HELP AND HEAL COMMON AILMENTS with 
sequences for conditions from asthma and 
allergies to high blood pressure and stress
ALLTHE TECHNI quES yOu NEED to help every 
family member, from an over-tired toddler to 
an elderly person with arthritis
DETAILED SE quENCES treat specific common 
ailments, with quick routines for home, work, 
or on the moveTHE FIRST FULLY ILLUSTRATED ONE-STOP REFLEXOLOGY 
RESOURC E,from Kevin and Barbara Kunz, the world’s 
most authoritative reflexology experts
$25.00 uSA
$30.00 CanadaDiscover more at
www.dk.comKevin and Barbara Kunz have been 
pioneers in the research, teaching, 
practice, regulation, and documentation 
of reflexology for over 30 years. They are 
bestselling authors and their books are 
published in eighteen foreign languages 
and in 30 different countries. Barbara and Kevin are co-directors of 
the organization Reflexology Research; 
co-editors of the organization’s journal, 
Reflexions , now in its 27th year of 
publication; and maintain three websites, 
which between them have 7–8 million 
hits. They travel worldwide, teaching and 
giving talks on reflexology. Their books on 
reflexology include: Reflexology  and Hand 
Reflexology , both published by DK. For 
more information, visit their website— www. reflexology-research.com.In the course of day-to-day life, we all 
experience a range of common ailments. Complete Reflexology for Life  can help you 
heal everyone, from the tiniest newborn 
through to the most senior person. The 
wonderfully calming power of touch will also 
help you to forge stronger bonds with all the 
important people in your life. Complete Reflexology for Life  teaches you how 
to incorporate reflexology into your busy daily 
routine. Take a few moments out to connect with 
all of those in need of the natural healing touch 
of reflexology, or to relieve your own stresses 
and strains. It also features reflexology for 
special situations, showing, for example, how 
to take care of feet tired from a day at work. Discover the following:
• Principles and techniques of reflexology
•Self-help sessions and treatments for every 
life stag e
•Effective ways to treat health concerns
• Treatments for personal and professional use
complete  reflexol ogy forlifeBarbara & 
Kevin Kunz
The definitive illustrated reference to reflexology 
for all ages—from infants to seniors
Barbara & Kevin Kunz
reflexol ogy
complete
for life“Change your life with 
reflexology. Millions have.”
Kevin and Barbara Kunz
reflexol ogycomplete
for lifereflexol ogycomplete
for life
Printed in ChinaSome material 
in this book was 
previously published 
inReflexology  and 
Hand Reflexology . reflexol ogy
complete
for lifereflexol ogy
complete
for life
Barbara & Kevin KunzContents
6  You can change your life  
    with reflexology
8  Introduction
12   The principles of 
reflexology
The history of reflexology 14 • How reflexology 
works 18 • Reflexology and zones 22  • Reflexology 
maps 26 • The skeleton and the foot 34
36  Benefits for life
Showing that you care 38 • The healing touch 40  
• Reflexology as a stress-buster 42 • Building 
physical awareness 44 • Aiming for healthy aging 
46 • Self-help reflexology 48 • Creating natural 
solutions 50 • The reflexology lifestyle 52  
• Reflexology research 54 • Success stories 56 • Look 
after your feet 58 • Look after your hands 62
66  Reflexology techniques
Preparing for a session 68 • Basic techniques 72  
• Foot desserts 78 • Complete foot sequence 84  
• Complete self-help foot sequence 108 • Hand 
desserts 122 • Complete hand sequence 126 • Self-
help hand desserts 142 • Complete self-help hand 
sequence 146 • Using self-help foot tools 162  
• Using self-help hand tools 168 • Foot relaxation 
exercises 178 • Hand relaxation exercises 180 
182   Mini-sessions for 
getting results  
All about mini-sessions 184 • Recovering from 
injury 186 • Easing pain 188 • First aid 190 • Health 
concerns 192 • Relieving stress 194 • Providing 
comfort 198 London, nEw Yo Rk, M ELBoURnE, MUnICH, and dELHI
Senior editor  Jo Godfrey wood 
Senior art editor  Peggy Sadler
Editors  Aditi Ray, Andrea Bagg, diana Vowles
Designer  Arunesh Talapatra
US editors  Christy Lusiak
Managing editor  Penny warren
Managing art editor  Marianne Markham
DTP designer  Sonia Charbonnier
Production controller  Rebecca Short
Art director  Peter Luff
Category publisher  Mary-Clare Jerram
Photography  by Ruth Jenkinson
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this book 
is complete and accurate. However, neither the publisher nor the authors are 
engaged in rendering professional advice or services to the individual reader. The 
ideas, procedures, and suggestions contained in this book are not intended as a 
substitute for consultation with your healthcare provider. All matters regarding 
your health require medical supervision. neither the publisher nor the author 
accept any legal responsibility for any personal injury or other damage or loss 
arising from the use or misuse of the information and advice in this book. First American Edition, September 2007 
Published in the United States bydk Publishing, 
375 Hudson Streetnew York, new York 10014
07 08 09 10 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 
Rd144-08 2007
Copyright © 2007 dorling kindersley Limited
All rights reserved
without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this 
publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or 
transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, 
recording, or otherwise), without the prior written permission of both the 
copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.Published in Great Britain by dorling kindersley Limited. A catalog record for this book is available from the Library of Congress.ISBn 978-07566-2852-9
dk books are available at special discounts when purchased in bulk for sales 
promotions, premiums, fund-raising, or educational use. For details, contact: dk 
Publishing Special Markets, 375 Hudson Street, new York, new York 10014 or 
SpecialSales@dk.com. Color reproduction by M dP Ltd, U k 
Printed and bound in China by Sheck wah Tong 
discover more at  
www.dk.comSome material in this book was previously 
published in Reflexology  and Hand Reflexology .200   Reflexology for  
every life stage
Reflexology for your baby 202 • Reflexology for 
your child 208  • Reflexology for teenagers 216  
• Reflexology for senior citizens 222 • Reflexology 
for women 230 • Reflexology during pregnancy 238 
• Reflexology for men 242
248  Health concerns
Using reflexology for health 250 • Common health 
concerns 252 • The cardiovascular system 260 • The 
digestive system 264 • The endocrine system 268  
• The musculoskeletal system 272 • The nervous 
system 276 • The respiratory system 280 • The 
reproductive system 284 • The urinary system 286
288   Reflexology for 
rejuvenation
Rejuvenating the feet 292 • The foot-relaxer 
sequence 294 • Self-help for tired feet 302  
• Self-help rejuvenation strategy 306 • Rejuvenating 
the hands 314 • Self-help for tired hands 320  
• Hand concerns 326 330   Summary  
treatment charts
Head/brain/sinuses 332 • Pituitary 333 • Eye/inner 
ear/ear 333 • Face/teeth 334 • neck/throat/thyroid/
parathyroid 334 • Chest/lung/upper back 335  
• Heart 335 • Shoulder 336 • Solar plexus 336 • 
Liver/gallbladder 337 • Stomach/spleen 337 • Pancreas 338 • Adrenal glands 339 • kidneys 340 • 
Colon/small intestine 339 • Bladder/lower back 340  
• ovary/testicle 340 • Uterus/prostate 341 • knee/
leg 341 • Hip/sciatic nerve 342 • Elbow/arm 342 • 
Lymph glands/fallopian tubes/groin 343 • Spine 343 
344  Resources
346  Index
352  AcknowledgmentsReﬂexology for life … the phrase conjures up the 
many possibilities of reﬂexology’s beneﬁts. It 
connotes the potential to have an impact on 
health and quality of life; one’s own, and that of 
others. It suggests the use of reﬂexology’s 
techniques throughout one’s life, from the earliest 
days of infancy to the golden years of aging. As we look at our own use of reﬂexology over 
the past 30 years, we see that we have indeed 
used reﬂexology personally throughout our lives. At the conclusion of one lecture, Barbara was 
surprised to be asked, “Have you used 
reﬂexology for your own health?” You see, 
reﬂexology is not just a theoretical exercise. For 
ourselves and quite literally millions of others 
around the world and throughout history, 
reﬂexology gives the sense of being able to do 
something. At your ﬁngertips lies an ability that’s 
always there. It empowers you to positively 
address the challenges and stages of life. Reﬂexology for life  speaks to reﬂexology 
applications for the different times of our lives. On a personal note, it seems that reﬂexology has 
been there with us to calm and to cope, to ease 
and to help. From one bride’s prewedding jitters 
to another’s postwedding tired feet; from one 
niece’s pregnancy to another’s sports injury, 
reﬂexology has smoothed the way, lending a 
helping hand to people special to us. The ability to use reﬂexology has helped in 
challenging times as well. The opportunity to  
do something to help lessen that feeling of 
powerlessness when contending with a loved 
one in distress. It can help a newborn infant and You can change your life 
with reﬂexology… 
 Prefacea 96-year-old, as well as address allergies, 
menstruation, constipation, colic, kidney stones, 
heart problems, pregnancy, accident injury, ﬂesh-
eating bacteria, swollen ankles, back and foot 
problems… we could go on and on. As you apply reﬂexology in your own life, 
you’ll ﬁnd that one success leads to another, and 
another, and another. Then you’ll see the 
inﬂuence of your work well beyond your hands-
on application. As one niece observed, “I grew up 
with this stuff. I’ll bring it out and use it when I 
need it. And, I’ve shown others how to do it.” 
