The Wonderful World of Feet: Plantar Fascia and Reflexology.

The plantar fascia is a remarkable structure – it’s a thick band of connective tissue

running along the bottom of your foot, stretching from your heel to your toes. Think of it

as your foots built-in bowstring, supporting your arch and absorbing shock with every

step you take.

The plantar fascia is composed of three main parts:

1. Medial Band: The innermost portion, running along the inside of the foot. This

band provides support to the arch and stabilizes the foot during movement.

2. Central Band: The largest and strongest part, located in the middle of the foot. It

bears the most tension and plays a key role in maintaining the foots arch.

3. Lateral Band: The outermost section, providing support to the outer edge of the

foot and assisting in weight distribution.

The plantar fascia originates at the medial tubercle of the calcaneus (heel bone) and

fans out towards the toes, dividing into five slips that connect to the base of each toe.

This arrangement allows the plantar fascia to act as a spring, storing and releasing

energy during walking or running.

As every reflexologist knows, the foot is like a miniature map of the entire body, with

specific areas on the foot corresponding to different organs and systems. Take a look at

these anatomy diagrams of fascia, and compare the known reflex areas to the fascial

network…is it any wonder why the low back and neck reflexes like to help each other,

as referral reflexes?

For issues like plantar fasciitis or to support the plantar fascia, reflexology can be

particularly helpful because the condition is being addressed at both levels: via the

reflexology body map and via the local foot itself.

Focus on these key areas:

1. The Arch of the Foot: This area corresponds directly to the plantar fascia and

also represents the spine and mid/low back muscles in reflexology. Gently

applying a long, slow and gentle pressure glide along the arch, zone by zone,

aiming towards each individual toe, can help reduce tension and inflammation in

dual-fashion: local and reflex. 

2. The Heel: Reflexologists associate the heel with the lower back/sacrum, pelvis,

and sciatic nerve. Applying reflexology massage to this area can offer relief not

only to the heel but also to the fascia connected to it, since the plantar fascia

anchors to the heel bone directly. Reflexology techniques applied here also

trigger relief patterns along the posterior fascial line of the body - a longitudinal

grouping of muscles that includes the hamstrings and low back muscles,

interconnected via a network of connective tissue. 

3. The Toes: Fascial lines that start at the feet end at the head; in reflexology world,

that means we need to end at the head reflexes at the toes, to ensure the

opening of energy flow from feet to head - with particular reflex work to the big

toe, as the "main" head and neck reflex.

Specific "Fascia Reflex Techniques" can take your work further. Specialized reflexology

methods applied to the feet affect not only the fascia in the feet, but fascia anywhere

throughout the body. Specialized training is key for learning appropriate pressure for a

site of injury versus a tender reflex, safe tissue stretching techniques directed at

reflexes to affected body parts, and opening techniques for energy and communication

flow along the major fascia chains that run throughout the body.

Author: Jennifer Johnson, Atlantic School of Reflexology

www.reflexologyASR.com

info@reflexologyASR.com

Have you been seeking a natural and holistic approach to support your nervous system? Let's dive into reflexology and explore if it's the right avenue for you. 

Reflexology is a non-invasive therapy that works on the principle of stimulating specific points on the feet, hands, or ears, known as reflex points. The modality promotes balance and well-being throughout the body and focuses on the idea that these reflex points correspond to various organs, glands, and systems in the body, including the nervous system.

Did you know that 70-80 % of disorders are stress related? It is important to work at balancing our nervous system to reduce chronic stress related conditions. 

 

Here's how reflexology can help to enhance the health and functioning of your nervous system:

 

1. Stress Reduction: Reflexology is well-known for its ability to induce deep relaxation and reduce stress levels. Chronic stress can have a detrimental impact on our nervous system, leading to imbalances and a range of health issues. By promoting relaxation and lowering stress hormones, reflexology supports the body's natural stress response, allowing the nervous system to recalibrate.

 

2. Nerve Stimulation: By applying pressure to specific reflex points, reflexology stimulates nerve pathways connected to the nervous system. This gentle stimulation helps to improve blood and energy circulation, promoting the flow of vital nutrients and oxygen to nerve cells. Enhanced nerve function can lead to improved communication between the brain and body, optimizing overall nervous system performance.

 

3. Pain Relief: Reflexology can be particularly beneficial for reducing pain related to the nervous system, such as migraines, neuropathy, and fibromyalgia. By targeting reflex points associated with the affected areas, reflexologists aim to alleviate pain and discomfort. This natural approach releases endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, promoting relief and relaxation.

 

4. Emotional Balance: The nervous system is closely linked to our emotional well-being. Reflexology helps to release tension and blockages in the body, allowing energy to flow freely. This can contribute to improved mood, decreased anxiety, and a sense of overall calmness. By supporting emotional balance, reflexology indirectly enhances the health of the nervous system.

 

Incorporating reflexology into your self-care routine can offer numerous benefits for your nervous system's health and vitality. Whether you choose to visit a professional reflexologist or learn self-reflexology techniques, this modality has the potential to bring balance and harmony to your body, mind, and spirit.

 

You can find a great list of schools accepted as approved programs for our Atlantic Canada Association of Reflexology Therapists here if you are interested in gaining knowledge or starting off your very own successful reflexology practice.