to
various parts of the body. Examples of this can be
found in the AromaTouch technique developed by Dr. David
Hill and a number of experiences that folks have submitted
and are included in the “Procedures” tabs on various health
concerns. We hope this helps you in your use of oils.
As you have experiences be sure and share them by using the
Submit form.
Feet
The following chart shows many of the reflexology points
on the feet.
(If you want a high resolution print out
follow the instructions below the chart.)
The following chart shows many of the reflexology points
on the feet.
(If you want a high resolution print out
follow the instructions below the chart.)
Here is what works on Internet Explorer 8. Your
browser may be different so it may require something a
little different but the steps should be similar.
1) If your memory is like mine you
may not be able to remember these instructions and they are
going to disappear with the first step and you will have to
do it from memory or follow these instructions to print the
instructions!!
a) Highlight (drag the mouse) over the
instructions below
b) Do FILE/PRINTand select SELECTION then
PRINT
TO PRINT THE CHART:
1) Click on the chart itself.
This will open the high resolution copy of the
chart.
2) File/Page
Setup. Top left corner of Internet Explorer.
The window for Page Setup will open.
3) Choose Landscape
and Enable Shrink-to-Fit.
This will make the chart fit on the page.
3) click OK
4) File/Print.
Top left corner of Internet Explorer again. A window
for Print will open.
5) Print. You
should now have a nice copy.
Hands
The following chart shows many of the reflexology points
on the feet.
(If you want a high resolution print out
follow the instructions below the chart.)
To print a high resolution copy of this chart:
Here is what works on Internet Explorer 8. Your
browser may be different so it may require something a
little different but the steps should be similar.
1) If your memory is like mine you
may not be able to remember these instructions and they are
going to disappear with the first step and you will have to
do it from memory or follow these instructions to print the
instructions!!
a) Highlight (drag the mouse) over the
instructions below
b) Do FILE/PRINTand select SELECTION then
PRINT
TO PRINT THE CHART:
1) Click on the chart itself.
This will open the high resolution copy of the
chart.
2) File/Page
Setup. Top left corner of Internet Explorer.
The window for Page Setup will open.
3) Choose Landscape
and Enable Shrink-to-Fit.
This will make the chart fit on the page.
3) click OK
4) File/Print.
Top left corner of Internet Explorer again. A window
for Print will open.
5) Print. You
should now have a nice copy.
Ears
The following chart shows many of the reflexology points
on the ear
To print a high resolution copy of this chart:
Here is what works on Internet Explorer 8. Your
browser may be different so it may require something a
little different but the steps should be similar.
1) If your memory is like mine you
may not be able to remember these instructions and they are
going to disappear with the first step and you will have to
do it from memory or follow these instructions to print the
instructions!!
a) Highlight (drag the mouse) over the
instructions below
b) Do FILE/PRINTand select SELECTION then
PRINT
TO PRINT THE CHART:
1) Click on the chart itself.
This will open the high resolution copy of the
chart.
2) File/Page
Setup. Top left corner of Internet Explorer.
The window for Page Setup will open.
3) Choose Landscape
and Enable Shrink-to-Fit.
This will make the chart fit on the page.
3) click OK
4) File/Print.
Top left corner of Internet Explorer again. A window
for Print will open.
5) Print. You
should now have a nice copy.
