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Reflex Zones

REFLEXOLOGY, A HEALING ART OF ANCIENT ORIGIN

Reflex zones are areas of the skin and mucous membranes whose structure, coloring, and other characteristics provide information about disorders in the function of the organs or other body structures. Reflexology is a therapeutic method of relieving pain and encouraging well-being by stimulating predefined pressure points on the feet, hands, skull, and ears. These pressure points are connected directly through the nervous system and affect the bodily organs and glands.

Massaging the reflex zones with crystal wands is a synthesis of two ancient systems of treatment that complement each other energetically: one is the system of reflexology, and the other is the use of crystals for healing.

The use of crystals for healing is found in myth and legend, as well as in the historical record. Ancient Greek and Roman sages such as Theophrastus, Dioscorides, and Pliny, as well as the medieval scholar Hildegard von Bingen, all recorded using crystal applications for healing. Knowledge of reflex zones is actually ancient, dating back to our prehistoric ancestors. In fact, the earliest documented evidence of knowledge of reflex zones is in the form of a tattoo that depicts a system of zones that is surprisingly similar to acupuncture zones and was found on the back of Ötzi, a mummified 5,300-year-old male found frozen in ice in the Alps. Even today, Australian and African Bushmen, whose present-day social forms are probably closest to those of the Stone Age, use similar body painting and tattooing in rituals for health. The ancient Egyptians also had knowledge of the reflex zones of the hands and feet—images depicting these zones were found in the tomb of an Egyptian physician in Sakkara that dates back to 2300 BC. This fact about the history of medical practices is rarely honored or appreciated today.

Reflex zones of the feet

Crystals and reflexology both work in ways that are hard to explain from a strictly scientific standpoint. Both were first employed for healing purposes purely on an intuitive level, and now they are increasingly used systematically. With few exceptions it has previously never been possible to present a model for explaining how both crystals and reflex zones work—in what way an impulse along a reflex point arrives at a disturbed organ, how these impulses find exactly those zones or principles that relate to a specific organ, and how the energy of certain crystals works to dissolve blockages in those disturbed zones. We tend to evaluate based on criteria that modern science recognizes as valid. For example, the reflex zones on the back, which are assigned to the different levels of the spine, were explained by English neurologist Henry Head in 1893. But it took another thirty years before an appropriate means of treatment in the form of connective tissue massage was established in 1928 by German physiotherapist Elizabeth Dicke (1884–1952). Ms. Dicke was suffering from an infection of the blood that caused arterial blockage of the legs. She had already booked an appointment for amputation when she began, by chance, to move her fingers in a plow-like fashion along the skin of her lower back. This caused her to feel a curious tingling sensation in her legs. Through consistent self-massage like this she was finally able to avoid the loss of her leg, and she went on to develop this form of treatment. According to a 1991 study by physiotherapists G. C. Goats and K. A. Keir, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, connective tissue massage “can have a beneficial effect upon tissues remote from the area of treatment. These effects appear to be mediated by neural reflexes that cause an increase in blood flow to the affected region together with suppression of pain. CTM is becoming accepted more widely as research confirms the claims of an expanding population of practitioners.”

In addition to the reflex zones on the back, we know of about thirty other reflex zone systems on the surface of the body. The best known of these are on the hands and feet. But reflex zones can also be found on the skull, the face, and the ears. In fact, we can rightly refer to them as maps of our state of health.

Head zones on the back, called dermatomes in anatomy books

Reflex zones are found on the face, the ears, and the hands, as well as the feet.

HOW REFLEX ZONE MASSAGE WORKS

If we observe the neurophysical structure of the body, we can see that every organ is connected to the spine. In the spine, where the control centers for the pathways to the brain are located, information is passed on to the appropriate levels. From there the signals go out to the skin in the reflex zones of the back, and it is from there also that messages from the skin are sent to the organs. So in brief the spine is our energetic central line, our “data highway” for many types of messages.

In principle, in the relay of all this information, disturbances are given priority. For example, if intestinal function is impeded, the regulatory centers are alerted and certain reactions begin in the associated back reflex zones. There, the subcutaneous connective tissue swells a little, skin tension is altered slightly in the zone in question, and, via localized heightened blood circulation, a slight reddening of the skin occurs. On the back and the side of the chest these indicators can be explained as neurological switching in the spinal segment in question. In all the other reflex zones this model does not apply, which is clearly demonstrated with the example of the right kidney.