You enable others to address the moments of 
their lives with healthy, natural solutions. As professionals, we’ve spent hours, days, 
weeks, months, and years researching the tides of 
history, issues of professionalism, legislative ins-
and-outs, and physiological effects of reﬂexology. However, we always come back to reﬂect on the 
hands-on work; our own and that of the 
reﬂexologists we’ve met around the world. The 
common thread that runs through us all is the 
sense of possibility, that yes, you can change 
your life with reﬂexology. Even more, you can 
change the lives of others. While French author 
Antoine de Sainte-Exupery once noted “...there is 
no gardener for man,” we tend to think he never 
met a reflexologist. Preface “At your fingertips lies an ability 
that’s always there. It empowers you 
to positively address the challenges 
of life at all its different stages.”There’s something special about reﬂexology; it 
serves as a unique tool to maintain or establish  
a link between individuals. The stress of growing, 
the stress of injury, the stress of life−all can be 
helped by applying reﬂexology techniques. Reﬂexology can be used to ease and dissipate  
the stresses of everyday life in a healthy way. Healt Hful benefits
The use of reﬂexology’s natural touch helps you 
to build healthy and caring relationships with 
everyone you know. A loved one gains a sense 
of worth and well-being, knowing that someone 
cares and pays attention to his or her needs. As a 
bonus, individuals learn healthful habits to apply 
throughout life, from childhood on. There are many reasons why using reﬂexology 
provides healthful beneﬁts for people of all 
different ages. Throughout this book you will 
read about stories of success using reﬂexology: 
parents solving problems for their children, 
spouses sharing a special quiet moment with 
each other, and elderly people receiving the 
valuable gift of touch. Although the problems 
range from very trivial to the extremely serious, 
they all serve as examples of signiﬁcant others 
applying reﬂexology technique in a consistent 
manner in order to get a result. In addition to the gift of touch for the 
individual, reﬂexology provides a very real Introduction
Some 40 years  had passed since his mother had worked on his feet when he 
went to bed every night, but my client had not forgotten. My reﬂexology work 
on his feet would put him to sleep in seconds with a smile on his face. He slept 
so soundly that only his own snoring would interrupt his slumber. message for the body. Science has not yet 
formulated a speciﬁc answer to the question  
of what happens when you apply reﬂexology 
technique to the foot or hand. It can be said, 
however, that a message is sent within the 
nervous system. A sensation of pressure is 
reported to all parts of the body. What happens 
next is that the message is acted upon. The brain 
interprets the signal, formulates a suitable 
response, and takes an appropriate action. This 
activity takes place on an entirely subconscious 
level, where there are really no words in which 
to describe what is happening. A dramatic illustration of what happens to our 
bodies when pressure is applied to the soles of 
the feet was illustrated to us one day during the 
course of our practice. During a routine house 
call, Kevin was working on the feet of the man of 
the house. Suddenly from the bedroom came the 
cry, “She’s quit breathing!” The lady of the house, 
a 72-year-old who had been diagnosed with 
multiple strokes and senile dementia, was being 
cared for by her attendants when she had 
unexpectedly stopped breathing.  introduction“In addition to the gift of touch for 
the individual, reflexology provides  
a very real message for the body.” introduction a few Playful moments  with an 
infant’s feet or hands can lead to a 
lifetime of good results.The rescue unit was called. Kevin attempted 
mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, but with no 
results. He commented, “I don’t know CPR 
(cardiopulmonary resuscitation). What should I 
do?” Barbara replied, “Do what you know. Go for 
the feet.” Kevin applied pressure to the adrenal 
reﬂex area and the pituitary reﬂex area. At that 
point, the woman sat upright in the wheelchair 
and began swinging her feet. As Kevin attempted 
to get the foot pedals out of the way so she 
would not injure herself, he asked, “Mrs. W, Mrs. 
W, do you know who I am?” She replied, “Yes, 
you’re a jackass.” The others started laughing. They knew she was back; she always talked like 
that. (Mrs. W lived another two years.) (Note: The pituitary reﬂex area, the traditional 
reﬂexology revival reﬂex area, is located in the 
big toe. A primary neuron travels from the  
big toe all the way to the brain stem, where it 
synapses for the ﬁrst time in an area responsible 
for autonomic control of movement, respiration, 
and acceleration of heart rate.) your  oPPortunity
While your reﬂexology work may never provide 
the drama of the above story, it will offer you the 
opportunity to interact with the body. The feet 
and hands provide windows of opportunity to, 
as it were, reach into the body and communicate 
with the internal organs and muscular system. The net result of reﬂexology application is a “Millions of people all over the  
globe have used the techniques of 
reflexology to make a difference to 
the health and well-being of another.” 
resetting of the body’s natural balancing act. A systematic pattern of applying pressure 
techniques to the hand or foot interrupts stress, 
relieves conditions, and teaches the body how 
to behave in a better, healthier manner. Reﬂexive 
responses such as locomotion, alertness, and 
body awareness can be inﬂuenced through the 
application of reﬂexology technique. Millions of people all over the globe have 
used the techniques of reﬂexology to make a 
difference to the health and well-being of 
another. The popularity of the technique is due 
10 introductionreflexology can be fun  so making a game 
of reflexology application is entertaining and 
beneficial for adults and children alike.to the simple, straightforward method that it 
provides for helping other people. The goal of this book is to give you the 
information you need to make an impact on 
well-being using the techniques of reflexology. Although we can describe all sorts of things  
to you, the particular role you choose for 
reﬂexology to play in your life is up to you. Whether your goal is to add reﬂexology to your 
library of natural health tools or to apply 
reﬂexology yourself, this book will guide you 
through your use of reﬂexology to: 
 work with the hands or feet 
 impact stress or a health concern
 rejuvenate a tired hand or foot 
 help yourself or another 
 apply self-help hands-on techniques and  
those that utilize toolstenets of reflexology
The basic tenets of reﬂexology are simple. In the 
following chapters of this book, you will learn 
about them in more detail. Reﬂexology zone and 
referral maps will show you where to apply 
techniques. Descriptions are included to guide 
you through how to apply the techniques, how 
long to apply them, and how often. We will 
show you how to utilize patterns of techniques 
to address health concerns. You will ﬁnd 
information about special aspects of working 
with infants, children, teenagers, men, women, 
pregnant women, and elderly people. It is perhaps the ultimate use of reﬂexology 
 
to bring people together, working toward a 
common health goal or as an act of friendship. As you embark on your reﬂexology path, 
remember that every journey starts with a single 
step. We encourage you to take that ﬁrst step. it only takes a moment  to get 
started with reflexology and to enhance 
your life, as well as someone else’s. introduction    11In this chapter,  we focus on a whole range 
of health concerns, from asthma to sore throat, 
with illustrated techniques and reflex areas 
appropriate to each. In-depth advice is presented to 
show you how to address health targets with this 
safe and convenient adjunct to medical treatment.Health concernsChapter 6Focusing your efforts  in reflexology will 
help you to make any necessary improvements to 
your own health or that of friends and relatives. A targeted mini-session allows you to address a 
specific health concern, promote relaxation, provide 
comfort in a hospital setting, aid recovery from 
injury, ease pain, or apply first aid. In this chapter, 
you’ll learn how to maximize your time and effort 
by using the best technique for your needs.Mini-sessions for 
getting resultsChapter 4Reflexology is the application  of pressure 
techniques to the hands and feet to affect another 
part of the body. These techniques stimulate 
pressure sensors, triggering relaxation response 
throughout the body. Reflexology encourages good 
health, promoting relaxation, easing pain, 
preventing disease, and improving quality of life. In 
this chapter you will find out about its history, its 
principles, and how it works. The principles  
of reflexologyChapter 1Ancient egypt
Among the world’s oldest depictions of medical 
practices are the pictographs of hand and foot 
reflexology dating from the 6th Dynasty that 
were discovered at the Tomb of the Physician in 
Saqqara. These detailed pictographs also show 
other common medical practices of the time, 
offering the clearest evidence of healing work on 
the feet in ancient history. Most intriguing to 
reflexologists is the translation of the hieroglyph, 
“Do not let it be painful,” and “I do as you say,” 
since similar interchanges take place in 
reflexology practices today. The neighboring 
Tomb of Khentika, dating from the same era, 
includes similar pictographs with hieroglyphs 
stating, “Make these pleasant, dear one, and I 
shall act for your praise.”  
