ARCB Reflexology cheat sheet

Reflex points on the foot are organized by anatomical correspondence: toes and distal foot map to the head and neck, the medial arch to the spine, and the heel to the pelvis and lower back.

The medial border of the foot is the primary zone for the spinal reflex chain, running from the big toe (cervical region) toward the heel (sacral/coccygeal region).

The sole's plantar surface carries organ reflexes; the dorsal (top) surface carries reflexes for the chest, lymphatics, and musculoskeletal structures.

Working pressure is applied with the thumb or fingers using a creeping, caterpillar-like walk rather than a sliding stroke, so each point is contacted and released.

The transverse zone lines divide the sole into bands: the diaphragm line, the waist line, and the pelvic line, each marking a functional boundary of body regions.

Reflexology is a complementary practice; it is not diagnostic and does not treat or cure disease, so findings are reported as observations rather than diagnoses.

Session structure follows a consistent sequence: relaxation/opening, general working of all zones, focused work on target areas, and a closing relaxation.

Contraindications for local foot work include open wounds, fractures, active infection, and recent surgery in the area; systemic precautions warrant medical clearance.

Hand reflexes follow the same somatotopic layout as the feet: fingertips and distal hand correspond to the head and neck, palm to trunk organs, and wrist/heel of hand to the pelvis.

The spine reflex runs along the radial side of the hand from the thumb side (cervical) toward the wrist (sacral), mirroring the medial foot's spinal chain.

Hand work uses the thumb of the working hand to press and creep over the palm and fingers, with the receiving hand relaxed and supported.

The palm holds reflexes for the respiratory, digestive, and urogenital systems; the dorsal hand and interdigital webs correspond to lymphatics and the chest.

Hand sessions are commonly shorter and gentler than foot sessions because hands are smaller and often more sensitive to pressure.

Local contraindications for hand work include dermatitis, cuts, infections, and joint inflammation in the working area.

Because hand reflexes are more compressed than foot reflexes, practitioners use lighter pressure and smaller creep increments to reach the same zones.

Hand reflexology is often used when foot work is contraindicated or unavailable, and it complements rather than replaces foot-focused sessions.