• Over many years of practising, listening carefully to client's complaints and examining similar case histories, it became clear to Inge Dougans that there existed a connection between the meridians described in Chinese acupuncture and reflexology. The nexus was the concept of energy channels that is pivotal to the practises of reflexology and acupuncture. Both act on the premise that this vital energy, considered the foundation of health, traverses the body in exact and orderly patterns. Both practises assert that disease is caused by blockages within these energy channels, which are called meridians in Chinese medicine.

• In acupuncture, points along the meridians, situated all over the body, are either stimulated or sedated with needles in order to restore harmony to the body. Reflexology concentrates on those sections of the meridians found in the feet, and these are worked on through the application of specific finger techniques. This philosophy has added a powerful dimension to the disease pathway by way of a complex "diagnostic" tool that opens the door to a world of clues and answers previously missing through reflexology alone.

• Reflexology is a safe, natural aid to restoring the body's own healing potential. The effects engendered by massaging the feet are attributed, in part, to massaging the reflexes which represent a perfect microcosm of the body on the feet, as well as the result of stimulating the six meridians on the feet. These meridians penetrate the major organs of the body. Consequently, massaging these areas facilitates clearing blockages along meridians and encourages the vital body energy to flow unimpeded.

• A typical example is illustrated where many women today suffer from  painful, heavy and irregular menstrual cycles. This is often coupled with an inability to lose weight, constant thirst, knee operations, bunions, etc. By looking at the principals of the Chinese Meridians and the Five Elements, all these symptoms can be traced back to the Spleen-Pancreas Meridian, indicating a possible imbalance with one's blood sugar level. This can further be re-inforced with readings of the face, hands and feet. By incorporating this knowledge into the practice of reflexology, one is able to correct this imbalance through regular therapeutic reflexology treatments and advice on correct change of lifestyle to prevent these imbalances from recurring.

Meridian Theory as Part of the ISRMT Curriculum

Knowledge of meridians can help reflexologists to more comprehensively understand the disease pathway, and this can be of enormous benefit in pinpointing problems areas, as well as understanding a wide range of conditions that affect the body. For this reason, ISRMT has included this vital subject as a topic to be covered under the major subject of Theoretical Therapeutic Reflexology in the course.

Due to the amount of information and learning material incorporated in this topic, this part of the course will be presented on a separate CD Rom for distance learning. Details of this part of the course can be found under the page related to our Tuition Guide.

This fascinating subject will teach prospective therapeutic Reflexologists how to read the face, feet and hands, and how to incorporate the information gained into a therapeutic reflexology treatment. Amongst many other signs and symptoms, the therapeutic reflexologist will find out what bunions tell us, why ridges develop on the nails of hands, and what fissures and calluses in the outer heel area indicate.

Meridian Case Study

 Mr. S, 43-year old male

 Complaints:     Lower back pains & sciatica

 Symptoms:      Stiffness and pain in upper trapezius and sacro-spinalis.

                        Severe stomach cramps after a meal.

                        Short-term memory – mind tends to be “dreamy”.

                        Tension headaches.

                        Low energy, especially from 4pm onwards.

                        Leaking eardrums, swollen glands behind ears.

                        Bad eyesight (wears glasses).

                        Non-malignant skin tumours, predominantly on hands and around ears.

                        Car accident - spleen removed, bladder repaired, diaphragm re-adjusted,                                        lung punctured, cracked pelvis, various broken bones

                        Bad circulation, especially in right leg since accident.

                        Suffers from bouts of depression.

Lifestyle:          Breakfast - None

                        Lunch – Sandwiches, hamburgers or pies

                        Dinner – Meat, 3 types of vegetables, starch on occasion

                        Liquid Intake - 10 cups coffee, 6 beers on a weekly basis, energy drinks

Sharp knife edge on little toe (bladder meridian)

4th toe bends inwards (gallbladder)

2^nd toe on left foot is a hammer toe (stomach meridian)

Deep grooves over digestive area (stomach meridian)

Growths on outer ankle (bladder meridian)

Heel spurs (bladder meridian)

Puffy hip reflex (gallbladder)

Broken capillaries (kidney meridian)

The aim of the reflexology combined with the knowledge of the meridians is to balance the body. This is done by careful analysis of the meridians and sensitive areas on the feet, which will allow the therapist to make detailed and accurate suggestions towards changes required in diet and lifestyle. This in turn will bring about healing and thus a relief of painful symptoms being experienced by the client.

Reactions to treatment:

 During the 1^st treatment the client experienced sensitivity in reflexes for chronic ear, neck, liver, prostrate, sacral and lumbar spine. Pressure behind knee was experienced as sensitive reflexes were stimulated on the feet. The client felt "pins and needles" in right foot after the treatment, but said that sensation was returning.

 After the 2^nd treatment the client had no more headaches, but was complaining of increased lower back pains. The sciatic nerve seemed much looser after treatment, but has tensed up again after 2 days.

 After 9^th treatment, the sciatic nerve has “loosened”- up considerably to the extent that his posture was improving and his backache diminishing. He found many movements much easier than before. Client had a lot more feeling in his right foot, and circulation was improving. An additional benefit that the client was not expecting was improved energy levels.