CHAPTER 2

THERAPY REFLEXOLOGY

1.1. Definition
Reflection massage is a way of massaging the hands, feet, and other limbs by
pointing at the central point of the nerves.According to Soewito (1995), Reflexology is
the study of certain press points on human feet and hands, for a healing. Hadibroto
(2006) adds that reflexology is a way of treatment by stimulating various reflex areas
(zones) in the legs, hands, and ears that are related to various organs of the body.
In addition, Pamungkas (2009) also defines that reflexology massage is a type of
treatment that adopts the strength and endurance of the body itself, by providing a touch
of massage on the location and place that has been mapped according to the zone of
therapy. The therapeutic zone is the region / region formed by the imaginary line
(abstract) which serves to explain a boundary and reflexes associated directly with the
organs of the body. Meanwhile, according to Nirmala (2004), reflexology includes a
complementary or alternative therapy in the form of a regional massage or reflex point
on the sole of the foot or hand.

1.2. History of reflexology

The most obvious evidence of the existence of reflexology practices in ancient
cultures is that of painting the practice of reflexology of hands and feet on the wall
paintings in the tomb of Ankhmahor (the highest noble under Pharaoh) in Saqqara, also
known as the tomb of the physician. Egyptian wall paintings are estimated to date from
2330 BC. Prior to this discovery, a common belief in reflexology is that this system of
interpretation originated and was always associated with ancient oriental healing
practices such as Shiatsu and Acupuncture. Yet in other parts of the world, Indians from
North America are also believed to have known since ancient times how to manipulate
and stimulate the feet of the sick as part of their healing practice. From the growing
 number of gathered information it has finally concluded that the various practices of
modern reflexology have existed in all ancient medical cultures (Hadibroto, 2006).
In 1913, Fritzgerald found that the pressure applied to certain points in the body can
ward off the pain and improve the function of certain human organs. Based on his
research Friztgerald developed a new system consisting of ten zones and reaching from
the top of the toe to the tip of the toe. Together with Edwin Bowers C, wrote a book
called Zone Therapy which became known as reflexology in the early 1960s (Hadibroto,
2006).
In 1961, at the urging of a physiotherapy profession bond, the name of the zone therapy
was changed to reflexology. Other names for popular reflexology in America are
Pressure Point Massage, Compression Massage, Pointed Pressure Massage and Vita-
Flex. While in Europe and other parts of the world remain widely used the term zone
therapy, in addition to Reflex Zone Therapy and Reflexotherapy (Hadibroto, 2006)

1.3. Physiology of Reflection Massage

Pamungkas (2009) states that reflexology therapy is a method of treatment that
gives a touch of massage on the location and place that has been mapped according to
the zone of therapy. In these zones, there is a limit or location of reflexes associated with
the organs of the human body, in which every organ or part of the body lies in the same
path based on the functioning of the nervous system.
Soewito (1995) adds to the sole of the foot a body image, where the right foot
represents the right body and the left leg represents the left side of the body. Potter &
Perry (1997) emphasizes that hand-therapeutic touch provides a flow of energy that
makes the body relax, comfortable, less painful, active and helps the body to be
refreshed.
If the pressure point is massaged or touched and given a flow of energy then the
cerebral system will suppress the amount of pain signals entering the nervous system by
activating a pain system called analgesia (Guyton & Hall, 2007). When the massage
creates a pain signal, the body secretes morphine secreted by the cerebral system so that
it relieves pain and creates a comfortable feeling (euphoria). The reactions of the body's
reflexology massage will secrete the neurotransmitters involved in the analgesia system,
 especially enkafalin and endorphins that play a role in inhibiting pain impulses by
blocking the transmission of these impulses in the cerebral and spinal cord systems
(Guyton & Hall, 2007; Potter & Perry, 1997).

1.4. Point On Reflexology

In the human body there are 12 paths / nerve meridians and each has a relationship with
the organs in our body.

1.5. Reflection Method

According to Pamungkas (2009), the method of reflexology developed in the
homeland comes from two sources, the method of Taiwan and the method introduced by
Benjamin Gramm. In this method from Taiwan this is done by pressing the knuckle of
the index finger is bent at the reflection zone. While the second method is the method
introduced by Benjamin Gramm, where this method uses a tool of small sticks to
suppress the reflection zone.
Emphasis at the beginning is done gently, then gradually the added force of
pressure until it feels light, but not painful. In individuals such as infants, as well as
parents, pressure can be made softer. Emphasis can be done 30 seconds to 2 minutes
(Hope, 2009). Nirmala (2004) said, if using a tool sticks massage point that is more pain,
massage that can be done more strong, on target, and not tiring. If by using the hands,
when the massage will feel there is a kind of grains of sand when the massaged organs
 are disorders. If the sand is not felt again when the massage, then the body has started to
improve. Both methods have developed in Europe and America, both of which are
equally useful for preventing and curing illness.

