What about . . . . REFLEXOLOGY?
Safe Harbor Ministries
Reflexology is the science or study of reflexes; a form of zone therapy which concentrates on the soles of the feet. Zone therapy is manipulation of certain zones of surface anatomy that is said to have curative effects on distant organs. It is also known as acupressure of the foot. The fact of the matter, however, is that these systems assume connections between parts of the body which bear no relation to known neurological pathways. This invisible flow is assumed in many other holistic therapies as well. “The elaborate neurologic pathways necessary for such a powerful capability have yet to be demonstrated, or even deemed plausible, in spite of years of neuronatomical studies. The notion that one small part of the body can reveal or control all of the rest certainly is appealing—but the appeal is to a universal human appetite for short cuts to knowledge and power” [New Age Medicine, Reisser & Weldon]. From a purely medical standpoint, during its one-hundred year presence in America, almost nothing on the subject has been published in medical journals. Objective, controlled studies are also sorely lacking. Therefore the inquirer who is looking for reliable proof will come away quite empty-handed.
History
The practice of Reflexology existed in histories of both the Chinese and Egyptian cultures. The long history of this theory began with pagan shamanistic (witchcraft) healing methods but has no verification basis in modern medicine. It was introduced to the United States in 1913 by an ear, nose, and throat doctor (Dr. William Fitzgerald). He claimed that applying pressure had an anesthetic effect on other areas of the body. He posited that the blockage of an energy field (i.e. the invisible life force or Chi) can prevent healing. It was modified in the 1930’s by a nurse, Eunice Ingham, who mapped the entire body into “reflexes” on the feet (Wikipedia). Dr. James Carter, a noted practitioner, says, “Some conclusions are paranormal”. He declares that “perfecting the technique involves the use of intuition . . . a kind of hyperconscious or ultra-conscious state.”
How it Works
Reflexology operates on the basis of a schematic approach which considers certain portions of the human anatomy as miniatures of the whole body. For example, the big toe connects to a person’s head; the ball of the foot connects to the lungs, and so forth. With this premise, massaging or otherwise stimulating that part of the foot can supposedly treat dysfunction of the corresponding body part. “Tension nodules” or heat detected by a Reflexologist on the sole of the foot is purported to be an indicator of a physical malady or even a disease [Larson’s Book of Spiritual Warfare, Bob Larson]. It is often used in combination with yin-yang, Yoga, and Tai Chi.
It is marketed primarily as a way to alleviate stress and heal various body maladies. In addition, some practitioners claim it will increase circulation, assist in weight loss, cure bedwetting, reverse the aging process and even alleviate hair loss! (Wikipedia)
Conclusion
From a medical standpoint, since Reflexology is not recognized by the law, no formal training is required to practice it or call oneself a Reflexologist. (Dr. Stephen Barret, Quackwatch website).
Since the roots of Reflexology are in Chinese Taoism, a pagan religion with numerous precepts contrary to Christianity, this form of New Age medicine can lead to spiritual deception and bondage [The Biblical Guide to Alternative Medicine, Anderson & Jacobson].
Safe Harbor Ministries
Reflexology is the science or study of reflexes; a form of zone therapy which concentrates on the soles of the feet. Zone therapy is manipulation of certain zones of surface anatomy that is said to have curative effects on distant organs. It is also known as acupressure of the foot. The fact of the matter, however, is that these systems assume connections between parts of the body which bear no relation to known neurological pathways. This invisible flow is assumed in many other holistic therapies as well. “The elaborate neurologic pathways necessary for such a powerful capability have yet to be demonstrated, or even deemed plausible, in spite of years of neuronatomical studies. The notion that one small part of the body can reveal or control all of the rest certainly is appealing—but the appeal is to a universal human appetite for short cuts to knowledge and power” [New Age Medicine, Reisser & Weldon]. From a purely medical standpoint, during its one-hundred year presence in America, almost nothing on the subject has been published in medical journals. Objective, controlled studies are also sorely lacking. Therefore the inquirer who is looking for reliable proof will come away quite empty-handed.
History
The practice of Reflexology existed in histories of both the Chinese and Egyptian cultures. The long history of this theory began with pagan shamanistic (witchcraft) healing methods but has no verification basis in modern medicine. It was introduced to the United States in 1913 by an ear, nose, and throat doctor (Dr. William Fitzgerald). He claimed that applying pressure had an anesthetic effect on other areas of the body. He posited that the blockage of an energy field (i.e. the invisible life force or Chi) can prevent healing. It was modified in the 1930’s by a nurse, Eunice Ingham, who mapped the entire body into “reflexes” on the feet (Wikipedia). Dr. James Carter, a noted practitioner, says, “Some conclusions are paranormal”. He declares that “perfecting the technique involves the use of intuition . . . a kind of hyperconscious or ultra-conscious state.”
How it Works
Reflexology operates on the basis of a schematic approach which considers certain portions of the human anatomy as miniatures of the whole body. For example, the big toe connects to a person’s head; the ball of the foot connects to the lungs, and so forth. With this premise, massaging or otherwise stimulating that part of the foot can supposedly treat dysfunction of the corresponding body part. “Tension nodules” or heat detected by a Reflexologist on the sole of the foot is purported to be an indicator of a physical malady or even a disease [Larson’s Book of Spiritual Warfare, Bob Larson]. It is often used in combination with yin-yang, Yoga, and Tai Chi.
It is marketed primarily as a way to alleviate stress and heal various body maladies. In addition, some practitioners claim it will increase circulation, assist in weight loss, cure bedwetting, reverse the aging process and even alleviate hair loss! (Wikipedia)
Conclusion
From a medical standpoint, since Reflexology is not recognized by the law, no formal training is required to practice it or call oneself a Reflexologist. (Dr. Stephen Barret, Quackwatch website).
Since the roots of Reflexology are in Chinese Taoism, a pagan religion with numerous precepts contrary to Christianity, this form of New Age medicine can lead to spiritual deception and bondage [The Biblical Guide to Alternative Medicine, Anderson & Jacobson].