ARCB Reflexology flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Somatotopic reflex mapping

The principle that body regions correspond to specific areas on the feet and hands, with distal structures mapping to the head and proximal structures to the pelvis.

Medial foot spinal chain

The reflex line along the inner border of the foot, running from the big toe to the heel and corresponding to the cervical through sacral spine.

Diaphragm line reflex

A transverse reflex line across the sole of the foot that marks the boundary between the chest region above and the abdominal region below.

Waist line reflex

A transverse zone line on the sole located between the diaphragm line and the pelvic line, corresponding to the level of the waist.

Pelvic line reflex

The transverse reflex boundary near the heel of the foot that corresponds to the pelvic region and lower abdominal structures.

Thumb walking technique

A creeping, caterpillar-like pressure applied with the thumb pad, contacting and releasing each point rather than sliding across the skin.

Plantar surface reflexes

The sole of the foot, which carries reflex areas corresponding to internal organs of the trunk and abdomen.

Dorsal foot reflexes

The top surface of the foot, which carries reflex areas corresponding to the chest, lymphatics, and musculoskeletal structures.

Local contraindication

A condition in the area being worked, such as an open wound, fracture, or active infection, that requires avoiding direct pressure there.

Session opening sequence

The initial relaxation phase of a reflexology session that prepares the recipient and establishes contact before focused zone work begins.

Complementary scope

The practice boundary in which reflexology supports wellbeing but does not diagnose, treat, or cure medical conditions.

Heel reflex region

The heel area of the foot, which corresponds to the pelvis, lower back, and sciatic region in reflex mapping.

Toe reflex correspondence

The toes and distal foot, which correspond to the head, neck, and sinus regions in foot reflexology mapping.

Arch reflex region

The medial arch of the foot, which corresponds to the spinal column and is worked in a linear sequence from toe to heel.

Pressure tolerance check

A practice of confirming the recipient's comfort level during thumb walking so that pressure stays within a tolerable, non-painful range.

Zone theory

A framework dividing the body into longitudinal zones that run the length of the body and correspond to lines on the feet and hands.

Hand reflex somatotopy

The layout in which fingertips and distal hand map to the head and neck, the palm to trunk organs, and the wrist to the pelvis.

Radial hand spinal chain

The reflex line along the thumb side of the hand, running from thumb toward wrist and corresponding to the cervical through sacral spine.

Palm organ reflexes

The central palm area, which carries reflex points corresponding to the respiratory, digestive, and urogenital systems.

Interdigital web reflexes

The webbed spaces between the fingers, which correspond to lymphatic and chest reflex areas in hand reflexology.

Dorsal hand reflexes

The back of the hand, which carries reflex areas corresponding to the chest, lymphatics, and upper body structures.

Hand session duration

Hand reflexology sessions are typically shorter and gentler than foot sessions because the hands are smaller and more pressure-sensitive.

Fingertip head reflex

The tips of the fingers, which correspond to the head, face, and sinus regions in hand reflex mapping.

Wrist pelvic reflex

The wrist and heel of the hand, which correspond to the pelvic region and lower back in hand reflexology mapping.

Hand local contraindication

A condition in the hand being worked, such as dermatitis, a cut, infection, or joint inflammation, that requires avoiding direct pressure.

Lighter pressure rationale

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

Hand support position

Cradling the receiving hand with the working hand so the palm is relaxed and accessible during thumb-walking pressure.

Thumb creep on palm

A small forward walking motion of the thumb across the palm, contacting and releasing each point to work palm reflex areas.

Hand as substitute site

Hand reflexology is used when foot work is contraindicated or unavailable, complementing rather than replacing foot-focused sessions.

Thenar reflex area

The fleshy mound at the base of the thumb on the palm, which corresponds to chest and respiratory reflex areas.

Hypothenar reflex area

The fleshy mound along the little-finger side of the palm, which corresponds to reflex areas of the lower trunk and pelvis.

Hand relaxation opening

The initial phase of a hand session that establishes contact and relaxes the hand before focused reflex pressure is applied.