A full-color illustrated and comprehensive study guide for reflexology • Provides detailed and accurate anatomical drawings, zone and reflex maps, and muscle tables • Offers extensive basic pathology of all body systems, including case studies • Ideal for students of reflexology up to levels 2 and 3; exceeds the curriculum requirements of all the major awarding bodies • Includes a study outline for each chapter as well as review and multiple choice questions Reflexology is a gentle, non-invasive therapy that encourages the body to balance and heal itself. It involves applying finger or thumb pressure to specific points on the hands and feet. Called “reflexes,” these points reflect, or mirror, the organs and structures of the body as well as a person’s emotional health. In this way, the hands and feet are “mini maps” or “microcosms” of the body that can be used to encourage holistic healing. Presenting the most complete reflexology study guide available, this full-color illustrated textbook is designed for use both in the classroom and as a home study resource. Ideal for students of reflexology up to levels 2 and 3, it exceeds the curriculum requirements of all the major awarding bodies as well as meeting the current National Occupational Standards for reflexology. Providing detailed and accurate anatomical drawings, zone and reflex maps, and muscle tables, the book outlines each body system, explaining how, when, and why to work the reflexes. It explores foot reflexology, hand reflexology, as well as meridian therapy and offers extensive basic pathology of all body systems, including case studies, allowing the student to develop interpretive diagnostic and treatment planning skills. Each chapter also includes a study outline as well as review and multiple choice questions. Offering a comprehensive guide to the theory, philosophies, and history of reflexology, this book will encourage students to develop understanding and confidence in their reflexology practice. Ruth Hull is an integrative health consultant and author who has been working in natural health since 1999 as a therapist, lecturer, and writer. Born and educated in Zimbabwe, she holds a degree in philosophy and literature as well as a master’s degree in health and homeopathy. She studied and practiced complementary therapies in London and worked as a homeopathic doctor and lecturer in South Africa. The author of The Complete Guide to Reflexology Workbook , she lives in Australia. From Chapter 2: Foot Reflexology “See to the feet, my friend, and you have seen to the body.” —Traditional Japanese saying Did you know? On average, our feet carry us more than five times the circumference of the globe in our lifetime. Introduction Foot reflexology is probably the most common form of reflexology, and it was onto the feet that Eunice Ingham first mapped the reflexes of the body and where she discovered crystal deposits. In this chapter you will learn about the structure and function of the feet as well as the basic techniques you will need to give a reflexology treatment on the feet. Student objectives By the end of this chapter you will be able to: • Describe the structure of the leg and foot, including the bones, muscles, nerves and blood vessels • Map the body on to the feet • Read and interpret the feet in preparation for a reflexology treatment • Perform both relaxation and pressure techniques and give a complete reflexology treatment. STRUCTURE OF THE LEG AND FOOT Bones of the leg and foot Here is a reminder of some important anatomical terms you will need to know while studying reflexology: • Plantar – the bottom, or sole, of the foot • Dorsum/dorsal surface – the top of the foot • Medial – towards the midline of the body (towards the big-toe side of the foot) • Lateral – away from the midline of the body (towards the little-toe side of the foot) • Distal – further away from a centre of attachment (e.g., the toes are distal to the ankle) • Proximal – closer to a centre of attachment (e.g., the ankle is proximal to the toes) • Longitudinal line – a vertical line (runs from the top to the bottom of the body or vice versa) • Transverse line – a horizontal line (runs from side to side). Did you know? One-quarter of all the bones in your body are in your feet. If these bones are out of alignment, then the rest of your body will be too. The foot is made up of 26 extremely strong bones that bear the weight of our bodies and enable us to walk, run and jump. These bones fall into three groups: the tarsals, the metatarsals and the phalanges. Did you know? The word ‘navicular’ means boat-shaped, and the navicular bone in your foot is so called because it is shaped like a boat. Similarly, the word ‘cuneiform’ means wedge-shaped, and this perfectly describes the shape of the three cuneiform bones in your foot. Finally, the cubo