 At the Temple of Amon at Karnak there is a 
depiction of a healer tending the feet of soldiers 
at the battle of Qadesh. This famous military 
campaign of 1274 bce involved a long march 
and, presumably, many footsore soldiers. The 
hieroglyph carved on an obelisk commemorates 
it as a military victory for Rameses II, who 
reigned 1279—1213 bce, though in reality there 
was no clear victory and Rameses failed to gain 
the territory he wanted. The history of reflexology
From ancient times  to the present day, working the feet has been used by 
humankind as a means of maintaining good health and well-being. Although 
the exact principles and techniques of its early use are no longer known, artifacts 
discovered by archeologists indicate that reflexology has been developed as an 
aid to health by many societies around the globe, from South America to Egypt, 
Japan, China, and throughout Asia. 14 the principles of reflexologyHistorians record that the Roman military leader 
Mark Antony (83—30 bce) rubbed the  
feet of the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra VII (69—30 
bce). Emperor Augustus (63—14 bce) writes of 
Antony’s pathetic enslavement, “He even 
massaged her feet at dinner parties.” To a 
reflexologist, the image of Antony working on 
his lover’s feet conjures up an image of one 
person reaching out to another, bypassing words. Ancient chinA
No such relics record the history of healing work 
on the feet in ancient China. Some Chinese 
practitioners, however, date Chinese reflexology 
practices to the rule of the legendary Emperor 
Huang Ti (2704—2596 bce) and his book The 
Medical Classic of the Yellow Emperor. The text is  
said to include the “Examining Foot Method.” 
During the Han Dynasty, which lasted from  
206 bce to 220 ce, the “Examining Foot Method” 
was investigated and systematized by  
a famous physician and termed the “Tao of Foot “Among the world’s oldest depictions 
of medical practices are pictographs 
of hand and foot reflexology.“the history of reflexology 15Center” in the text Hua Tuo Mi Ji. Reflexology 
work reportedly flourished during the Tang 
Dynasty (618-907 ce), at which time it also 
spread to Japan. Further early history in China is sketchy, as 
such work apparently fell out of favor over the 
years−as did many other components of 
traditional Chinese medicine. Failure to record 
reflexology work in writing as well as the 
destruction of those written works that did exist 
added to the dearth of historic clues. However, it 
is thought that this ancient precursor to modern 
reflexology was continually practiced in rural 
villages, thus keeping the tradition alive and 
waiting for wider recognition that was to come 
in the 20th century.JApAn
The earliest indication of healing via the feet in 
Japan can be seen at the Yakushiji (Medicine 
Teacher’s) Temple at Nara, constructed in 680 ce, 
where the footprint is etched on the upraised 
foot of the seated Buddha figure. Also in the 
temple ground is the Bussokudo, a building 
housing a famous stone, the Bus-soku-seki, with 
Buddha’s footprint etched on its top surface. The 
exact meanings of these prints are lost in history, 
but interest in the foot in relation to health 
continued; Samurai warriors of the 12th century 
cut down sections of bamboo to walk on to 
strengthen perseverance and fighting spirit. This 
practice, known as takefumi , continues today. other cultures
In diverse parts of the globe, the beliefs of many 
ancient cultures illustrate the special role of the 
foot in their societies. As Barbara Walker writes one of the eArliest  depictions of foot and hand 
therapy as part of medical care is illustrated in a painted, 
carved relief from the tomb of the physician in saqqara, 
egypt, dating from 2330 Bce.in The Woman’s Dictionary of Symbols and Sacred 
Objects (1988), “Egyptians, Babylonians, and other 
ancient peoples considered it essential to step on 
sacred ground with bare feet to absorb the holy 
influences from Mother Earth.”
 Even now, a similar ancient belief persists 
among the Kogi tribal people of Colombia, in 
South America; they consider that footwear cuts 
off their contact with Mother Earth. As a result, 
they go barefoot. In Russia, the idea of walking 
barefoot on natural surfaces to benefit the body 
prevails, while many societies in Asia, Africa,  
and India have customs that involve work on 
the feet for health purposes. It appears that many 
traditional societies see the foot as a conduit to 
spirituality and wellness. Western ideAs
In the West, the concept of reflexology as a 
medical therapy began to emerge in the 19th 
century, based on research into the nervous 
system by scientists and medical practitioners. One of the functions of the nervous system is 
to detect and interpret information from the 
outside world and initiate the body’s response to 
it. As part of their work, medical researchers in 
the mid to late 1800s studied the concept of the 
reflex and determined it to be “an involuntary 
response to a stimulus.” They then began to 
explore the idea of “reflexes” and their effect on 
the body’s state of health. Heat, cold, plasters, 
and herbal poultices were applied to one part of 
the body with the aim of influencing another 
part. For example, a poultice applied to the skin 
of the chest was demonstrated to influence  
the lungs beneath. The concept of “zones of 
influence,” in which an action performed on one 
part of the body causes a reaction elsewhere, 
explained such phenomena. British developments
In 1893, Sir Henry Head (1861–1940) made a 
breakthrough in the understanding of the 
nervous system. He discovered that areas of  
skin on the surface of the body could become 
abnormally sensitive as a result of a diseased 
internal organ. The connection, he found, was 
due to the fact that the internal organ and area 
of skin were served by nerves emanating from 
the same segment of the spinal cord. His model, 
showing how the skin and various parts of the 
body are linked, became known as “Head’s 
Zones.” Further development of such ideas in 
medicine was curtailed by the advent of new 
drugs and more sophisticated surgery. russiAn developments
Experiments by Nobel Prize winner Ivan Pavlov 
(1849-1936) showed that the internal organs of 
dogs could be conditioned to respond to certain 
stimuli. This led Russian physicians of the early 
1900s to form the hypothesis that health can be 
affected in response to external stimuli. This 
concept became known as “reflex therapy,” and  
in 1917 physician Vladimir Bekhterev (1857-1927) 
coined the term “reflexology.” Medical researchers 
of the time believed that an organ experienced 
illness because it received the wrong instructions 
from the brain. According to this theory, by 
interrupting such “bad” instruction, a reflex 
therapist could prompt the body to behave in a 
better manner and return to health. Influencing 
health through reflex action is a concept that still 
survives in some areas of medical practice today. 16 the principles of reflexologypetAls And coins  adorn a stone representation of the 
Buddha’s footprints adjacent to the mahabodhi temple in 
Bihar, india. footprints serve as a reminder to Buddhists of 
both the presence and abundance of Buddha.the history of reflexology 1718 the principles of reflexologyHow reflexology works
Reflexologists apply pressure techniques to the hands and feet to stimulate 
specific reflex areas with the intention of producing a beneficial response in 
other parts of the body. Reflexology maps show the various reflex areas and 
their corresponding body parts. The mirror image of the body in the feet and 
hands helps both professional reflexologists and self-help practitioners to easily 
target the correct part of foot or hand on which to work. When the body is exposed to danger, an ancient 
survival mechanism, called the “fight or flight” 
response, is activated. During this response, 
information gathered from the environment is 
communicated instantly to the brain, internal 
organs, and muscles so that they can prepare the 
body for appropriate action. Both the feet and 
hands participate in this response. responsive feet
During the fight or flight response, the feet must 
be prepared to participate in defending or fleeing. They do this by processing environmental 
information gathered through pressure sensors 
in the soles, which helps the body determine 
optimal fuel and oxygen levels. Running, for example, requires much more 
oxygen than walking; feet that need to flee 
require different levels of fuel and oxygen than 
feet that need to stand firm and prepare to fight. For this reason, pressure signals from the soles 
tell the brain whether the body is standing, 
sitting, or lying down, which enables it to decide 
whether blood sugar (glucose), oxygen, and 
