In treatments, finding is an art. It is the endeavour to discover
something we know that exists, but do not know where to find. In the
process, we are always at risk of finding what we expect. That would be
searching. But this usually has nothing to do with the issues of our
patients. Therefore, finding requires an attitude of openness, engaged
interest, mindfulness and an almost childlike curiosity to discover
something we might not yet know.
Of course, all findings must be verified – or discarded
– using other diagnostic methods if we wish to use them
therapeutically. Reflexology findings do not exempt us from employing
modern medical diagnostics. The elegance and strength of reflexology
diagnosis lies in the initial assessment. This start of treatment often
determines the course of therapy and presents a significant challenge
for both beginners and long-standing professionals. Here, reflexology
findings provide a wonderful complement in practice.
The visual examination is about proper observation. In reflexology,
attention is focused on changes in skin colour and texture as well as
on signs that stand out in stark contrast to the surroundings.
Lightened and pale skin areas indicate a lack of energy. They show that
the related organ currently has insufficient energy available. Red or
irritated areas are to be interpreted differently: they indicate that
highly active processes are occurring in the related organ. Pimples are
a sign that the body wants to expel something through the skin, usually
waste products that burden the metabolism.
The visual examination alone is never sufficient and must always be
confirmed by additional diagnostic methods. Above all, it is about
looking with the heart respectfully and, most importantly, intuitively.
Then we receive the related information and can assign the task of
sorting the impressions to our intellect.
After the visual examination, the next step is usually to palpate for
noticeable tissue tensions in the skin and subcutaneous tissue. The
muscles only play a minor role in this. The most important findings are
swellings and retractions.
Swellings feel as if there were a fluid-filled cushion under the skin.
This indicates states of energy abundance in the associated organs,
whereas retractions create the impression that the skin is being
condensed. These are signs of energy deficiency.
It is difficult to describe the procedure for palpation and the
perceptions, but it is very simple and clear when one experiences this
examination practically. In the workshops, the palpation findings are
practised in detail.
Reflexology follows holographic principles in their systems, where all
body structures have their clear reference zones. In the organisation
of the body, all organs are connected via the corresponding levels of
the spine to the energy and impulse flow of the nervous system.
Therefore, in the case of organ disorders, points in the reflexology
zones of the spine can always be found. The elevator technique uses
various testing methods to identify these maximum reference points as
an initial assessment. From there, further exploration can take place.
Breathing is connected to all vital functions through the autonomic
nervous system. This applies to the physical as well as the mental and
emotional realms. For example, every movement is coupled with
breathing. The organs also follow the breath. The function of the
liver, for instance, depends greatly on the breathing movement, and the
venous blood return from the legs relies on the breath as a pump.
Thoughts also have breathing patterns, and pleasant feelings make us
breathe more deeply, while fear causes the breath to catch.
In reflexology treatments, the breath serves as an excellent and subtle
reference for the appropriateness of our interventions. Calibrating the
breath reference clearly shows when our patient leaves the personal
field of well-being.
In professional reflexology treatments, tests are the tools for
targeted work. This applies equally to the diagnosis as well as the
therapy. Tests lead us to the organs that are currently affected and
indicate the measures that offer the greatest chance of success.
Whether it is a breath reference, pendulum dowsing, muscle testing, or
pulse shift (RAC), all these techniques are based on YES-NO systems,
which relate to internal approval or disapproval and thereby, through
psychosomatic interfaces, to reactions of the autonomic nervous system
in connection with the unconscious. Thus, the tests are non-verbal
responses of body awareness. Furthermore, tests are excellent for
training communicative perception skills for non-verbal signals and
improving sensitivity.
Treatments fundamentally follow three approaches
Provisions for general
well-being
Therapy for illness and
complaints
Self-experience as a path
to healing
This also applies to reflexology treatments. They are impulses that
convey an inner order to the person. Naturally, this raises the
question of health. Beyond the complicated definition of the WHO and
the negative definition of medicine (absence of illness), H.G. Gadamer
said, “Health is the comfortable silence of the
organs.” Thus, health is not a state but an ongoing process
in which we try to enhance the quality of our inner harmony.
Accordingly, illness can be viewed as a disturbance of this inner
order, a blockage of this development. Reflexology treatments aim to
help people rediscover their self-healing powers through this inner
order.
For this, it is necessary that we attempt to 'comprehend' the person as
a whole. These touches inevitably bring us into contact with feelings
and energies. Feelings must be treated mindfully, and energies require
vigilance. In all treatments, it is therefore not the strength of the
pressure that is decisive. Rather, it is the presence in our actions
and the quality of communication. This enables treatment success. Yet
even if we do everything correctly, we are not able to make another
person healthy. Health arises within ourselves, and we can only provide
impulses that prepare the ground for health. This is offered by
reflexology, which often work like miracles.
The most important tools remain our natural ones: heart, mind and
hands. Exactly in this order, a health craft becomes a healing art.
Massages are among the oldest healing methods of mankind, involving
direct skin contact as a form of focused care. This allows our patient
to feel truly accepted, in the truest sense of the word, fostering
well-being, health and healing.
Examples of massage techniques in reflexology
Strokes
In stroking, we use our hands to shape the area being treated. It is
necessary to make the hands completely soft so that they rest evenly on
the skin. As an introduction to treatment, Yin-Yang stroking, performed
in the direction of the Yin and Yang meridians, is suitable. These
strokes provide a basic balance of the energy situation at the start of
a reflexology massage.
