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An article I recently wrote on the bladder reflex elicited much interest and debate, and occasionally confusion, amongst reflexologists. Because of this, I thought I would enlarge on the subject, with specific information based on my experience.
Although the reflex is related to the bladder, this does not adequately describe its full therapeutic significance. It has to be remembered that a reflexology chart is only a guide. The bladder reflex influences several anatomical areas such as the pubis and sacrum and surrounding structures. This principle applies to all the other reflex areas on charts (including the ovaries). More on this later.
Another issue is the type of texture present at the reflex. The bladder reflex readily displays the full range of textures i.e swollen (oedematous), granular, crystalline, hard, and other variations in-between. It will often be found that there may be more than one texture type in the bladder reflex.
This reflex often reveals its textures visually, as in inflammatory conditions of the bladder and urinary system, and in pregnancy when it appears swollen and covers a wider area during gestation.
During my years in reflexology I have observed the many conditions which are alleviated when this reflex is contacted. I use the term ‘contacted’ with caution. Like any other reflex, the way it is contacted is the key to effective reflexology. Even a small change to the way the contact is made (with finger or thumb for example) makes an enormous difference to the outcome of the treatment. The effect of making contact with the lateral side of the thumb is entirely different from using the medial side.
The other factor is whether the contact is static, pulsed or classical (i.e. the walking movement).
If only one type of contact is used during every treatment, valuable reflex information will remain undiscovered and unworked. The only way to avoid this, and to confirm the true status of the reflexes, is to use different techniques, particularly during an initial treatment. Some of these contacts are very subtle yet provide maximum therapeutic potential.
Bi-manual contact
There are many areas on the feet which can and should be worked bi-manually i.e. working a reflex on both feet at the same time. The medial spinal reflexes lend themselves to this technique, and also those of the bladder. Working bi-manually greatly amplifies the therapeutic potential.
Static contact
Static contact is a very valuable technique. As the name implies it is where contact is made to a disturbed reflex and held for a certain amount of time before releasing and moving either to a slightly different position within the reflex, or assuming a different angle. A static contact should be used on a reflex which relates to an area of pain and inflammation, as it will have a sedating benefit.
The types of contact we use are dependent on the type of reflex texture at the reflex site.
There are times when the contact needs to be firm and focused - in other words given with authority. This approach is generally more beneficial throughout reflexology in general.
In my experience I have found that effective contact applied to the bladder reflex delivers a wide range of reflex response. The areas influenced are:
Sacrum
Entire urinary system
Skeletal system including hips and knees ( it may benefit these areas because of its relationship to the psoas muscles).
Digestive system
Areas relating to gynaecological problems and pain
Prostate and erectile dysfunction
Loss of libido.
Helpful in inducing labor after late due date
It is important to realise that proficiency in a wide range of techniques is essential if one is to achieve the most therapeutic potential from this reflex.
I would be interested to hear of any comments you may have.
My best wishes
Tony Porter
#reflexology #tonyporterreflexology
#focusedreflexology #artreflexology #hypothyroidism
#arttechniques #fertility #infertility
#ingham #reflexologyseminars
#dwightbyers
Although the reflex is related to the bladder, this does not adequately describe its full therapeutic significance. It has to be remembered that a reflexology chart is only a guide. The bladder reflex influences several anatomical areas such as the pubis and sacrum and surrounding structures. This principle applies to all the other reflex areas on charts (including the ovaries). More on this later.
Another issue is the type of texture present at the reflex. The bladder reflex readily displays the full range of textures i.e swollen (oedematous), granular, crystalline, hard, and other variations in-between. It will often be found that there may be more than one texture type in the bladder reflex.
This reflex often reveals its textures visually, as in inflammatory conditions of the bladder and urinary system, and in pregnancy when it appears swollen and covers a wider area during gestation.
During my years in reflexology I have observed the many conditions which are alleviated when this reflex is contacted. I use the term ‘contacted’ with caution. Like any other reflex, the way it is contacted is the key to effective reflexology. Even a small change to the way the contact is made (with finger or thumb for example) makes an enormous difference to the outcome of the treatment. The effect of making contact with the lateral side of the thumb is entirely different from using the medial side.
The other factor is whether the contact is static, pulsed or classical (i.e. the walking movement).
If only one type of contact is used during every treatment, valuable reflex information will remain undiscovered and unworked. The only way to avoid this, and to confirm the true status of the reflexes, is to use different techniques, particularly during an initial treatment. Some of these contacts are very subtle yet provide maximum therapeutic potential.
Bi-manual contact
There are many areas on the feet which can and should be worked bi-manually i.e. working a reflex on both feet at the same time. The medial spinal reflexes lend themselves to this technique, and also those of the bladder. Working bi-manually greatly amplifies the therapeutic potential.
Static contact
Static contact is a very valuable technique. As the name implies it is where contact is made to a disturbed reflex and held for a certain amount of time before releasing and moving either to a slightly different position within the reflex, or assuming a different angle. A static contact should be used on a reflex which relates to an area of pain and inflammation, as it will have a sedating benefit.
The types of contact we use are dependent on the type of reflex texture at the reflex site.
There are times when the contact needs to be firm and focused - in other words given with authority. This approach is generally more beneficial throughout reflexology in general.
In my experience I have found that effective contact applied to the bladder reflex delivers a wide range of reflex response. The areas influenced are:
Sacrum
Entire urinary system
Skeletal system including hips and knees ( it may benefit these areas because of its relationship to the psoas muscles).
Digestive system
Areas relating to gynaecological problems and pain
Prostate and erectile dysfunction
Loss of libido.
Helpful in inducing labor after late due date
It is important to realise that proficiency in a wide range of techniques is essential if one is to achieve the most therapeutic potential from this reflex.
I would be interested to hear of any comments you may have.
My best wishes
Tony Porter
#reflexology #tonyporterreflexology
#focusedreflexology #artreflexology #hypothyroidism
#arttechniques #fertility #infertility
#ingham #reflexologyseminars
#dwightbyers
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