muscle contraction and relaxation needs are 
currently being met; if not, the brain sends out the pressure sensors  in the feet 
communicate instantly with the brain, 
internal organs, and other parts of the 
body, giving us the ability to remove 
ourselves from danger, if necessary.how reflexology works 19signals to the body, instructing it to make the 
appropriate adjustments. Think about what takes 
place when someone is jogging. Increased 
pressure to the feet tells the brain that the jogger 
is running. The body adjusts its organs in order 
to provide adequate energy. Over time, a jogger’s 
body becomes conditioned to work better. Reflexology is weightless jogging, exercising 
similar pressure receptors without the demands 
of standing and weight-bearing. For example, a 
single nerve travels from the center of the big toe 
to the part of the brain that is responsible for 
controlling movement, respiration, and cardiac 
acceleration. So pressure applied to the center of 
the big toe, the pituitary gland reflex area, triggers 
a revival response. responsive hands
Hands reach out to touch the world, befriending 
and defending as well as picking up the pieces 
when necessary, and helping us to survive. Pressure sensors in the hands allow us to 
communicate with others and to manipulate our 
surroundings, carrying out our daily tasks, and 
using the tools and equipment that we routinely 
employ in the performance of those tasks. At the most fundamental level, the hands, like 
feet, are essential to our survival, creating shelter, 
providing food, and nurturing our young. In 
times of danger, the hands participate in the  
fight or flight response. The sudden adrenaline 
surge that enables a person to lift a car following 
an accident is an example of this extraordinary 
response to stress. pressure to the feet  
tells the brain that the 
jogger is running. reflexology is weightless 
jogging, exercising 
similar pressure receptors 
without the demands of 
standing and weight-
bearing.“The feet act as self-tuners for the 
rest of the body: movements of the 
feet stimulate the whole system.” 20 the principles of reflexologysystem. Every day is not a new day for the  
foot, hand, or any other sensory organ. Using 
information that is gathered over the course of  
a lifetime, instructions for sensory organs are 
preset in anticipation of events that are to come. In other words, to enable us to continually 
respond to our ever-changing environment, we 
need to receive information from our sensory 
organs and to respond with preset directions 
from our brain.the new sensory  
experiences of 
reflexology’s 
pressure techniques 
prompts a general 
relaxation response 
in the whole body.interrupting stress patterns
The same stress mechanism is also at work as 
we respond to the demands of the day. When 
sustained, however, such stress creates wear and 
tear on the body. According to researcher Hans 
Selye (1907–1982), 75 percent of all illnesses are 
stress-related. He argued that interrupting the 
pattern of stress provides a break in the routine, 
thereby resolving the wear-and-tear effect of 
continuous stress. Hand and foot reflexology 
work taps into this relationship, interrupting 
stress, and helping to reset the body’s overall 
tension level. As the hands and feet respond to 
the new sensory experiences of reflexology’s 
pressure techniques, the work interrupts 
patterns of stress and prompts a general 
relaxation response in the whole body. If practiced sufficiently often, reflexology 
work not only interrupts stress but also 
conditions an improved response to it. how reflexes work
Imagine stepping on a tack. In response to the 
challenge to the sole of the foot, a reflexive 
action occurs throughout the body−muscular 
action withdraws the foot from the tack and the 
body experiences an adrenaline surge as well as 
changes in balance and internal organ function. The body acts as a whole to protect itself from 
this injury. In general, reflexive responses take 
place with every footstep and hand gesture. Reflexology works on the same principles−it 
all happens reflexively throughout the nervous “Continuing use of reflexology results 
in improved response to the stresses 
of the day.” how reflexology works 21It is this information gathering and preset 
response that makes possible a reflexology 
influence on the whole body. The demands of 
walking call for an automatic, unconscious 
response to the ground underfoot. Changes in 
terrain call for changes in the reflexive response 
by the foot and the internal organs that fuel 
movement. For example, walking up a hill creates 
additional demands, such as extra oxygen and 
nutrients for working muscles. . Reflexology techniques provide stimulus to 
pressure sensors of the hands and feet, 
prompting a reflexive response throughout the 
taking a few moments  
to relax the hands and feet 
keeps them flexible and 
helps them function better.body, including the internal organs. A reflex 
effect occurs as the body automatically and 
unconsciously resets its stress mechanism. When reflexology techniques are applied to a 
specific part of the hand or foot, a specific 
relaxation response occurs in a corresponding 
body part: reflexology maps of the hands (see 
pp30-31) and feet (see pp26-29) show how this 
relationship works. Continuing use of reflexology 
technique results in an improved response to all 
the stresses of the day. . Reflexology work affects the body in three 
main ways: a general relaxation response, a 
specific reflex effect, and a rejuvenation of the 
hands and feet. It also improves the flexibility  
of the hands and feet and helps to develop 
awareness, thus lessening possibility of injury 
occurring. In sum, reflexology works as a stress-
reducer in the nervous system, prompting an 
effect on the whole body.“Reflexology works as a stress 
reducer in the nervous system, 
promoting beneficial effects on  
the whole body.“ 22 the principles of reflexologyReflexology and zones
The theory underlying reflexology is called zone theory. This theory is 
similar to the idea of meridians in acupuncture. Just as meridians link one part 
of the body with another, so a combination of zone charts and maps connects 
the hands and feet to the organs and structures of the body. In zone theory, the body is divided into ten 
zones, one representing each finger and toe. Applying pressure to one part of a zone creates 
an effect along the zone. For example, pressure 
applied to the index finger creates a reaction, a  
relaxation  response, along zone 2 anywhere in the 
body. Lateral markers further link the body and 
the hand or foot (see right). For example, to 
affect a body part at the waistline in zone 1, 
pressure is applied to the hand or foot at the 
waistline lateral marker and zone 1 (see opposite 
and p24). This system is further refined to create 
reflexology maps, see pp26–33. using zones and maps 
Reflexologists use zones and maps to locate an 
area on the hand or foot that corresponds to a 
specific part of the body, in order to focus work 
on areas of localized stress. For example, a client, 
Twyllah, attended the emergency room with her 
daughter, who was in great pain. Twyllah used 
her reflexology and zone knowledge to find the 
part of her daughter’s hand that reflected the 
pain, which she successfully relieved during 
diagnosis and preparation for an appendectomy. Reflexologists use maps and zone charts in 
order to plan their strategy: where to apply 
technique, how much to apply, and for how 
long to apply it are key questions for a focused 
approach to prompting a response. reflexologists use zone charts similar to the one below to 
help them locate areas on the hands and feet that 
correspond to different parts of the body. the body is divided into ten zones and four lateral zones. the lateral 
markers are: base of the neck, diaphragm (base of the 
ribcage), the waistline, and base of the pelvis.Zone charts
left side of 
the bodyright side of 
the body
5
4
3
2
15
4
3
2
1Base of 
neck
diaphragm
Waistline
Base  
of pelvisreflexology and zones 23top of left footbottom of 
right footbottom of left foot
top of right foot5 4 3 2 1
Base of neck
diaphragm
Waistline
Base of pelvisBase of neck
diaphragm
Waistline1 2 3 4 5
1 2345
123451 2 3
4
51 2 34
5
1 234
5
12345
Base of pelvis
Base of neck
diaphragmBase of neck
diaphragm
Base of pelvis1 2 3 4 5 5 4 3 2 1
1 2
3
4
5
12 34
5123
4
5
1 23
4
5
Base of pelvis24 the principles of reflexologyleft palm right palm
top of right hand top of left handBase of neck
diaphragm
Waistline
Base of pelvis
Base of 
neck
diaphragm
Waistline
Base of 
pelvisBase of 
neck
diaphragm 
Base of 
pelvis5 4 3 2 1
Base of neck
diaphragm
Waistline
Base of pelvis1 2 3 4 5
1
1
122
23
3
34
4
45
5
55554
4
43