Circling in place
This technique allows us to feel the texture of the subcutaneous
connective tissue and is also suitable for reflexology treatment. We
circle slowly with a finger in time with the breathing in one spot
(always painless!).
Lymph pumping
Both thumbs rhythmically massage the tissue with gentle, pumping
pressure (especially in the reflexology areas of the neck and chest).
This technique stimulates the lymphatic system and often promotes a
feeling of lightness.
Cat walking in
reflexology zones
This is a rhythmic kneading motion with alternating soft thumb pressure
to calm and balance the autonomic nervous system in the abdominal area.
Joint mobilisation
Gently and softly moving all joints as a refreshing technique to
finish, loosening the deep structures.
For an affected reflexology zone to become responsive, it is necessary
to respect the organ – reflexology system. Only then will we
gain the readiness for profound communication. This is the function of
the fundamental release in reflexology. The body is always right, even
if we sometimes find it hard to believe.
The fundamental release consists of a firm and consistent pressure
(pleasant!!) on the MRP (Maximum Reference Point). The pressure is
gradually increased until the breathing reference responds positively.
At the same time, the tension decreases and the sensation normalises.
Only then do all other measures often make sense, as the body's
attention is now fully focused on the needs of this structure and its
connections.
Essential oils transport us into the realm of emotions. It is no
coincidence that our sense of smell determines whether we can "smell"
someone or not. This is because our emotions are directly connected to
our olfactory brain. Additionally, we possess an extensive memory for
scents. These are almost always associated with emotional moments and
memories. In this way, reflexology treatments with essential oils also
work through the emotional sphere.
Essential oils are the finest material extracts of plants and have a
very intense effect on body and spirit. Therefore, when using essential
oils in reflexology, we should pay particular attention to a few
aspects. Please always dilute them with neutral carrier oils in your
treatments, at least to a dilution of 1:20 (1 part essential oil: 20
parts neutral oil). For larger applications, a dilution of up to 1:50
is even appropriate. Always use high-quality oils. Inferior oils can
even be harmful to treatments. Suitable carrier oils include, for
example, jojoba oil, almond oil, avocado oil, macadamia nut oil or
sesame oil.
Rare
stones with special brilliance, transparency, hardness or colour have
always been referred to as gemstones. Meanwhile, the term is used for
all stones that can be cut into jewellery or objects. The term 'healing
stone' is even less clear, as all gemstones can be beneficial. Since,
in the legal sense, the effects of gemstones and crystals are not
scientifically recognised, there are no 'healing stones'. However, the
history of stone healing over the millennia shows considerable
experience. In any case, all the greats of the healing arts, from the
ancient Egyptians to Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179) and Paracelsus
(1493-1541), included stone healing in their treatments. For about 40
years, this discipline has been experiencing a renaissance, especially
as current measurement methods (e.g. EEG) and new explanatory models
gradually provide a sustainable foundation. The pioneers of this new
analytical stone healing are primarily Michael Gienger and Walter von
Holst.
For about 25 years, gemstones in wand form have been successfully used
in reflexology, and for much longer they have been used in sphere and
soap shapes or simply as tumbled stones. Let yourself be inspired by
crystals and use our 'Fruits of the Earth' for your well-being and
perhaps also for your health.
Further information on gemstones and their applications can be found on
my website
crystal-wands.ewald-kliegel.de
All
effective methods involve risks because they can be applied either too
intensively, inappropriately or wrongly. In particular, we may regard
situations in which we have doubt as contraindications.
Reflexology treatments can not replace any other treatment, therapy or
medication !
Absolute contraindications:
- Systemic problems and severe diseases
- Fever and infectious diseases (this includes severe colds
and flu)
- Skin disease in the intended treatment area
- Injuries and burns
- Fresh operations (generally!)
- Time after a heart attack or stroke (in the first 3-6
months massages contain big risks)
- Cancer patients (especially if they receive radiation
treatments or chemotherapy)
- Cardiac pacemaker
- Unclear or severe pain
- Bruises in the intended treatment area
- Relapsing diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or multiple
sclerosis
- Phlebitis (also heavy varicose veins)
- Lymphatic oedema (cave!! Cardiac oedema)
- Predisposed to seizures (including epilepsy)
- Risk pregnancies (there are more than 50 risk criteria!)
Relative
contraindications:
These include all pregnancies. In the first 3 months, we should refrain
entirely from massages and treatments, and in the remaining gestation
period reflexology treatments of the hormonal and abdominal areas are
contra-indicated.
During menstruation the menstrual bleeding may be
increased. For pregnant women with following problems
reflexology treatments are
regarded as a risk (excerpts, list incomplete):
- Diabetes (including gestational diabetes),
- High blood pressure, lupus,
- Previous miscarriages,
- Pre term labour,
- Anaemia,
- Multiple births,
- Kidney diseases,
- Pre-eclampsia,
- Pregnancy problems in the family,
- Fetal growth retardation,
- Under weight of the mother or child.
Incompatibilities:
When we use essential oils, it is important to note that there are
potential incompatibilities. Please ask for professional
advice. Essential oils can increase the photo-sensitivity of
the skin
They can have an adverse effect on pregnancy. Some should not be
applied on children
Others can reduce the effectiveness of particular drugs or of
homoeopathic remedies.
Disclosure obligations:
In a responsible treatment, it is our duty to inform our patients and
clients that reflexology treatments can increase or weaken the effects
of drugs. This is especially true for insulin-dependent diabetic
patients. Therefore, on the day of massage and the following the
concerned should measure their blood glucose more frequently in order
to avoid potential hypoglycaemic crises.