This kidney has an identifiable direct nerve line to its zones on the back, which, in turn, has a switching point in the spine. However, a nerve line such as this does not exist from the right kidney to its reflex zones on the feet, the hands, the ears, or the face. Nevertheless, it is precisely the reflex zone on the feet that was confirmed in a 1999 study undertaken at the University of Innsbruck by I. Sudmeier and colleagues and published in the German medical journal Forsch Komplementärmed. We should always remember that Henry Head’s discovery of the reflex zones in the nineteenth century marked the beginning of the scienceof neurology. This was also the time when electricity and its uses were discovered, which is whyelectro-mechanical models were usedto explain the workings of the back reflex zones, including the concepts of “cables” and “relay stations,” all of which was considered state-of-the-art science at the time. These explanations are, however, no longer adequate as explanations for the workings of the reflex zones. The latest models are based on the facts of modern physics, in particular the biophoton research by Fritz-Albert Popp. I suppose that one day our present explanations will be considered dated by some future generation, the same way we consider the old mechanical models today.

Spinal switching

That human beings possess an energy field was confirmed in the 1970s by Popp. Acupuncture points and meridians are denser areas within that energetic field. Beyond that, Popp was able to provide evidence that all our cells communicate with one another by means of low-intensity laser light. Our cells receive a plethora of information via these communications. If we use the internet as a model, then both the organs as well as the reflex zones possess email addresses. In this way, a right kidney that is experiencing a disturbance can pass on a message about that disturbance to the skin, and the reflex zones when treated will send back the relevant stimulations to the kidney. At the target location the information is converted in the form of skin, tissue, or organ reactions. At the same time, in the same way, the higher regulation centers are informed, which, in turn, sets in motion autonomic switching of the entire internal environment of the person, thus influencing his or her psychological state. In our modern network technology, a command given by a computer in Munich can activate a printer in Hong Kong; our organism, with its more than 50 billion cells, clearly functions even more efficiently than our technological achievements.

Spinal switching between the kidneys and their related dermatomes

All our cells communicate with each other.

In this model we can imagine crystals as frequency amplifiers that support certain energies and dampen others, placing additional information at the disposal of the system and passing on the filtered energies of the therapist.

The crystal as a frequency amplifier

HOW I DISCOVERED PAIRING REFLEXOLOGY AND CRYSTALS

My own personal discovery of the reflex zones began as a result of my training in connective tissue massage. The reactions that a few finger movements could trigger in the subcutaneous connective tissue were simply fascinating to me. People were able to breathe better and more deeply; back problems disappeared, bladder problems improved, and the intestines began to work properly again. In fact, the effects can sometimes be quite drastic. For example, the intestines may react with diarrhea, or the circulation may become temporarily weaker. Even headaches may occur for a short while as toxins clear the body. Usually these reactions disappear after a few minutes’ rest. Later I was to discover that extreme reactions like these can also occur when using crystals.

Connective tissue massage on the back

The more I learned about crystals and the reflex zones, the clearer it became that both are connected to the organization of our energy field and the streams of energy that affect us. This was the connection between crystals and reflex zones that I had been searching for. Unfortunately, when I first started using them in combination, the results were under-whelming. People did not react in ways I had expected. I became impatient and felt that I was somehow not approaching the subject in the right way. Thus began a period of much experimentation. During this time I got a lot of support from crystal experts Marco Schreier and Walter von Holst. Finally, it was Marco who took up my suggestion to polish suitable minerals into the shape of wands, which I then used in my treatments. As I had for a long time been using wands made of wood as a supportive aid when giving massage, I was overjoyed that this shape could now be realized in the form of crystals. Kinesiological testing confirmed that we were on the right track. The thicker end was polished to a rounded shape, while the other end terminated in a gentle point, the best shape for reflex zone massage. This meant that I was able to take the burden off my fingers when massaging reflex zones, as the pointed end is ideal for targeting specific points and for meridian massage, and the larger, rounded end of the crystal works wonderfully over larger surface areas of the body.