32
2
21
1
1
1
1
12
2
23
3
34
4
45
5
55432
1 5
54
43
32
21
1Waistline3reflexology and zones 25referral areas
Referral areas link one limb or joint of the body 
to another through the zones. Referral areas are 
utilized to block pain and speed recovery of 
other injuries to the limbs and joints. To see this 
relationship, compare your right arm and leg to 
the illustrations. The arm is a reflection of the leg. The fingers correspond to the toes, the hand to 
the foot, the wrist to the ankle, the forearm to the 
calf, the elbow to the knee, the upper arm to the 
thigh, and the shoulder to the hip. Referral areas are used when work to a part  
of the foot or hand must be avoided entirely 
because of an injury. For example, Anna’s 
daughter had injured her ankle and was to be 
excluded from her school soccer final. Work was 
done with the referral area, the wrist, and she 
learned how to apply technique herself. Her 
ankle improved and she was able to play. The referral areas are further divided by zones. Since an injured little finger, for example, lies in 
the same zone as a little toe, technique is applied 
to the little toe to speed its recovery. referral areas in practice
Referral areas are used by first matching the 
painful area with its referral counterpart. If any 
part of the leg is bruised, for example, the 
corresponding part of the arm can be worked. Match the location between ankle and knee to a 
similar location between wrist and ankle. Now, 
consider the location of the bruised area in a 
straight line to the toe. Matching the third toe, 
for example, to the third finger, run a line up the 
arm and meet the location between wrist and 
elbow. Apply thumb-walking to the area. In 
order to diminish pain, follow the same locating 
procedure before applying direct pressure. direct pressure  applied to the forearm 
is linked to blocking pain and/or speeding 
recovery of injury to the lower leg.26 the principles of reflexologyReflexology maps
Reflexologists use pressure applied to 
reflex areas on the sole of the foot to 
communicate with corresponding 
parts of the body via the 
central nervous system, 
helping them to function 
as well as they can. right sole
This map has reflex areas that 
relate to the body’s right side. The 
arm reflex site, for instance, relates 
to the right arm. The liver reflex 
site is much larger than the same 
site on the left foot, since the liver 
is mostly on the body’s right side.head/Brain
thymus  
heart/chest  
solar plexus
Diaphragm  pituitary gland
neck/Brain stem
thyroid/
parathyroid glands
eye
inner ear
liver
stomach 
Adrenal gland 
pancreas
Kidney
transverse colon 
spine
small intestine
Bladder
lower back
sciatic nerve
tailboneAscending colon 
ileocecal valve sinus  
ear  
lung/chest/  
Upper back  
shoulder  
Arm 
gallbladder neck  
Foot maps
Reflex areas on the 
feet form “maps” that 
approximate to the body’s 
anatomy, with areas on 
the toes and heels, for 
example, reflecting the 
head and lower back 
respectively. Some reflex 
areas overlap, indicated 
by broken lines. lower backreflexology m Aps 27left sole
Reflex areas on the left foot relate 
to the body’s left side. The heart, 
stomach, and pancreas reflex sites 
are much larger than those on the 
right foot map, reflecting the fact 
that these organs are situated on 
the left side of the body.head/Brain
Diaphragm  solar plexusheart/chest  thymus  
Adrenal gland stomach liverpituitary gland
thyroid/
parathyroid glandsneck/Brain stem
pancreas
Kidney
spine
small intestine
Bladder
sciatic nerve
tailboneinner eareye
Descending colon 
sigmoid colonsinus  
ear  
lung/chest/  
Upper back  
shoulder  
Arm 
spleenneck  
lower back transverse colon
lower back 28 the principles of reflexologytop of left foot
The reflex areas shown relate to the left side of the body. To orient 
yourself, the spine reflex area lies on the inside of the foot and the 
shoulder reflex area on the outside. The reflex areas for the lung, 
chest, breast, and upper back is represented as one area. However, in the same way as the chest and lungs lie 
“behind” the back, so the chest and lungs reflex areas 
actually lie behind the back reflex area. inside foot
This view shows how the 
spine reflex area runs along 
the inside of the foot. The neck 
is represented at the big toe, 
the area between the shoulder 
blades in the ball of the foot, 
the lower back at the arch,  
and the tailbone at the base  
of the heel.neck/Brain stem 
thymus  neck
Upper back
Waistline 
Bladder
lymph glands/
fallopian tubes/  
groinlower back face/sinus  
Arm 
elbowhead/Brain
teeth/  
gums/Jaw  
lung/chest/
Breast/  
Upper back
Knee/leg
Bladder spine thymushead/Brain
neck/Brain stemUterus/  
prostate gland
lymph glands/fallopian tubes/
 
groinlungs/chest/  
Breast/Upper back
lower back
face/sinusUpper 
backtops of shoulders
teeth/gums/Jaw
neck
Spinal areatailbone lower  
back cervical Middle  
back Upper  
back tops of  
shoulders 
spine  reflexology MAps 29top of right foot
On the top of the right foot are reflex areas relating to the right side of 
the body, such as the right arm and leg. A point halfway down the foot 
is known as the “waistline.” The upper back and its organs are 
mapped above this point, and the lower back and the internal 
organs it encases are below this guideline. The lymph glands 
and the groin reflex areas wrap around the ankle. oUtside foot
The reflex area for the top of 
the shoulders runs across the 
toes, with the areas that 
correspond to the arm and 
elbow at the side of the foot. This view clearly shows the 
reflex areas for the reproductive 
organs and for the sciatic nerve 
and hip, which curves around 
the ankle bone.neck/Brain stem 
thymus  neck
Upper back
Waistline 
Bladder
lymph glands/
fallopian tubes/  
groinlower back face/sinus  
Arm 
elbowteeth/  
gums/Jaw  
lung/chest/
Breast/  
Upper back
Knee/leghead/Brain
elbowArm ovary/
testiclelower  
backlymph glands/  
fallopian tubes/groinlungs/chest/
 
Breast/
Upper back
Upper 
back
Knee/  
leg hip/sciatic  
nerve
necktops of 
shoulders
head/Brain
face/sinusteeth/  
gums/Jawspine  tops of 
shouders 30 The principles of reflexologyHand maps
The body’s anatomy is mapped onto reflex areas on the 
fronts and backs of the hands, with the reflex area for the 
head located on the tops of the fingers and thumbs. Broken lines indicate where reflex 
areas overlap. lefT palm 
Reflex areas on the left palm 
correspond to the left side of the 
body: head and neck areas on the 
fingers, tailbone near the wrist. The 
shoulder reflex is located on the 
outside and the spine reflex is on 
the inside. ear
spleen
colon
sigmoid
colonpituitary 
gland
Thyroid/  
parathyroid  
glands
heart
Diaphragm
stomach
adrenal
gland
pancreassmall intestine
Bladderspine
neckeye inner
ear
solar
plexusTops of  
shoulders
Tailbone lower
backneck
Upper
back
Spinal areahead/
Brain/sinus
head/  
Brain/sinusTop of  
shoulders
shoulder
arm
Kidneylung/chest/
Upper backneck
Descending colon31righT palm 
Reflex areas on the right palm 
mirror the right side of the body. Since the two sides of the body 
have different internal organs, 
there are differences between the 
reflexology maps for the right 
and left hands. For example, the 
liver reflex area is represented 
only on the right palm. reflexology mapshead/
Brain/sinusneck
pituitary 
gland
Tops of 
shouldersThyroid/  
parathyroid 
glands
heart
stomachadrenal 
gland
Kidney
small intestinespineeye
shoulder
arm
ascending colonTransverse colon
ileocecal valve Upper back/lung/chest
Diaphragmsolar 
plexus
Tailbone lower
backneck
Upper
back
Spinal areahead/
Brain/  
sinus
pancreasinner 
ear
livergallbladderTops of shoulders
ear
Bladderneck32Top of lef T hand
The top of the left hand includes a 
series of banded reflex areas that 
relate to the left side of the body, from 
the left side of the head to the left 
knee. Reflex areas for the groin, lymph 
glands, and fallopian tubes can 
be found on the wrist. head/Sinus
head/Sinusneck
neck
lymph glands/  
fallopian tubes/GroinSpine
diaphragm/  
Solar plexus
lower back
ovary/TesticleWaistlineUpper backTops of 
shoulders
Knee/leg/hiplung/Chest/  
Breast/Upper backThyroid/  
parathyroid 
glandsTeeth/Gums/Jaw
Uterus/prostate gland
The prin CipleS of reflexolo Gy33Top of ri GhT hand
The reflex areas on the right hand 
correspond to the body’s right side. The “waistline” can be found at the 
base of the long bones. Locate the 
upper back reflex area just above the 
waistline, and below it, the areas for 
the lower back, hips, and the 
internal organs they protect. head/Sinus
head/Sinus
diaphragm/  
Solar plexusTops of 
shoulders
Waistlineneck
lymph glands/  
fallopian tubes/GroinSpine
lower backThyroid/  
parathyroid  
glands
ovary/TesticleKnee/leg/hiplung/Chest/  
Breast/Upper back
Uterus/prostate glandUpper backneck
