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Reflexology, or zone therapy, is a complementary therapy, intended for use alongside conventional medical care and not as a replacement. It is the practice of stimulating nerves on the feet, hands and ears, to supposedly encourage a beneficial effect on some other parts of the body, or to try to improve general health. Reflexology is most commonly performed on the feet, moving on to the hands and/or ears where physical restraints such as veruccas or fractures, apply.

There is no one fixed theory to explain reflexology. All practitioners believe that areas on the foot correspond to areas of the body, and that reflexology assists the self-healing process. Some practitioners believe these zones to reflect the energy body, and that blockages of energy in the body are reflected through "grit" or "lumps" on the foot. A therapist will apply pressure in the form of relaxing massage to these areas, in order to stimulate the corresponding area and thereby remove blockages in the energy body.
Reactions to reflexology are demonstrated by case studies rather than statistical conclusions. These will vary between individuals and treatments, but are most commonly reported to include the following:[5]

During treatment

Feelings of relaxation, comfort, or wellbeing
Yawning or sleep - this is often described as surprisingly refreshing
Tiredness
"Tingling" sensations
Slightly reduced body temperature as a result of relaxation
According to the theories of reflexology, the tingling and tiredness are due to release of built-up toxins and clearing of energy blockages in the body. These feelings may also result from the placebo effect.

After treatment

Reduced stress
Feelings of deep relaxation
Improved circulation
Induced homeostasis, or the body "being in a dynamic state of balance"
Revitalized personal energy
In rare cases a client may experience a "healing crisis", which may include headaches, nausea and sinus congestion[citation needed] . This is considered by practitioners to be a result of the body clearing its toxins, and is unlikely to be disabling or to last more than twenty-four hours. Reflexologists believe this experience is a positive cleansing process.

Long-term
Immune system boost through reduced stress
Stress can drain the immune system, leading to more frequent cases of illness and infection. Stress can also cause tension, which can cause neck and shoulder stiffness and headaches. Regular relaxation can help prevent stress and improve the overall functioning of the immune system.
Feeling of increased energy
It is claimed that reflexology opens pathways to renew ourselves and boost our energy level, immediately after treatment and for several days afterwards. It could keep us free from the feeling of lacking motivation, tiredness, and inability to concentrate. Reflexology advocates say that reflexology not only relieves symptoms, but also acts on improvements of our body as a whole.

Contrary to some beliefs, reflexology does not seek to diagnose or cure medical conditions - merely imbalances in the life energy or Qi of the body. There are concerns over the efficacy of this treatment, and about the safety of using such a therapy instead of conventional medicine, which have resulted in some studies to investigate reflexology.

General application

Reflexologists apply pressure using their thumbs and fingers on "reflex zones" found on the feet and hands which are said to correspond to the different parts of the body.

Reflexology is a widespread practice in Asia, where foot reflexology is quite popular. Although many people are skeptical about the concepts underlying this practice, its use is spreading - perhaps because it is being taken simply as a relaxing massage therapy.

It should be made clear that reflexology is not intended to diagnose or treat medical conditions, and is not a replacement for conventional medical practice.

Professional treatment as defined by the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT)

All professional treatment will begin with a consultation, to assess the current physical condition of the client and to identify any contraindications.

A practitioner will most likely sanitise the feet before beginning. (During the treatment, clients are only required to relax and expose their feet to the reflexologist.) This is often followed by application of oil or powder with some relaxation techniques and then the reflexology itself. Throughout the treatment, a practitioner will notice any imbalances reflected in the foot, working over those areas for longer to aid the restoration of energetic homeostasis. Some therapists will use hand as well as foot reflexology, some as an alternative if the foot is injured in some way.

Treatment components can also include soft music, essential oil and soft lighting, although components vary considerably between practitioners and each will have their own method of working. A good practitioner will create an atmosphere that will relax and nurture a client.

A treatment can be expected to last about one hour, although this may vary and will be discussed before treatment. The number and frequency of treatments may also be recommended by the practitioner.

Self-reflexology

Sales of foot reflexology equipment, such as rollers, are increasing rapidly. In addition, many new instruments using the same principle are being marketed, such as whole body vacuum cans. Socks printed with reflex zone footmaps were developed based on reflexology By wearing the socks, people can easily locate appropriate areas to apply pressure to. Though not generally used by professionals, these "reflexology socks" have gained popularity in Taiwan and China. Inexpensive how-to books enabling people to perform the exercises by themselves are also available for self-help practice. Reflexologists advise caution in applying the techniques to oneself, and would recommend that people should consult an expert before using them if they are pregnant or have a chronic condition.