Reflexology & Ancient Connections

by Sharon Stathis
Source: HANS e-News - May 1, 2008

After presenting "Ayurvedic Reflexology" at the Reflexology Association of America annual conference, Sharon Stathis found time to visit Vancouver and give an introduction to her work at the May 2007 Reflexology Association of British Columbia monthly meeting. This presentation left me (and all in attendance) very inspired and excited and led to my meeting with Sharon to explore the possibility of her returning to Vancouver to share her work with us.

I am now very excited to announce that Sharon Stathis, internationally acclaimed developer of Ayurvedic Reflexology, is coming to Vancouver to teach her workshop on 14th & 15th June. In this workshop you will receive a brief overview of Ayurvedic philosophy and history. The dynamic Marma Therapy, kasa bowl work and Ayurvedic massage oils are introduced and applied to the feet and participants will practice a complete Ayurvedic Reflexology routine for the feet - with ongoing feedback and support from Sharon. Also, a self-help foot routine is taught.

Ayurvedic Reflexology is a unique method of foot work that provides practitioners with a variety of effective, easy to apply techniques. Many practitioners with hand problems (repetitive strain) are excited about this new and “kinder to the hands” approach to therapy. Ayurvedic Reflexology is currently generating a global wave of excitement amongst body workers. This workshop is a one-time, not to be missed opportunity to study with Sharon. A basic knowledge of reflexology is a pre-requisite for attendance.

For more information please visit: http://www.pacificreflexology.com and click on the "Special Events" link. There is also a link on the Special Events page to Sharon's own web site. In addition, below is one of Sharon's articles for your perusal. Registration is limited and taken on a first come - first served basis.

Chris Shirley
PACIFIC Institute of REFLEXOLOGY,
535 West 10th Avenue,
Vancouver, B.C. V5Z 1K9 CANADA
(604) 875-8818 or 1(800) 688-9748
FAX: (604) 875-8868
chrisshirley@pacificreflexology.com
http://www.pacificreflexology.com>

Reflexology & Ancient Connections

Where did reflexology come from? There is a case to be made that the Reflexology we practise today, emerged from the disciplines of Yoga and Ayurvedic Medicine, the traditional health system of India. The reflex areas on the feet and hands may well represent the ancient, vital energy centres (Marma points) of Ayurveda.

Ayurvedic Reflexology is the combination of Ayurveda and Reflexology.  It is currently riding a wave of global acceptance amongst reflexologists. I'm delighted and encouraged by the feedback I'm receiving from reflexologists regarding the efficacy of this work. So, what are the connections with ancient practices and what can the healing principles of this ancient system offer reflexologists today?

A well respected Indian teacher, Harish Johari(1), when discussing reflex points on the feet, states "A physician who studied these points while he was visiting India determined the connection of these points with internal organs and thus began foot reflexology as it is known in the West."

I wonder if Johari was referring to Dr. William Fitzgerald (USA)? Whether the physician Johari was referring to was Fitzgerald or somebody else, it is interesting to consider an early connection with India.

Yoga and Ayurveda
Some time ago I attended a combined Yoga and Ayurveda conference in Sydney. One of the guest speakers, Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda, likened the relationship of Yoga and Ayurveda to a bird wanting to fly. He said the bird needs two wings - one is called Yoga and the other, Ayurveda.

Yoga, with its roots immersed in ancient India, is well known and well practised in the Western world. However, little is known about its sister science, Ayurveda, the world's oldest recorded healing system.

Frawley et al(2) describe Ayurveda as "India's traditional healing system, its profound system of mind-body medicine, natural living and yogic health." They go on to say "Ayurveda is part of the older spiritual heritage of humanity that contains much secret knowledge and profound wisdom."

The origins of Yoga and Ayurveda are ancient. According to Swami Maheshwarananda(3) "Yoga is more than just a system of physical exercises - it is a science of body, mind, consciousness and soul. It is the source of all wisdom and all religions."

Yoga is commonly described as a spiritual science and Ayurveda as a physical science. However, both share common goals such as personal happiness, fulfilment of life purpose and freedom from disease. Both disciplines embrace the philosophy of wholism i.e. that every aspect of our being is interconnected within self and with the whole Universe. Important words for yoga and Ayurveda are ahimsa (non-violence), harmony and balance. These disciplines recognise the deep connection between the mind, body and spirit.