Teeth/Gums/Jaw
reflexolo Gy map STo orient yourself, the skeletal structures on the 
right foot relate to the right side of the body. The 
base of the neck is reflected at the base of the big 
toe. Just as the elbow meets the body at its 
waistline, the elbow is reflected at the foot’s 
invisible point−the “waistline” at the base of the 
foot’s long bone. To consider this relationship, 
take a close look at your own foot. The neck’s 
seven cervical vertebrae span from the base of 
the skull to the base of the neck and are reflected 
along the side of the big toe. Technique is applied 
to these reflex areas to work with pain and 
maladies of the neck. The hand’s nerves originate 
in and extend from the cervical vertebrae of the 
neck, and impingement of nerve transmission to 
the fingers can result in numbness. Reflexology 
applied to the reflex areas along the big toe can 
help with this and other neck problems. easing pain
The body’s twelve thoracic vertebrae extend 
from the base of the neck to the waistline. On 
the foot they are reflected from the base of the 
big toe to the base of the first metatarsal, the 
long bone below the big toe. Reflexology applied 
to these reflex areas helps to alleviate discomfort 
and pain between the shoulder blades. The five sacral vertebrae span the spine below 
the waist to the tailbone. Reflex areas that The skeleton and the foot
Just as the organs of the body  can be superimposed on the reﬂexology 
maps, so too can the skeletal structure, the bones of the body. This reﬂection 
ranges from the vertebrae of the neck, mirrored on the big toe, to the tailbone, 
reiterated in the heel. A chart reflecting these relationships can be helpful in 
addressing specific skeletal concerns such as damaged vertebrae. 34 the principles of reflexologycorrespond to them follow the inside edge of the 
foot from the base of the first metatarsal to the 
beginning of the heel. Reflexology applied to 
these reflex areas helps ease pain in the lower 
back. The reflex areas for the tailbone and 
coccyx are along the inside of the heel. Reflexology to these areas helps with discomfort 
following injury to these parts of the spine. hastening recovery
Reflexology technique may be applied further to 
reflex areas representing the skeleton and limbs 
to help alleviate pain and hasten recovery from 
injury. From tennis elbow to bursitis of the 
shoulder to hip pain, reflexology work to the 
appropriate reflex areas achieves results. In addition, the skeletal structure is supported 
and linked by muscles, tendons, and ligaments. When considering achiness and pain in the 
lower back, for example, it is not just the 
vertebrae of the lower back but the muscles that 
surround them that add to or even create 
problems in the lower back. Just as any part of 
the body below the waistline constitutes the 
lower back, any reflex area below the foot’s 
reflected waistline encompasses the reflex areas 
of related tendons and ligaments. To help relieve 
a lower back problem with reflexology also 
apply technique to the surrounding reflex areas.the skeleton and the foot 35right sole
This map has skeletal reﬂex areas that relate to 
the body’s right side. The shoulder skeletal reﬂex 
area, for example, relates to the right shoulder. The right sole reﬂects the reﬂex areas for the  
right side of the body. left sole
This map has skeletal reﬂex areas that relate to 
the body’s left side. The elbow skeletal reﬂex 
area, for example, relates to the left elbow. The 
left sole reﬂects the reﬂex areas for the portions 
of the hip and pelvis on the left side of the body. cervical vertebrae
(neck )
thoracic 
vertebrae 
Waistline 
lumbar 
vertebrae
sacral vertebrae
tailbone/coccyxleft 
shoulderleft shoulder 
blade
right 
elbowright shoulder 
blade
right 
shoulder
right 
upper 
arm
right hipleft 
upper 
arm
left hip left 
elbowThe benefits of reflexology  are as 
varied as the people who use it. Fundamentally, 
reflexology’s hands-on communication allows 
person-to-person connection, which enhances 
relationships, encourages healthy living, and 
empowers both giver and receiver. As you read  
this chapter, think about who reflexology can 
benefit in your life, and how.Benefits for lifeChapter 2Enduring images of warm, person-to-person 
experiences emerge from stories about the use  
of reﬂexology. For example, one woman related 
that her two-year-old niece called her “Foot” 
rather than “Auntie,” as she associated her with 
her foot reﬂexology work. Another woman told 
of her father bartering with the children on 
Sunday mornings, offering to fix them a special 
breakfast if they would work on his feet. It was  
a pleasant interlude in the week, creating a 
closeness between parent and children. A sense 
of responsibility and the family working together 
was reﬂected in this shared experience. showing support and love
Practicing reﬂexology gives you the ability to 
reach out and show that you care when words 
might not suffice. One study of reﬂexology  
found that its use provided a means for family 
members of cancer patients to show their 
support and love; the patients experienced less 
pain and also felt less isolated. Reﬂexology 
established a way for the relatives to feel 
connected to their loved one as well as for the 
patients to feel their support. It was the gesture 
of caring that stood out as a morale booster for 
both patients and their families. Showing that you care
Reﬂexology is a great form  of nonverbal communication that tells the 
recipient they are cared for. Whether your goal in using reﬂexology is to boost 
health, to create a quiet moment, to provide comfort in illness, or simply to say 
“I love you,” reﬂexology provides a means of expression without the need for 
words. For you, the greatest beneﬁt of reﬂexology is the opportunity to reach 
out and touch a loved one’s life in a positive way. 38 benefits for lifeThe reality of reﬂexology work is that just taking 
the time, making the effort, and paying attention 
to the individual is therapeutic in itself. Reﬂexology empowers the provider and the 
receiver: the provider receives the gift of giving 
and the beneﬁt of physical contact with another 
human being, while the recipient gains from 
being the focus of another’s care. Whatever the 
relationship between them, both can find beneﬁt. nurturing friendship
Many a friendship has been nurtured through 
the shared reﬂexology experience when a mutual 
support system has emerged. Reﬂexology 
lightens, brightens, and buoys up the spirit. One 
friend, for example, helped another to gain 
control over her addictive behavior. Both 
acknowledged the beneﬁt of a friend’s ear for 
listening, but credited the reﬂexology work with 
helping to change the destructive habits. The net result of reﬂexology work is an 
environment of safety and security that allows 
individuals to express themselves. At times, it is 
difﬁcult to know what to do to help a loved one. Reﬂexology forms a positive, non-judgmental 
form of interaction, helping to grease the wheels 
of a stressful relationship where one exists. “Many a friendship has been nurtured 
through the shared reflexology 
experience when a mutual support 
system has emerged.”
reflexology  is a treatment 
that can be carried out at 
home in an atmosphere of 
relaxation and ease. showing that you care 39Reﬂexology techniques are uniquely sustaining 
and nourishing to the body’s developmental 
system. In particular, mothers who have been 
concerned about their child’s development in 
some way have used reﬂexology as a tool to 
maximize the child’s full potential. For example, 
the mother of a child who had been blinded in 
one eye was worried that the eye would not 
follow the movement of the sighted eye. After the 
accident and over the years, the mother used 
reﬂexology techniques to keep both eyes in line. The parents of eight-month-old Alexander 
became concerned that his speech development 
would be affected when tests revealed hearing 
impairment caused by blockage of the eustachian 
tubes in the middle ear. They applied appropriate 
reflexology techniques to Alexander and found 
that his hearing improved to the point where he 
turned his head at the sound of a whisper.The healing touch
Giving a reﬂexology treatment  provides you with a special opportunity 
to cherish the people you care for. Touch is a unique form of communication, 
and numerous studies have demonstrated its value. It lowers blood pressure and 
raises self-esteem; babies gain weight and sleep better; and even the individual 
who applies the program of touch beneﬁts. Both physically and psychologically, 
touch comforts, reassures, and heals us. 40“Mothers who have been concerned 
about their children’s development  
have used reflexology as a tool to 
maximize their full potential.”
