All reflexologists look at the feet during a treatment, but most don’t observe them closely, and even fewer know how to study them and use the knowledge gained in their practice. But foot reading is easily learned and incorporated into a treatment. How Visual Reflexology does this is explained here.
Foot Reading
Foot reading means interpreting the appearance of the reflexes and the feet generally and is one of the most valuable skills a reflexologist can have. It provides a much greater insight into our clients’ health than using touch alone, and if we don’t know how to use it we are not giving them the best possible treatment. With such a wealth of information literally staring us in the face, it is strange that foot reading has not been used more, and it is a great pity that it has never been given the attention it deserves by our profession.
Maybe this is because all feet share the same fundamental physiology, and if they are not looked at carefully, it is assumed that they all look fairly similar. However, the more they are studied, the more obvious the differences between them are noted and it becomes evident that feet are just as unique and varied as their owners. So, an enormous amount of information can be gathered by studying not only individual reflexes, but also sections of the foot, as well as the deviations between a pair. The health of all the physiological systems can also be read.
In the book I look at the curve of the three arches, the shape and alignment of the toes, tension in the muscles and tightness in the joints, the width and depth of lines, variations in colour tones, distended veins and broken capillaries, differing skin textures, dips and swellings in the underlying tissue, as well as marks, freckles and moles. These all tell us something about the health of the reflexes on which they appear, and I cover their significance to a client’s health.
My way of foot reading
Although foot reading is gradually becoming more mainstream, there is still a long way to go until it is no longer considered an area of minor significance, or a field of advanced study. Ultimately, my aim is to persuade all teaching bodies that students need to be taught to foot read as an important part of the basic curriculum. But naturally, as with any aspect of reflexology, there are various approaches to reading the feet and many different methods.
In the past it has mainly been used for reading the personality, so many reflexologists assume this is its only purpose. However, all the energies replicate in appearance on the feet and those of the mind, body, and spirit show there as a unified whole. In this book, I examine how to read all the energetic fields, but always begin with that of physical health. This is because although we work holistically, reflexologists are still bodywork therapists. And once we know how to read physical health on the feet we can simultaneously read the health of all the others.
Also, unlike other methods, Visual Reflexology is the only foot reading approach based entirely on physically identifiable reflexes, with no need for understanding of any other modality such as meridians or chakras. Anyone with a basic understanding of reflexology, even students, can understand the book’s content. Then, just as reflexologists develop their own individual style and method of working with their hands, they can find their own unique way of applying foot reading skills.
Visual Reflexology
Visual Reflexology describes using the knowledge gained from foot reading within the broader scope of our practice. So, how to best apply observations not only to improve treatments, but to connect with clients, and develop the profession as a whole.
Even as foot reading has become better known over recent years, the focus has been on how to foot read. This book also looks at why we should foot read, i.e., what it adds to our practice more specifically. It not only looks at the individual reflexes but encourages a more holistic approach by also looking at the appearance of the body systems on the feet and what this may tell us about problems with their functioning. The differences between the left and right foot are also studied as imbalances between the two sides of the body can easily be observed providing an overview of the whole person in a way that touch cannot.
And, before we even touch their feet, if we know how to read them, this provides a guide to the best questions to ask clients. This is especially useful for reading the health of those who have problems communicating how they feel, such as children, those with learning difficulties, or those who are very ill or too weak or simply do not wish to talk very much. Foot reading also helps with treatment planning by showing the most evidently disturbed reflexes needing the most work, and providing a guide to the best techniques for them. Changes in the appearance of the feet show the effectiveness of a treatment, and tell us how long to continue working on imbalanced reflexes. The significance of movements in the feet, as well as in the body also provide vital information.
Recording visual changes in the feet during and between treatments, (including by taking photos) as well as over the longer term, gives a much fuller picture of the effectiveness of treatments and how to proceed. It also helps inform us whether we should refer a client to other healthcare professionals. The book also looks at the role foot reading it can play in the profession’s future. For example, by deepening our understanding of the nature of the reflexes and reaching agreement as to where to chart them, as well as addressing other important challenges our therapy faces.
watch Angela Telford chatting with David Wayte of the ICR about Visual Reflexology
An Example of Visual Reflexology
A Fungal Skin Condition
A lot of peeling skin can be observed on the toes of these feet. This condition is probably athlete's foot caused by an overgrowth of the fungus candida. Contraindications to working directly on certain skin conditions such as this are important, and covered in the book. The client should be referred for a clinical diagnosis, and they will likely be prescribed a topical fungal cream to help keep the symptoms at bay.
However, in terms of prevention, the most important factor for candida overgrowth is to maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, so consider the client's diet and digestion. High levels of stress and hormonal imbalances also impact skin health. So when peeling like this is seen it tells the reflexologist to focus the treatment on the relevant reflexes to support gut health, reduce stress and balance the endocrine system. In this case it shows that the impact of the candida is affecting the head reflexes in particular, (it may manifest here as dandruff) so this also needs to be taken into account. A potential referral to a nutritionist can be considered.
Holistically, the skin provides a layer of both contact and protection between the person and the outside world, so the psychological symbolism of peeling skin should also be considered from this perspective. The overly rapid skin cell reproduction caused by candida shows things are changing too quickly in the person's life, leaving them emotionally exposed. The emotional connotations of poor diet and nourishment should also be considered.