The subject of my recent blogs highlighted the importance of taking into consideration the significance of the toes in reflexology. I mentioned a  case of a patient who was born with renal insufficiency and how intriguingly this showed up by her fifth toes which are on the kidney meridian being underdeveloped.

A  considerable amount of interest was generated from this and brought to mind so many instances from the past of how reflexology has an excellent record for helping with disturbances to urinary function.

The constant supply of oxygenated blood through the kidneys is one of the most essential functions of the body - Reflexology is very good at helping with this function. 

I came across this research paper which backs this up:

Researchers in Austria studied the effects of reflexology upon renal blood flow on 32 healthy, young adults (17 women and 15 men). A  placebo-controlled double-blind trial was set up.

The treatment group received reflexology at zones (reflexes)  corresponding to the right kidney. The placebo group received treatment on other foot zones (reflexes). The blood flow of 3 vessels of the right kidney was measured then monitored before, during and following reflexology. Systolic peak velocity and end diastolic peak velocity were measured and resistive index calculated.

The two groups showed significant differences; a highly significant decrease showed during and following reflexology. There were no differences between men and women nor smokers and non-smokers.
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These results are consistent with the hypothesis that reflexology is effective in influencing renal blood flow and confirms the results of independent research that reflexology can significantly help kidney function.

Sudmeier I et al. Changes of renal blood flow during organ-associated foot reflexology measured by colour Doppler sonography. Forschende Komplementaermedizin 6(3) 129-34 1999

My last blog focused on the dorsal areas of the feet. In this blog, I want to enlarge on this subject by including the dorsal areas of the toes.
This is an area which generally does not receive the attention it is worthy of, which is a pity as the toes are areas of great reflex, significance.
It is because the toes can be something of a challenge, is a reason they are usually given scant attention, particularly to those who are at the beginning of their career in reflexology. Working the toes completely as I suggest has a wide physiological influence, creating an alchemy benefiting the entire reflex, matrix, thereby making each treatment more effective.

In fact, and I have made the point before —  the toes have such reflex, significance that an entire treatment can be dedicated to them. 
However, while saying this I am taking about a focused and positive application to all the surfaces of the toes for at least 20 minutes. This has to be given within the tolerance of the receiver, particularly during the initial stages. The effect of this is a pleasantly, stimulating and mentally uplifting experience to the receiver.

The contacts are made with all the areas of the fingers and thumbs, which  requires dexterity, but with practice and perseverance this will be achieved. I suggest that practice should be confined to sharing sessions with colleagues. This will not only enable the techniques to be practiced, but also to experience the various sensations during and after each session.
There are various types of contacts which I devised to enable effective contact to be made on all the different types of toes. These are taught at my A.R.T. seminars.
There are two phases which are very important to observe:

Phase 1 is performed using techniques without ​any lubrication
Phase 2 is performed using techniques with lubrication

There are types of feet (and toes) which only need the Phase 1 treatment - without lubrication.

It is important that if lubrication is used it must be applied very sparingly. Oil is not suitable as it is too slippery. It must be of the type which is absorbed or evaporates, leaving the skin dry.


What is the significance of the dorsal areas?
There is a marked difference in the effect of reflex stimulation between the plantar and dorsal areas of the toes (the medial/lateral are also important).

The dorsal reflexes of the toes exert a wide influence, including and not exclusively, digestive, urinary, lymphatic and hormonal. It is the lower parts of the toes where they join the metatarsals and beyond which also needs to be included as shown on the illustration. I also include the webs of the toes in this protocol.

The illustrations below show a few of the techniques for working the dorsal surfaces of the toes. In general the dorsal reflexes of the feet (including the toes) are of a Yang nature, in contrast to the Yin of the plantar.
Once the toes and the dorsal areas receive as much attention (or when indicated, more attention) as that of the plantar, treatments will have a greater, therapeutic benefit, leading to increased patient satisfaction. This after all is our purpose for being reflexologists.

My Best Wishes

Tony Porter
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