Benefits for lifeAn Indian newspaper article in 1995 cited the 
use of reflexology at a school for children with 
special needs. The Principal of the school, 
Professor Lissy Jose asserted, “Mental retardation 
may not be totally cured, but reﬂexology is 
certainly beneﬁcial. It improves their alertness, 
attention span, and behavioral pattern, apart 
from improving their general health. The school 
utilizes reflexology with its 75 students.”
Bringing people together
“Reﬂexology helps bring children closer to 
parents with whom they previously had little 
relationship,” says Gary Phillips, the head teacher 
at the Lilian Baylis Technology School in London, 
UK. Reﬂexology services for children and their 
parents were among the innovations added to 
improve performance problems such as low 
attainment and attendance as well as poor 
discipline. In 2006, the school was recorded as 
one of London’s most improved. Intimacy can be fostered through the non-
threatening touch of reﬂexology. We’ve met 
couples whose ﬁrst physical contact was through 
applying reﬂexology on each other, allowing 
them to get to know each other without the 
pressure of more intimate contact. the close Bond  between mother 
and child can be further enhanced by 
reflexology, which brings a sense of 
nurturing and relaxation. the healing touch 41Reflexology as a stress-buster
42 benefits for lifefoot reﬂexology stimulation. Meanwhile the 
electrical activity of their brains was measured by 
electroencephalogram (EEG). In each subject, the 
EEG showed that foot reﬂexology and classical 
music both increased alpha frequencies in the 
brain waves associated with relaxation. a tool for each individual 
It can reliably be said that reﬂexology relaxes, 
but what one makes of such a tool is up to each 
individual. Stress has major physical effects on 
the body, among them depleting it of essential 
nutrients and upsetting the delicate balance of 
the reproductive system. Reflexology can play a 
valuable part toward achieving a healthy life by 
helping the body to make the best use of 
nutrients and stimulating the lymphatic system 
so that the body expels toxins. However, an 
unhealthy lifestyle and poor diet will make it that 
much harder to benefit from its good effects. For our client Angie, the stress-relieving aspect 
of reﬂexology brought further beneﬁts. As she 
and her husband relaxed together after the 
working day, reﬂexology was a part of the wind-
down period, frequently leading to intimacy and 
a fulfilling sex life. toward a healthier life
Stress is a part of life for most people and to 
some degree it can be stimulating and enjoyable. However, when stress levels rise too high and 
cannot be alleviated, problems can set in. Reﬂexology can dissipate the stress of everyday 
life in a healthy way by resolving or interrupting 
it, thus resetting the body’s stress mechanism. Once this is achieved, reﬂexology then helps 
to make repairs and move the recipient toward a 
state of well-being, with the knowledge of how 
to attain an improved quality of life. This concept 
became a reality for our client Bob. He sought 
reﬂexology treatment to see what it was like, and 
came to perceive it as a respite from his high-
pressure job. Reﬂexology became a major part of 
his pursuit for wellness, and soon our client list 
was increased by Bob’s coworkers, buoyed by 
his enthusiasm. We then came to realize that our 
clientele had shifted from the seriously ill to 
include those who sought to feel healthier. Reflexology’s capacity for relieving stress has 
been clinically proven. In 2004, for example, 
researchers in Singapore studied test subjects in  
a resting state while listening to classical music, 
followed by rock music; they then experienced As Stanford University  neurology professor Dr. Robert Sapolsky famously 
noted, zebras don’t get ulcers; the stress of an encounter with a predator ends 
for the zebra as it either escapes or becomes dinner. If the stressful event ends in 
the zebra’s favor, its stress hormones return to a normal state. Men and women 
get ulcers because their stresses are not so easily resolved by the “fight or flight” 
reaction. In addition to ulcers, stress is associated with the incidence of some  
80 percent of ill health, including chronic degenerative diseases. “Clinical studies show that 
reflexology and classical  
music both increase alpha 
frequencies in brain waves 
associated with relaxation.”it can often be hard  to wind down 
after a stressful day, but performing 
some relaxing foot reflexology on 
yourself will soon bring a feeling of 
calmness and well-being. reflexology as a stress-buster 43Building physical awareness
The repetitive nature  of everyday life creates wear and tear on the hands 
and feet that dulls their capabilities. As a result they become tired and sometimes 
even limited in their function. The role of reﬂexology in building physical 
awareness lies in providing the hands and feet with exercises that use their full 
capabilities. They are sensory organs, and exposing them to as much variety as 
possible helps them contribute fully to healthful development and living. 44“During childhood, the stimulation 
that the feet and hands receive  
plays a fundamental role in learning 
the most basic of skills.“
benefits for lifeAdults who visit a reﬂexologist tend to complain 
that their feet hurt. After the session, they often 
comment, “My feet feel like I’m walking on 
pillows,” or “My feet feel lighter.” Their response is 
prompted by an unaccustomed sensation in the 
feet, caused by reﬂexology’s pressure techniques 
giving them variation from the hard surfaces 
underfoot normally experienced during the day. The hand too undergoes repetitive activities all 
day, and reﬂexology work provides a respite. educating the hands and feet
The results of reﬂexology are not short term: it 
educates the feet and hands as to how they 
should feel. Awareness of this is an aid to using 
them more effectively. For example, a client who 
was a teacher learned from us a reﬂexology self-
help technique to ease tired feet gained from 
standing in the classroom for years. This had 
reached a stage where her occupation was 
threatened. Once she had learned to take care of 
her feet, she was able to counteract the effects of 
long-term standing. During childhood, the stimulation that the feet 
and hands receive plays a fundamental role in 
learning the most basic of skills. For a child, 
picking up a cup or walking upstairs gives the brain practice in learning to use objects or initiate 
motion. The body’s education does not end in 
childhood, however. Because of the lifelong need 
to adapt to the constantly changing environment, 
the body requires continuing education in the 
form of sensory information. The awareness of feet and hands that is gained 
when a child experiences reﬂexology can serve 
throughout a lifetime. Just as brushing the teeth 
preserves them, stimulating the feet and hands 
through regular reﬂexology can act as a 
preventive against loss of function later on. At the other end of life, physical awareness of 
hands and feet can help to maintain independent 
living. Reﬂexology can help show elderly people 
how to retain their mobility by making them 
more aware of their feet, legs, and walking habits, 
thereby reducing the likelihood of falls and 
consequent health problems. teaching children reflexology  
techniques will give them an awareness of 
their hands and feet that will stand them in 
good stead throughout their life. building physical awareness 45Improv Ing body funct Ion
Knowing that you are making a difference to 
your health by applying reﬂexology techniques is 
empowering, as it imparts a sense of control over 
your body’s health. Research has shown that 
reﬂexology creates positive change in the body, 
improving the functioning of virtually every 
organ and system. For example, during several 
studies those who received reﬂexology work 
showed improved blood flow to the kidneys and 
intestines, benefiting the urinary system and 
digestion, as well as strengthening the immune 
system. These changes did not appear among 
members of the control groups. Personal stories too demonstrate that the use 
of reﬂexology can improve the aging experience, 
help you to avoid the pitfalls of the later years, 
and make you feel actively well. Even dramatic 
change is possible. At a brain injury center, we 
once met a stroke patient, John. Like many stroke 
patients, John felt that his body had betrayed 
him. After we had performed reﬂexology work 
on his paralysed hand, he became able to swing 
his arm around in a manner that had previously 
been impossible for him. John had needed a 
boost to reconnect with (from his viewpoint) his 
disappointing appendage and the body that had Aiming for healthy aging
As the saying goes,  you’re only as old as you feel; and there’s nothing like 
taking positive steps to give you a sense of choice in the aging process. By the 
very act of seeking to ensure healthy aging, you take control and embrace the 
concept of working toward optimal well-being. You will know that you are on 
the right track, because research as well as personal stories demonstrate that 
reﬂexology can make a difference in how we age. 46 benef Its for l Ifebetrayed him. He was very happy and excited  
to see that change could take place. Using reﬂexology to boost healthy aging 
means targeting particular areas. One elderly 
gentleman, for example, explained that he used 
the hand reﬂexology nail-bufﬁng technique, 
which targets the head reﬂex area, to “get his 
brain going” every morning. prevent Ive act Ion
For younger individuals, it makes sense to direct 
reflexology techniques toward specific areas of 
concern in order to prevent future problems 
arising. One young client was interested to learn 
that her bunions were related to upper back and 
neck reﬂex areas. She immediately wanted to 
learn techniques to stave off upper back and 
neck problems, which may have accounted for 
the stooped posture of her mother.