Reflex zone massage with crystal wand

The first crystal wands available to me were made of amethyst, aventurine, rock crystal, brecciated jasper, Dalmatian jasper, dumortierite, fluorite, red jasper, picture jasper, Picasso marble, rose quartz, lapis lazuli, and snowflake obsidian. We now have many more at our disposal, as shown in the catalog of crystals in part 3.

Clockwise from bottom center: amethyst, aventurine, rock crystal, brecciated jasper, Dalmatian jasper, dumortierite, fluorite, red jasper, picture jasper, Picasso marble, rose quartz, lapis lazuli, snowflake obsidian

Still, despite all my efforts, I had not yet discovered how I could properly awaken the sleeping energies of the crystal wands. Gradually, two principles emerged that were confirmed by my own experience: the rounded end of the crystal draws energies away from the tissues, and the tip conducts energy into the tissues. This was noticeable in treatments with wands made of rock crystal. These treatments provided amazing relief from hip problems, headaches, and menstrual discomfort. All of this was achieved simply through massage of the appropriate reflex zones in the hands and feet using the broad, rounded end of the wand. Along the way, a good friend served as my guinea pig when I massaged him using the tip of an amethyst wand, which resulted in an increase in his symptoms in the shoulder zone! With time it became ever clearer that acute conditions with an excess of energy, as in this case, require massage with the thick end of the wand of a balancing crystal, while chronic conditions with a lack of energy require massage with the tip of activating crystals. However, it was still unclear to me how I could draw on the qualities of the crystals for use on reflex zones. In contrast to the effects of simply laying the crystals on the body, the qualities of the crystals did not seem to come through properly in a relatively short reflex zone massage, and any effects could probably be explained by contact with the reflex zones themselves and not especially by the qualities of the crystal. In time, however, my doubts evaporated with experience. For instance, a foot reflex zone massage balances the intestines and digestion, and brown picture jasper, which I used for this kind of massage, clearly showed itself as the right crystal for this organ system. On another occasion I passed a wand made of red jasper very lightly over the neck and head zones. My client suddenly developed a headache. As soon as I swapped the jasper out for an aventurine wand, the situation was defused and the pain immediately disappeared.

Crystal wand made of picture jasper is used for the digestive system.

Any lingering doubts were swept away through an experience with a client who had arrived at my practice with a bladder infection and cold feet. We know of a reflex zone in the skull that never fails to warm cold from the inside, within minutes. Imagine how astonished I was when I massaged this zone and there was no reaction. I picked up a crystal that happened to be at arm’s reach, a Picasso marble. Still nothing. Surprised by this failure, I changed the crystal and intuitively took the classic stone for cold extremities, snowflake obsidian. Within seconds the client experienced prickling and streaming sensations in the feet, which finally convinced me that the connection between crystal wands and reflex zones is a powerful combination.

The brain reflex zones on the feet should be treated for headache.

Foot reflex zones can be found on the head

Reflex zone massage  on the head can warm cold feet.

THE LEADER ZONE

In the beginning I changed crystal wands quite frequently during a reflex zone treatment. Whenever it emerged that a different organ system was unbalanced, a different wand would be employed based on testing for the right one. As more types of crystal wands became available to me and as I experimented further it became clear to me that I needed a different way of proceeding. Many experiences and conversations later, I came to the conclusion that in reflex zone massage with crystal wands the important thing is to identify and treat what is known as the leader zone. This is the reflex zone that indicates the overall theme, the one that can resolve the issue, the crux of the matter. As soon as that reflex zone is unblocked, the other zones simply follow in a cascading domino effect.

For example, if there is a weakness in the digestive processes, there could be several possible causes. One of them might be a weakened functioning of the gallbladder; another might be a stomach problem; and, of course, the intestines might be ailing. Only in the third case would the overall problem be resolved through massage of the intestinal zones. Without this, treatment of the other organs would only achieve short-term alleviation of the overall symptoms. So in this case, the intestines are the leader zone.

Massage of the gallbladder zone

It is the same for an energetic blockage of the gallbladder. Weak gallbladder function is connected to a lack of drive or lack of a healthy aggression response, so the gallbladder zone is the leader zone, and it requires massage with red jasper. If instead we used picture jasper, the classic intestine crystal, we would be employing an unsuitable energetic principle, and success would be questionable. So once the leader zone is found, such disturbances are easier to resolve. The trick is to locate the leader zone. Luckily, the existence of the reflex zones makes possible a simple search for the energetic principle and the specific zone from which a problem emerges.

