ARCB Reflexology key terms

A complementary practice in which pressure is applied to specific points on the feet or hands that are believed to correspond to organs, glands, and body systems. It is used for relaxation and wellbeing, not for diagnosing or curing disease.

A small, specific area on the foot or hand that is mapped to a particular body part or system. Practitioners apply targeted pressure to these points during a session.

A diagram or mental model showing which areas of the foot or hand correspond to which body parts. Maps differ slightly between schools and are taught as a working guide.

A model dividing the body into ten longitudinal zones running from head to toe, with each zone represented on the foot and hand. Pressure in a zone is thought to influence structures within that same zone.

The ten vertical bands used in zone theory, five on each side of the body. Each big toe or thumb sits in zone one, and each little toe or finger in zone five.

Horizontal divisions of the foot or hand used to locate reflexes by body region. The toes and fingers correspond to the head, the midfoot to the trunk, and the heel to the pelvis.

The arrangement of reflexes on the plantar surface, where toes relate to the head and neck, the ball to the chest, and the heel to the pelvis and lower back.

The top surface of the foot, where reflexes for the chest, spine, and lymphatic system are commonly located. It is worked with lighter pressure than the sole.

The inner edge of the foot or hand, running along the arch and big toe side. It carries reflexes linked to the spine and the inner body structures.

The outer edge of the foot or hand, along the little toe or little finger side. Reflexes here are often associated with the outer limbs and shoulder areas.

A line of points along the medial border of the foot or hand said to correspond to the vertebral column. Practitioners work it from the big toe end toward the heel.

A point in the center of the sole, just below the ball of the foot, used to encourage relaxation. It is often worked at the start and end of a session.

A band across the ball of the foot, below the toes, thought to relate to the breathing muscle. Working it is intended to support relaxed breathing.

A related point worked alongside a primary reflex to support its effect, rather than instead of it. For example, a shoulder reflex may be paired with the corresponding spinal level.

A foundational foot technique in which the pad of the thumb moves forward in small increments, like a caterpillar, applying steady pressure along a reflex line.

A technique using the pads of the fingers in small forward steps to work reflexes, often on the dorsum or where the thumb cannot reach comfortably.

A technique in which the practitioner presses into a point with a bent finger or thumb, then draws back slightly to work the tissue. It is used on specific or congested-feeling points.

Sustained, still pressure applied to a single reflex point for several seconds to a minute. The pressure is eased in gradually and released slowly.

The amount of force applied during a technique, adjusted to the client's comfort and tissue response. It should never cause sharp pain or leave bruising.

A light, gliding stroke used to begin and end a session and to link sections together. On the feet it warms tissue and helps the client settle.

The calm, parasympathetic state a session aims to encourage, marked by slower breathing, looser muscles, and reduced tension. It is a central intended outcome of reflexology.

A condition or situation in which reflexology should be avoided, delayed, or modified, such as recent foot surgery or an acute infection. Screening for these is part of safe practice.

A circumstance requiring extra care rather than avoidance, such as pregnancy, diabetes, or fragile skin. The practitioner reduces pressure or shortens the session as needed.

The initial interview and record in which history, health conditions, medications, and goals are gathered before a session. It informs contraindications, precautions, and session planning.

Information the client gives during a session about pressure, comfort, and sensation. Practitioners use it to adjust technique in real time.

Application of reflexology principles to the hands, using the same zone and reflex mapping ideas as the feet. It is useful when feet cannot be worked or as a shorter session.

The layout of reflexes on the palm and back of the hand, with fingers relating to the head and the palm center to the trunk. It mirrors the foot map in broad outline.

Specific reflex areas on the palmar surface, including points for the solar plexus, spine, and digestive organs. They are worked with the thumb or knuckle.

Areas in the webbing between the fingers, often used for shoulder, neck, and lymphatic reflexes. Pressure here is kept light because the tissue is thin.

A hand technique in which the thumb rolls over a reflex area with small circular or forward motions. It covers ground quickly while keeping contact steady.

Use of a bent knuckle to apply firmer pressure to broader palm areas. It is chosen when the thumb tires or when deeper pressure is appropriate.

Points around the wrist crease associated with the pelvic area and lower body. They are worked gently with the thumb in small circles.

The planned order of a reflexology session, typically opening relaxation, working the systems, then closing relaxation. Consistency helps the client settle and lets the practitioner track changes.

Practices such as hand washing, clean linens, trimmed nails, and checking for skin breaks that protect both client and practitioner. They are required before and after every session.

The boundaries of what a reflexologist may legally and ethically do, which excludes diagnosis, prescribing, and claims of curing disease. Practitioners refer clients to appropriate health professionals.