Frawley et al(4) state "Ayurveda was the dominant medical paradigm in the Indian subcontinent until modern times and is still widely practiced throughout the region as a complete medical system. Its roots go back deep both in time and consciousness."

Historically, Ayurveda has made significant contributions to our modern Western medical system. The use of medicinal herbs, vaccination, the technique of asepsis and various surgical techniques can be traced to the ancient records of Ayurvedic Medicine. Ayurveda has even provided us with the original plastic surgery! 

Energy-based healing
Yoga and Ayurveda recognise the importance of energetic balance. Both modalities embrace the concept of what is described today as "energy-based medicine," or "vibrational healing." Natural therapists commonly apply these terms to their therapeutic practices.

"Restoring wholeness in body, mind and spirit is what we are all seeking, both individually and collectively." says Frawley(5).

Natural health practitioners are well aware of the myriad of factors that can influence physical and mental health. Therapists are also mindful of the unique differences between human organisms that necessitate individualised and varied approaches to health care i.e. one approach does not suit all.

There appears to be widespread disappointment and disillusionment regarding the current style of medical practice in the West. It primarily relates to the commonly used reductionist approach to healing. It is apparent that the "quick-fix", symptomatic relief of illness does not necessarily result in long-term solutions to many existing health problems.

The energy or Life Force that is present within every living thing is known as prana. Health and wellbeing on all levels is dependant on it. Prana is obtained from the food and liquid that is ingested and the air that is breathed.

Prana flows within the body through micro energy channels called nadis (similar to the Chinese meridians). These thousands of channels permeate the energy fields, including the dense physical form " the body. The nadis facilitate the flow of prana through the major energy centres, the chakras, and to all body areas. If the flow of prana is sluggish or blocked, the inevitable outcome will be an absence of health (dis-ease) within the organism.

There are fourteen major nadis. They emanate from the first chakra at the base of the spine. It is of interest to reflexologists that two of the fourteen major nadis in the body are located in the hands and feet. These two nadis exert a major influence on many of the vital energy centres (marma points) that are located throughout the body. 

Vital energy centres - the Marma Points
Situated along the nadis are vital energy centres called marmas. Marma means "sensitive" or "vulnerable area".  Marma points were commonly mentioned in ancient Ayurvedic texts.

According to eminent Ayurvedic practitioner Atreya Smith(9) (France) "Marmas are similar to the pressure points used in reflexology and acupressure. In fact, it is the system of marmas that is the origins of these systems and acupuncture. Their use in the context of the Ayurvedic system greatly enhances their results."

Unfortunately, valuable information about the marma points was lost as a result of repeated foreign invasion of India. Today, there is a resurgence of interest particularly in the West, probably due to the popularity of yoga and its associated practices.

Marmas are present at the skin surface and within the internal body structures. Ayurvedic physicians can palpate the superficial marmas for diagnostic purposes. The marma points can be individually treated (usually massaged) to help maintain the effective flow of prana that is associated with good health.

Marma therapy
Traditionally, marma therapy is used to detoxify, tonify and rejuvenate. It has a profound influence on the energetic equilibrium in the mind/body complex. The significance of marma therapy cannot be overestimated.

Frawley et al(6) make this profound statement "Through working on marma points, we can control our Prana.  Through Prana we can control our sensory and motor organs, and eventually our entire mind-body complex, affording us easy access to the higher realms of yogic consciousness."

Reflexologists are already influencing the marmas on the extremities every time they apply hand or foot reflexology. Unfortunately, few reflexologists would be aware of the untapped potential at their fingertips! Frawley et al(7) state that "Therapeutic regions, like marmas on the arms and legs, are the most important for treatment purposes."       
       
The methods used for treating marma points are quite diverse. Therapeutic touch, which facilitates the flow of prana, is the most commonly used method for administering marma therapy. The application of essential oils to marma points is considered one of the most powerful forms of marma therapy.(8) The use of yogic practices such as meditation, specific breathing techniques (pranayama), and chanting of mantras (mantra chikitsa) can also help to clear and energise marmas. 

Reflexology and ancient connections
Let's look at the intriguing relationship between reflexology and these dynamic marma points. There are two main areas of interest that will help demonstrate the connection. The first is the way in which each marma point influences body function. The second is the correlation between these functions and the reflex areas in which the marma points are located. Here are two examples.