1.6. Things to Consider Before Reflection Massage

There are several things to consider before reflexology according to Nirmala
(2004) and Pamungkas (2009), ie before the massage, the feet first soaked in warm water
given a kind of essential oil of salt but fragrant. Use to remove dirt and germs in the feet,
After that, the feet are dried and then use a special oil for massage so that the skin does
not blister when massaged. Massage should be done once every two days or three times
a week and a massage is not recommended to be done daily or at any time as it will
damage the reflex nerves. Each point of reflection is usually massaged 5 minutes, if it
hurts once can be massaged 10 minutes. If the massage is too hard and the client feels
pain, then the massage pressure is reduced and move the massage to the other part. Do
not massage when the client has an infectious disease and there are parts of the body that
are injured or swollen.

1.7. Reflection Massage Techniques

The reflection massage techniques according to Oxenford (1998) are as follows:
1. Stroking motion (Effleu-rage)
 Slide your hands in a downward direction from the top of the foot (the leg of
the foot), ie from the top of the elbow (foot) to the tips of the toes
 Slide the fingertips around the elbow bone (the ankle), this movement will
simultaneously soften the skin and tissue
 Slide the fingers down on the sides of the foot from the top of the elbow (the
ankle) toward the finger, one hand on each side it will feel like running
water on the foot
 Hold the foot, use the palm and fingers of one hand again to massage
circling in the back of the foot that is located between the little finger and
ankle
2. Movement spreads
  Hold the legs with both hands where the thumbs of the hands meet each
other on the back of the foot and the other fingers grasping the legs. Drag
the thumb from the middle towards the sampng. Repeat this movement
thoroughly to the toes
 Hold the feet with both hands where the thumbs meet each other on the foot
and the other fingers clasp the legs. Pull the thumb from the middle towards
the side. Repeat this movement thoroughly to the toes.
3. Elbow feet
 Rotation of the elbow
The heel with the palm of the hand, the other hand is placed on the toes
with four fingers of the hand then thumbs hand placed next to the big toe.
Turn the foot clockwise. Do a couple of turns, then repeat in the best
direction.
 Stretching the elbow
Hold the foot in the same way as the leg rotation position of the foot.
Stretch your legs downward in such a way that your toes point downward, as
far as possible while still comfortable. Next, push the foot back towards the
leg so that the toes pointed upward, as far as possible forstill feels
comfortable.
4. Movement squeezing / Stirring the dough
Hold one leg firmly with one hand, massage the palm with the other hand.
The massage hand is in a fisted position, use the front (bottom of the fingers, not
the protruding bone) of the fist to massage the entire sole of the foot, with the
movement as if squeezing / stirring the bread dough. It is a slow, deep
andrhythmic. Particularly useful when working on hard heels, here may use a
protruding bone portion of the second joint of the fingers to relax deep into the
heel tissue, which is located in the skiate reflex and hip reflex.
5. The stimulation movements (Stimulation)
 Movement up and down and from side to side
Hold the legs between the hands, the movement of the hands with
hard up and down on the sides of the foot, from the heel to the toes
 instead. In the same position, now roll the legs between the hands so that it
rolls from side to side
 Loosen the elbow
After performing the above motion, work on the back of the bones
of the elbows with the sides of the hands, with the palm facing upwards.
Give stimulation and relaxation on the sides of the heel. It is also a fast
movement. Do not hit the ankle
6. Rotation of the toes
Hold / support the legs firmly with one hand holding the foot on the heel
in a standard position. The other hand is used to grip the fingers firmly, but not
pressing too hard. Rotate the toes, this action will loosen toes and increase
flexibility as well as relax the neck muscles of the toes.
7. Spinal rotation
Place your hands on the backs of your feet side by side with the index
fingers touching each other and the thumbs of the hands under the soles of the
feet. Gently move back and forth across the back of the foot and around the inside
of the foot. Next move both hands slightly forward (towards the toes) and repeat
the whole movement
8. Diaphragm
 Hold your feet, then place your hands to massage with the thumb on the
base of the foot ball and fingers resting on the back of the foot. Press
downward where the thumbs slide to the side and repeat the emphasis. This
movement is like lifting and lowering beer bottles with a handlebig
 It can also relax the diaphragm by holding the foot in the same way and
working on the diaphragm by rotating the thumb of the massager's fingers
firmly.
9. The solar plexus
The solar plexus is located on the diaphragm line, put the hand on the back
of the foot (thumb hand on the sole of the foot) and gently pushes the center of the
pads on the foot, the solar plexus reflex is located in the center of the bearing. The
 solar plexus is where the crosses of the abdominal nerves. This place is a major
center for collecting stress and all other nervous feelings.

