Both act on the premise that this vital energy, considered the foundation of health, traverses the body in exact and orderly patterns. Both practises assert that diseases is caused by blockages within the energy channels. These channels are called meridians in Chinese medicine. In acupuncture, points along the meridians, situated all over the body, are either stimulated or sedated with needles in order to restore harmony to the body. Reflexology concentrates on those sections of the meridians found in the feet, and these are worked on through the application of specific finger techniques.
Reflexology is a safe, natural aid to restoring the body's own healing potential.
The effects engendered by massaging the feet are attributed to, in part, massaging the reflexes which represent a perfect microcosm of the body on the feet, as well as the result of stimulating the six meridians on the feet. These meridians penetrate the major organs of the body. Consequently, massaging these areas facilitates clearing blockages along meridians and encourages the vital body energy to flow unimpeded. A typical example is illustrated where many women today suffer from painful, heavy and irregular menstrual cycles. This is often coupled with an inability to lose weight, constant thirst, knee operations, bunions, etc.