1. Gulpha Marma is located in the feet. It has a medial and a lateral aspect. The point is situated immediately inferior to the medial & lateral malleoli, over the subtalar joint.

From a reflexology perspective, the heel and ankle areas are commonly acknowledged as representing the reproductive organs, the bony pelvis (including the hip) and the lower back. For many reflexologists the lateral aspect of the heel is also the location of the foot reflex.

Now let's consider the medial and lateral heel from the perspective of the Gulpha Marma. Gulpha influences the functioning of the reproductive organs. Gulpha also has a significant influence on the skeletal system. The marma point is associated with healthy joints and bone growth, and functional foot movement.

There is an equivalent marma point on the wrist called Manibandha that has similar properties. It significantly influences hand movement rather than foot movement.

Kshipra Marma is located on the hands and feet. It also has a medial and a lateral aspect. The primary point is situated in the distal webbing between the first and second digits of the hands and feet. Secondary points are located in the webbing between the other digits.

The reflex areas involved here represent the area at the base of the neck and the superior aspect of the back and chest. This part of the body is associated with the superior lobes of the lungs, and is in close proximity to the heart. It also has an important connection with the lymphatic system, as it is in this region of the body that the lymphatic fluid empties into the cardiovascular system.

Now let's look at the connection of these reflex areas with the functions of Kshipra marma.

Kshipra is responsible for the lubrication of the heart and lungs. So Kshipra has a significant influence on heart and lung function. Kshipra also controls the lymphatic system.

Incorporating the knowledge There are other connections that can be demonstrated between marma points and their locations on reflex areas of the hands and feet. I consider this information to be extremely useful for reflexologists. My exciting journey involves helping reflexologists around the world to easily and successfully integrate this knowledge with their current reflexology regimes.

The marma points are dynamic and sensitive energy centres that respond easily to various forms of treatment. I need to emphasize the importance of having appropriate knowledge before applying specific healing techniques to the marma points. Harm may result from inappropriate marma therapy.

I consider it most useful for reflexologists to be able to:
- identify the locations of the marma points on the hands and feet
- understand the ways in which marma points influence body functions
- learn safe and effective ways to work the marma points
- understand the direction in which prana flows through the limbs. 

As ancient secrets surrounding marma points and nadis are revealed, reflexologists are sitting in the front row of opportunity! The role of a professional practitioner is to support the client's individual journey towards "wholeness". I believe the additional benefits, gained through awareness of this ancient knowledge provided by Yoga and Ayurveda, can significantly contribute to that journey. 

References
Johari, H. Ayurvedic Massage, Healing Arts Press, Vermont USA, 1996. p. 62.
Frawley, D., Ranade, S., Lele, A. Ayurveda and Marma Therapy: Energy Points in Yogic Healing Lotus Press, Twin Waters USA, 2003. p. 29. 
Maheshwarananda, Swami  The Hidden Power in Humans" Chakras and Kundalini  European University Press, Vienna Austria,  2004. p. 9.
Frawley, D. et al. op.cit. p. 4.
Frawley, D  Yoga & Ayurveda- Self Healing and Self Realization Lotus Press, Twin Waters USA, 1999. p. 7.
Atreya (Smith) Secrets of Ayurvedic Massage  Lotus Press, Twin Waters USA, 2000. p. 58.
Frawley, D. et al. op.cit. p. 41.
Frawley, D. et al. op.cit. p. 29.
Frawley, D. et al. op.cit. p. 68.

Sharon Stathis is a complementary medicine practitioner, educator, author, registered general nurse and midwife. She has been in private clinical practice in Brisbane, Australia for eighteen years. Sharon has also been teaching complementary therapies during this period.

Sharon now teaches Ayurvedic Reflexology in sixteen countries and speaks at major international reflexology conferences. She is a Charter member of the International Council of Reflexologists and a Life member of the Reflexology Association of Australia.

Sharon will be presenting her two day workshop "Ayurvedic Reflexology - SMART 1" in Vancouver BC in June this year. For further information contact PACIFIC Institute of REFLEXOLOGY email:  chrisshirley@pacificreflexology.com  web: www.pacificreflexology.com OR visit Sharon's website www.ayurvedicreflexology.com

 
 
. .