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APPLICATIONS OF HAND REFLEXOLOGY REFLEXOLOGY AND ZONES Reflexology theory is based on zone theory. Just as the meridians of acupuncture link one part of the body to another, reflexology links the hand and the foot to the body and its organs. Zone theory divides the body into 10 zones—one for 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 provide a further link between body and hand (Image 1). This system of links is further refined and explained through reflexology maps. Reflexologists utilize reflexology maps and zone charts in order to plan their strategy: where to apply technique, how much to apply, and for how long are key questions for a focused approach to prompting the relaxation response. The reflexology map is used as a tool to focus work on specific organs, systems, or functions of the body that may be under stress. In reflexology hand maps, the body's anatomy is mapped onto reflex areas on the fronts and backs of the hands. In the maps shown, broken lines indicate where reflex areas overlap. • Top of Left Hand (page 42). 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. • Left Palm (page 43).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 on the outside and the spine reflex on the inside. ZONE CHART A base B of neck diaphragm C waistline D base of pelvis 5 4 3 2 1 right side of the body 5 4 3 2 1 of the body left side Reflexologists use zone charts similar to this to help locate areas on the hand that correspond to different parts of the body. The body is divided into 10 zones and four lateral zones. The lateral markers are: base of the neck, diaphragm (base of the rib cage), the waistline, and the base of the pelvis. • Right Palm (Image 2A, page 45). 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. • Top of Right Hand (Image 2B, page 45) 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. Below it are the areas for the lower back, hips, and the internal organs they protect. ADDRESSING SPECIFIC HEALTH CONCERNS Applying reflexology work to the whole hand prompts overall relaxation and a sense of well-being, as well as relaxing the hand itself. When addressing specific health concerns, technique application is focused on specific reflex areas corresponding to the parts of the body that are giving rise to concern. Specific reflex areas can be worked on as part of a larger bodywork session, or, if time is short or the problem acute, they can be targeted in a specially tailored mini session. When planning a mini session to target a specific health concern, focus attention on the reflex area that corresponds to the particular area of concern. For some issues, the section of reflex areas will follow the reflexology chart: for example, if the health concern is with the function of the lungs—as with disorders such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema—then the reflexology work will target the lung reflex. 44 massage & bodywork july/august 2011