An Introduction to Precision Reflexology
by Jan WilliamsonPrecision Reflexology has been developed by Prue Hughes (founder and principal of The School of Precision Reflexology). Prue's background as a therapist includes Jungian analysis, rebirthing, polarity therapy and reflexology. From her clinical experience involving both mind and body work, she has adapted her reflexology treatments to arrive at the unique approach of Precision Reflexology.
In order to understand the fundamental principle behind this therapy,
it is essential to have an understanding of the origins of all
reflexology and also, of the subtle energy of the body.
The origins date back to 2500 B.C. when pressure techniques were
recognised and accepted as preventative and therapeutic. The philosophy
involved is Oriental, with the belief that man forms an organic part of
nature and is clearly linked to nature. The terminology used by
reflexologists such as, balance, harmony and energy do not translate
easily into Western physiological understanding. Oriental belief is that
all life is linked to natural rhythms and laws of the universe. Humans
are directly and indirectly affected by the cosmic forces which are
beyond our control. The optimum state is that each individual should
live in harmony with nature and the environment. The aim of precision
reflexology is to connect to a person's energy system, to adjust it and
to harmonise it within itself and with the world surrounding that
person. All life can be said to be an expression of energy; in humans
this can be physical, mental, emotional or spiritual.
The efficacy of the therapy is believed to be the result of
stimulation of the energy flow. This phenomenon is called "prana" by the
Indian Yogis, "chi" by the Chinese and in the West, homoeopaths call it
"vital energy" and "life force". Precision reflexologists work with
this internal energy and accept that the body is a dynamic energy system
which is constantly changing.
The pituitary gland can be linked to the adrenal gland. This can balance through the endocrine system and is especially useful during the menopause with the increased activity of the adrenals. One aspect of the unique nature of precision work is that it does not
rely on force or actual physical pressure but rather it is presented
with an element of choice. Each individual client can receive the
benefits in a way that is appropriate to them – at that time. Each
person's own energies are used to heal him/herself. It will be
appropriate on all levels of their being – physical, mental, emotional
and spiritual.
Bearing this approach in mind, it is obvious that the practitioner
must be clear about his or her own intention within the treatment;
he/she is not imposing their will on the client but rather simply
presenting the opportunity for the body to heal itself, using its own
innate intelligence. This must be allowed to happen in its own way and
in its own time. This process of change is not a conscious decision.
There are Precision Reflexology charts which are used in the training
of this technique. The reflex area for the spine is located on the
medial aspect of each foot. Reflex areas are on both dorsal and plantar
aspects of the feet. The same principles apply to the hands.
The specific technique which is exclusive to precision work is called
"linking", this involves holding two (sometimes three) identified
reflex points at the same time to add power and definition to the
treatment. As the link is held, the practitioner pauses and is aware of
"listening" via his/her hands and, in this way, the treatment is matched
to the individual with precision. This technique can be adapted to all
forms of reflexology and it is currently taught to many students who
have qualified in other schools.
Linking is initiated by stimulating the reflexes to be connected and
feeling the energy between them. Once experienced, this feeling will
amplify especially if both the worker and the client are focused. This
can be demonstrated on the hands. Points on the thumb and middle finger
of each hand are joined together – these are located in the centre of
the finger, about a quarter of an inch down from the tip. This can be
felt as a small tingle, or a pulse, or a feeling of warmth. A calming
effect can be achieved by connecting the reflexes of the top of the head
down to the base of the spine. To do this, the energy points of both
middle fingers are joined together, then one thumb is taken down to find
the base of the other thumb (where it joins the wrist). Each point can
be worked in turn and then, with them both held still, the energy can be
felt running between them.
There are defined sets of links, each producing particular effects
and with their own applications, many more can be developed with
intuition.
Not all of them are for everyone and, in fact, it would not be
appropriate to use all the links within a single consultation. The main
benefit is that this provides access to the subtle body energies of each
client; it gives an added dimension to each session, allowing the
practitioner to fully respond to the true needs of each person.