1.8. Benefits of reflexology

 Increase energy
One of the benefits that you can feel when you are doing reflexology is
that it can be used to increase energy. This is because reflexology helps to
increase metabolism and the creation of energy in your body. In addition to
reflexology, the benefits of carbohydrates can be used to increase energy.
 Improve blood circulation
By doing reflexology massage can also be used to improve blood
circulation. Thus when you do reflexology, the blood and oxygen contained in the
body work more effectively. Blood health does need to be maintained, so it is
necessary to keep blood circulation to stay smooth, it is also necessary blood
donor blood blood-blood to be clean. Because the benefits of blood donors are
very good for health.
 Improve nerve function
In addition to improving blood circulation it turns out when you do regular
and regular reflection massage will help to improve your nervous function. Nerve
function also includes healthy muscles and nerves in the body.
 Releasing toxins
When you perform reflexology then the toxicity system contained in the
body to be better so that it can eliminate various toxins contained in your body.
 As relaxation
Perform reflexology can also be used as a relaxation because by doing
reflexology then your body will feel more comfortable and relaxed. Relaxation
can also be obtained from utilizing the essential oils as aromatherapy
 Overcoming migraines and headaches
Migraines and headaches can also be overcome by doing regular and
regular reflection massage. Usually reflexology is also widely used to reduce or
eliminate the headache or migraine suffered. It's a good paracetamol benefit to
overcome headaches, but apparently with massage can naturally overcome
headaches.
 As a stimulus of the nervous system
Perform regular reflexology massage can also be used as a stimulus of
your nervous system. So that will speed up your cognitive power. Your
medication will work better when you do this reflexology.
 Accelerate wound healing
When you perform a reflexology massage then the circulation and
metabolism will increase so it can be useful to accelerate the healing of wounds
you are experiencing and useful to relieve pain due to injury.
 Eliminate aches
stiff on the body and on the legs can be cured by doing this reflexology.
When you have done heavy activities you can do reflexology to relieve your
aches. stiff can also be overcome with the benefits of the body in order.
 Maintaining bone health
When you do a foot reflexology massage regularly will help in
maintaining your bone health. So you will not be susceptible to disease caused by
bone health is not maintained. bone health can be maintained also by increasing
the consumption of calcium benefits and the benefits of zinc so that bones remain
awake
 Eliminate tingling
 In addition to maintaining bone health reflexology can also be used to
relieve tingling. The existence of some special techniques when you do
reflexology is useful to reduce and eliminate tingling that you suffer.
 Heal the sprained legs
Healing a sprained leg is one of the benefits of foot reflection. By doing
foot reflections on a regular basis When you're sprained it will be easy to handle.
 Make your body fresher
One of the benefits you can feel when you are doing reflexology is the
freshness of the body. This is because the condition of your body when you have
done the reaction will become more relaxed So you have a fresh body.
 Prevent the occurrence of anemia
Perform reflexology can also be used to prevent the occurrence of anemia,
This is because by doing reflexology massage then the blood circulation becomes
more smoothly so that the blood supply is more optimal. Also avoid anemia by
consuming the benefits of goat meat for people with anemia to blood to normal
 Prevent chronic disease
by doing reflexology will help you to prevent the occurrence of various
chronic diseases in you. How to prevent the occurrence of chronic diseases by using
this reflexology is to be combined with acupuncture techniques.
 REFERENCE

triatmojo. 2009. PijatRefleksi Dan Aneka RamuanTradisionalUntukKesembuhanSegalaPenyakit.

Medpress :Yogyakarta
Oxenford. (1998). Healing With Reflexology. Jakarta: PT GramediaPustakaUtama