THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN REFLEXOLOGY & MASSAGE

Some people confuse reflexology with massage, but they are two different
modalities-each with its own strengths. Both, like many other therapies, such as
chiropractic, osteopathy, and other somatic practices, involve the use of the hands
to apply their techniques. The aim with both reflexology and massage is to enhance
the well being of the client.

Reflexology Massage
Application Applied to specific Applied to whole
areas (feet & hands) body, muscles and
to promote a connective tissue
response from an locally for local
area far removed benefit, or when
from the tissue applied to muscles
stimulated via the located all over the
nervous system.Only body, benefits the
footwear comes off, entire body. All the
as only the feet and clothing comes off, as
hands are touched. most of the body is
touched.
Techniques Uses small muscle Uses large muscle
movements. Thumbs movements. Hands
and fingers are (either opened or
used. closed) and
sometimes the feet,
arms, and elbows
Purpose To improve the To improve the
function of organs function of tissue
and glands and all directly stimulated.
systems of the body.
Benefit Total body Local muscle
relaxation leading relaxation or if the
to the balancing of entire body is
all internal and massaged then to the
external body muscular system.
systems; improving Indirectly improves
circulation via circulation.
stimulation to the
nervous system.

It is not necessary
for reflexology
 practitioners to
study working on a
naked body for 500
hours when all they
work on are the
feet and hands of a
fully clothed
person and 200
hour reflexology
training programs
are available.
Reprinted with permission

from ( c)1998 American

Reflexology Certification

Board, Littleton, CO

UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS OF REFLEXOLOGY & SWEDISH MASSAGE

Though Reflexology and Massage have touch in common here are several important
differences between the two disciplines.

Reflexology Massage
HISTORY Dr. William Fitzgerald Per Henrik Ling
Modern (1872-1942) (1776-1839)
Originator
Eunice D. Ingham
(1889-1974)
Definition Reflexology is the Massage is the
application of systematic
specific pressures to scientific
reflex points in the manipulation of
hands and feet soft tissues of
the body
Scope of From the ankles and Entire body
Practice wrists distally to the
tips of the toes and
fingers
Basic There are zones and Stroking
Premise reflex areas in the restores
feet and hands imbalance
 corresponding to all within the soft
body parts. tissue. Massage
Theoretically, works through
reflexology works the musculature
through the nervous
system
Body of 40+ books solely on Books on
Knowledge reflexology. massage.
Separate Reflexology Separate
schools, Associations massage
—local, state, schools,
national, Associations--
international, & a local, state,
National certification national,
body international, &
a National
certification
body
Techniques Alternating pressure Tapping
& Thumb walking Kneading
Terminology Finger walking Stroking
Hook and back-up Friction
Rotation on a reflex Shaking
Application Hands, feet, only To the entire
of shoes & socks body
Techniques removed Client undresses
Oils, lotions or Use of oils,
creams not used lotions and/or
Creams
Education National certification Educational
requires a minimum programs range
of 200 hours of study from 100-1,000
& documented hrs often
practice of incorporating
reflexology other touch
modalities
Research Scientific research Worldwide
studies conducted in research studies
USA, Australia, documenting
Denmark, China and the therapeutic
elsewhere proving value of
effectiveness of massage
reflexology

Reprinted
with

permissio

n from ?

American

Reflexolo

gy

Certificat

ion Board

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