As with all reflexology, the treatment is a response to each person
at that time, therefore reactions differ from one person to another and
from one treatment to another. The effects produced range from energizing and uplifting to calming and deeply relaxing so, therefore,
the links used ought to be "matched" to the needs of the receiver. The
treatment reflects the energy levels of the receiver with some people
being more receptive than others. It is possible to balance body energy
and to make the treatment truly holistic, both to give and to receive.
Experienced therapists can use this approach with accuracy and
sensitivity. Awareness of the subtle body increases knowledge of all
aspects of a person – physical, emotional and spiritual. In this way,
precision reflexology remains true to the Eastern origins of the
therapy.
As with all work of this nature, the practitioner needs to pay
attention to their own energy levels, to listen to them, to care for
them (with diet, exercise and relaxation and breathing techniques, etc.)
and to allow them to function as efficiently as possible.
Precision work has the potential for great power even with gentle
pressure, this being particularly effective on painful reflexes or for
very fragile and vulnerable clients. The treatment is given without
force and it is always presented with great respect for the client. Each
person will receive and progress through the course of treatment in a
way which is correct for them. When, or indeed if, they begin to benefit
it will be exactly as and when they are ready on all levels. This then
being a truly holistic therapy.
There are specific sets of links, for instance:
- The lumbar spine is linked to the hip reflex. This is especially effective for problems such as sciatica and arthritis. If this "link" is working well with a receptive client, it can be felt in the actual lumbar spine and then, via the spinal nerves, it can travel to anywhere it is most needed.
- The fore-brain can be linked to the base of the spine to activate the parasympathetic nervous system. This is extremely helpful for anxious, tense people who find it difficult to relax. Clients report this producing feelings similar to those experienced in Yoga relaxation sessions, being in a state between being asleep and being awake. It is particularly effective for quietening those who chatter and find the silence difficult. The parasympathetic state produced enables the pattern of stress to be broken and opens up the way for the body to begin to heal itself.
- The pituitary gland can be linked to the adrenal gland. This can balance through the endocrine system and is especially useful during the menopause with the increased activity of the adrenals.
The links need to be held while the practitioner "listens",
responding to the energy of the client. The time to hold will be
determined by the needs at that time, after the required time, the
worker and, sometimes, the receiver will feel the energy diminish. In
this way, the technique is self-regulating, the body taking what it
requires.
An extremely energetic link on a person who presents in a sluggish,
lethargic manner could indicate an imbalance, however, on a lively,
enthusiastic person the same response would be regarded as normal. In
the same way, a dull link on a stressed person could be seen as an
imbalance and, on a placid, quiet person this would be quite acceptable.
Each link has its own characteristics, producing its own responses.
Clients have a variety of words to describe how they feel, such as,
"relaxing", "warm", "floaty", "lively", "detached", "energised" and many
more. Some of the links can promote feelings of being expansive and
free, others of being deeply relaxed. Some can promote emotional release
if the client is ready. The technique is received differently by each
person, some feel the responses isolated to the feet, others feel
reactions in the relevant areas of the body. Practitioners make no
judgment about this; it is simply how that person is functioning at the
time. If a response is felt in the body, clients use words such as
"glow", "heat", "tingle" to describe how this feels.
Linking can promote deep relaxation, with the client feeling detached
from the physical body. It emphasises all the benefits of reflexology
and can be applied to a wide range of ailments, some physical and others
emotional. All complementary health practitioners are aware of how
emotional tension, after a shock, trauma or bereavement, can become
locked into the physical body. There are specific links which can, if
the receiver is ready, help to release this pain. Sometimes this is
dramatic with a strong emotional response, sometimes it is quite calm
with the client relating a particular incident from the past.
Reflexology has ancient foundations and has evolved into the modern
world. It has a rationale which is Eastern in philosophy and Western in
application. Precision Reflexology enables practitioners to remain true
to the origins, both in the philosophy behind the treatment and in the
approach.
References
Bayley D E (1978) Reflexology Today. Thorsons, Wellingborough, Northampton: 13–14.
Dougans I, Ellis S (1992) The Art of Reflexology. Element, Shaftesbury, Dorset:10Ingham E (1984) Stories the Feet have told. Ingham Publishing Inc, St Petersburg, Florida:2.