An Introduction to the overlap of Foot Reflexology and TCM Meridians
INTRODUCTION
Throughout my career as a foot reflexologist I have had the opportunity to study under many incredible teachers; two who specifically integrate the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) into the practice of reflexology. There is a theory that the efficacy of reflexology lies within its overlap of TCM, which is a broad medical system that has been used for well over 2000 years. This is just one of the many frameworks that helps us understand, explain, and explore the field of reflexology.
This article is not an overview of TCM as I am not a trained TCM practitioner, nor am I certified to teach on this topic. What this article attempts to do is help explain how reflexology therapists can use the framework of TCM in their reflexology practice as a tool to invite the body into a state of homeo-dynamic balance. This state manifests as optimal health and supports the healing processes of the body.
Reflexology, like acupuncture or acupressure, can access and influence the body’s meridians. Under the lens of TCM, the body is governed by channels, called meridians, that run throughout the body. These channels carry Qi (energy or “life force”) to each organ and tissue in the body, regulating the body’s emotional and physical functions. When these channels are disrupted, the natural functioning of the body is impeded resulting in symptoms, pain, and disease. There are 12 meridians and along these 12 meridians, there are 365 specific acupuncture points.
WHY FOOT REFLEXOLOGY
Foot reflexologists are in a particularly good position to work with the body’s meridians because Qi is closest to the surface of the body in the most distal acupuncture points, or, in other words, the acupuncture points that are the furthest away from the center of the body (think fingers and toes). It is easiest to access and influence the flow of Qi at these points and the more distal points, the stronger the effect on treating their corresponding channel as a whole. Each of the 6 meridians in the lower leg are paired with another meridian located in the upper body (arms and hands), meaning all 12 meridians are influenced by working the meridians in the foot and lower leg.
The 6 meridians easily accessible in the foot and lower leg are:
YIN CHANNELS
Liver
Gallbladder
Spleen
YANG CHANNELS
Stomach
Kidney
Bladder
The other meridians in the body are as follows:
YIN CHANNELS
Lungs
Large Intestine
Heart
YANG CHANNELS
Small Intestine
Pericardium
San Jiao / Triple Burner
THINGS THAT DISRUPT THE FLOW OF QI
The natural flow of Qi through the meridians can be disrupted by:
Physical Trauma
Emotions
Lifestyle Factors
Environmental Factors
Treating the meridians helps restore the natural flow of the meridians, restoring health and ease in the body (and mind).
For a deeper dive into understanding the specifics, stay tuned for my next article that dives deep into the three Yin channels.