Complete_Reflexology_for_Life_(_PDFDrive_).txt
Summarize the following text section accurately and concisely. Maintain specific details and numerical information, and use anti-repetition mechanisms:

        HELP AND HEAL COMMON AILMENTS with 
sequences for conditions from asthma and 
allergies to high blood pressure and stress
ALLTHE TECHNI quES yOu NEED to help every 
family member, from an over-tired toddler to 
an elderly person with arthritis
DETAILED SE quENCES treat specific common 
ailments, with quick routines for home, work, 
or on the moveTHE FIRST FULLY ILLUSTRATED ONE-STOP REFLEXOLOGY 
RESOURC E,from Kevin and Barbara Kunz, the world’s 
most authoritative reflexology experts
$25. 00 uSA
$30. 00 CanadaDiscover more at
www. dk. comKevin and Barbara Kunz have been 
pioneers in the research, teaching, 
practice, regulation, and documentation 
of reflexology for over 30 years. They are 
bestselling authors and their books are 
published in eighteen foreign languages 
and in 30 different countries. Barbara and Kevin are co-directors of 
the organization Reflexology Research; 
co-editors of the organization’s journal, 
Reflexions, now in its 27th year of 
publication; and maintain three websites, 
which between them have 7–8 million 
hits. They travel worldwide, teaching and 
giving talks on reflexology. Their books on 
reflexology include: Reflexology  and Hand 
Reflexology, both published by DK. For 
more information, visit their website— www. reflexology-research. com. In the course of day-to-day life, we all 
experience a range of common ailments. Complete Reflexology for Life  can help you 
heal everyone, from the tiniest newborn 
through to the most senior person. The 
wonderfully calming power of touch will also 
help you to forge stronger bonds with all the 
important people in your life. Complete Reflexology for Life  teaches you how 
to incorporate reflexology into your busy daily 
routine. Take a few moments out to connect with 
all of those in need of the natural healing touch 
of reflexology, or to relieve your own stresses 
and strains. It also features reflexology for 
special situations, showing, for example, how 
to take care of feet tired from a day at work. Discover the following:
• Principles and techniques of reflexology
•Self-help sessions and treatments for every 
life stag e
•Effective ways to treat health concerns
• Treatments for personal and professional use
complete  reflexol ogy forlifeBarbara & 
Kevin Kunz
The definitive illustrated reference to reflexology 
for all ages—from infants to seniors
Barbara & Kevin Kunz
reflexol ogy
complete
for life“Change your life with 
reflexology. Millions have. ”
Kevin and Barbara Kunz
reflexol ogycomplete
for lifereflexol ogycomplete
for life
Printed in ChinaSome material 
in this book was 
previously published 
inReflexology  and 
Hand Reflexology. reflexol ogy
complete
for lifereflexol ogy
complete
for life
Barbara & Kevin KunzContents
6  You can change your life  
    with reflexology
8  Introduction
12   The principles of 
reflexology
The history of reflexology 14 • How reflexology 
works 18 • Reflexology and zones 22  • Reflexology 
maps 26 • The skeleton and the foot 34
36  Benefits for life
Showing that you care 38 • The healing touch 40  
• Reflexology as a stress-buster 42 • Building 
physical awareness 44 • Aiming for healthy aging 
46 • Self-help reflexology 48 • Creating natural 
solutions 50 • The reflexology lifestyle 52  
• Reflexology research 54 • Success stories 56 • Look 
after your feet 58 • Look after your hands 62
66  Reflexology techniques
Preparing for a session 68 • Basic techniques 72  
• Foot desserts 78 • Complete foot sequence 84  
• Complete self-help foot sequence 108 • Hand 
desserts 122 • Complete hand sequence 126 • Self-
help hand desserts 142 • Complete self-help hand 
sequence 146 • Using self-help foot tools 162  
• Using self-help hand tools 168 • Foot relaxation 
exercises 178 • Hand relaxation exercises 180 
182   Mini-sessions for 
getting results  
All about mini-sessions 184 • Recovering from 
injury 186 • Easing pain 188 • First aid 190 • Health 
concerns 192 • Relieving stress 194 • Providing 
comfort 198 London, nEw Yo Rk, M ELBoURnE, MUnICH, and dELHI
Senior editor  Jo Godfrey wood 
Senior art editor  Peggy Sadler
Editors  Aditi Ray, Andrea Bagg, diana Vowles
Designer  Arunesh Talapatra
US editors  Christy Lusiak
Managing editor  Penny warren
Managing art editor  Marianne Markham
DTP designer  Sonia Charbonnier
Production controller  Rebecca Short
Art director  Peter Luff
Category publisher  Mary-Clare Jerram
Photography  by Ruth Jenkinson
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this book 
is complete and accurate. However, neither the publisher nor the authors are 
engaged in rendering professional advice or services to the individual reader. The 
ideas, procedures, and suggestions contained in this book are not intended as a 
substitute for consultation with your healthcare provider. All matters regarding 
your health require medical supervision. neither the publisher nor the author 
accept any legal responsibility for any personal injury or other damage or loss 
arising from the use or misuse of the information and advice in this book. First American Edition, September 2007 
Published in the United States bydk Publishing, 
375 Hudson Streetnew York, new York 10014
07 08 09 10 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 
Rd144-08 2007
Copyright © 2007 dorling kindersley Limited
All rights reserved
without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this 
publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or 
transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, 
recording, or otherwise), without the prior written permission of both the 
copyright owner and the above publisher of this book. Published in Great Britain by dorling kindersley Limited. A catalog record for this book is available from the Library of Congress. ISBn 978-07566-2852-9
dk books are available at special discounts when purchased in bulk for sales 
promotions, premiums, fund-raising, or educational use. For details, contact: dk 
Publishing Special Markets, 375 Hudson Street, new York, new York 10014 or 
SpecialSales@dk.
The main purpose of the book is to provide information on how to use reflexology to help every family member, from an over-tired toddler to an elderly person.
What is the main purpose of the book "Complete Reflexology for Life"?
The authors of the book are Kevin and Barbara Kunz, the world's most authoritative reflexology experts.
Who are the authors of the book?
The book focuses on providing reflexology techniques and sequences for common ailments, including asthma, allergies, high blood pressure, and stress.
What is the main focus of the book?
Reflexology is the application of pressure techniques to the hands and feet to stimulate specific reflex areas, which can help to promote relaxation, relieve pain, and improve overall well-being.
What is the concept of "reflexology"?
Reflexology can help to relieve stress, improve health, and promote relaxation, and can also be used to build stronger relationships and improve the quality of life.
What are some of the benefits of reflexology?