Nerve Reflexology and Classic Reflexology

When I am applying Classic or Traditional Reflexology I works on reflex points on the fleshy areas of feet, hands or face (Facial Reflexology is a very gentle, mindful treatment) and it is based on the principle that different reflex points or zones on the feet, for example, reflect different systems and organs in the body.  For example, the Liver reflex is found on the right foot/hand/side of the face since the Liver is on the right side of the body - whereas the Spleen is on the left side of the body and is therefore found on the left foot/hand/side of the face.

When I am working Nerve Reflex points I am working on different parts of the feet - on the bones of the feet and not the fleshy parts.  Nerve reflexology can be painful to experience - but only where there is an issue.  The duration of the pain before it dissipates is important to the process, however, the type of pain felt is not material to the process.

So, when a combination of Classic and Nerve Reflexology is used we are working on not only the organ/gland but also the nerve supplying the organ/gland etc.

Training:

To become a certified Nerve Reflexologist requires intense effort, completing 3 x 3 day training modules, many hours (approx 20 hours a week for 8 months for me!) of self study and practice, finally then sitting a rigorous examination in three parts:

• Theory on the nervous system, nerves, types, neurons, message pathways etc
  
• Clinical reasoning (arriving at a correct treatment plan based on presenting symptoms and information gathering questions) 
  
• Practical exam ensuring that the nerve reflex points can be located precisely, the correct technique is used and the direction of pressure is correct and precise.
  

So, essentially, knowing at a great level of detail the human nervous system!  In order to attain the level of knowledge required I purchased yet another Anatomy text book - one written for Doctors to study!

When I embarked on this journey I approached Nerve Reflexology with the assumption that the benefits would be for people living with chronic pain.  However, what I have learned through this process is that nerve innervations are involved in ALL imbalances - for example, alleviating stress is about balancing hormones to encourage the body to slow the release of stress hormones (fight or flight) and to increase the hormones that will enable us to rest, digest, relax.  With classic reflexology we can work the reflex points for the endocrine glands (for example the adrenal glands). However, with nerve reflexology we also work the nerves of the parasympathetic system (which are dominant when we are relaxed) and the nerve innervations of the endocrine glands to promote this state.