 

How to Find the Leader Zone

A certain technique allows us to find the leader zone in reflex zone massage. The procedure described here uses the pulse quality and breathing frequency, but testing can be carried out equally well using a pendulum, a dowsing rod, or a kinesiological muscle test, methods that are all described in part 4 of this book.

Spinal reflex zones in the foot

Spinal reflex zones in the hand

Choose a crystal wand made of rock crystal, chalcedony, or one with neutral qualities from the catalog of crystals listed in part 3. Stroke with a light touch along the spinal reflex zone on the foot or the hand, from the bottom of the spine upward in an “elevator” fashion.

At the same time, and with your other hand, test the person’s pulse at the wrist or (carefully) at the carotid artery. While moving the wand upward, pay attention to the quality of the pulse. At those points where the pulse rate clearly changes, stop briefly and make a mental note of the location. Then carry on. It is insignificant whether the pulse is stronger or weaker, slower or faster, tenser or broader, harder or softer; whether it pounds, is threadlike, flowing, or becomes less emphatic. The crucial thing is the intensity of the change. In this way, you will obtain one to three different locations.

Identifying a change in the pulse rate

Now repeat the procedure, this time concentrating on sensing the most intense signal. If you are still undecided, repeat until you are sure. The point you have now identified in the spinal zone indicates the way to the leader zone. Using this as a departure point, move with the broad end of the wand gently through the reflex zones of the spinal level in question using the “elevator” technique, checking for the level with the greatest intensity. Pay attention to the client’s breathing. Notice if the person demonstrates different reactions in his or her breathing. At the point where the breath becomes shorter or even stops, you will have found the leader reflex zone. If you check this point with your fingers you will sense that this zone feels some-how different than the surrounding area. Therapists can then kinesiologically muscle test the connected organ. This is not necessary in massages intended purely for pleasure, however, in which case it will suffice to find the suitable crystal wand to unblock the leader zone and then begin the massage.

 

REFLEX ZONE TREATMENT

When you discover an impaired reflex zone, there is a fundamental question to ask: Does it require balancing, activating, or should the treatment be neutral? To find out, first pick up a neutral crystal, say, rock crystal, chalcedony, or snow quartz, and use it to touch the leader zone. Pay attention to your client’s breathing for the duration of four to five breaths. If the breathing becomes longer, deeper, or calmer, it is the right choice of crystal. You can stick with that crystal and later on carry out the massage with it. If the breathing becomes less calm or remains unchanged, use the same method to touch the leader zone with a balancing crystal wand such as aventurine, serpentine, or sodalite. Once again, pay attention, for four to five breaths, to the breathing rhythm of your client. If there is again no confirming reaction through deeper, quieter breathing, then repeat the procedure a third time with an activating crystal wand such as basalt, obsidian, or red jasper. The crystal will be the right one when the client’s breathing becomes deeper and quieter—even when stimulation is applied. Even if the reaction becomes weaker after a few changes, the test can still be carried out as often as needed.

Testing for the right crystal wand

Generally speaking, three crystal wands are enough begin with: rock crystal as a neutral crystal, aventurine for calming, and red jasper for activating. Experienced therapists may wish to expand their selection. Consult the catalog of crystals and the summary table at the end of the catalog in part 3 for alternative choices in these three categories. If you have a good grounding in the use of crystals in healing, you can go ahead and test suitable healing crystals for a targeted therapeutic application.

Neutral crystals (top to bottom): rock crystal, chalcedony, snow quartz

Balancing crystals (top to bottom): aventurine, serpentine, sodalite

Activating crystals (top to bottom): basalt, obsidian, red jasper

 Basic Reflex Zone Massage

Once you have selected a suitable crystal wand, you are ready to start treatment. But first the leader zone will need to be unblocked. For this basic unblocking, place the crystal wand on the leader zone using gentle pressure, i.e., without moving it, for as long as it takes (usually about one to three minutes), until you observe your client breathing deeply or even sighing deeply. You will notice, at the same time, that the crystal almost seems to sink in. These are indications that you have removed the interference from the leader zone. Now massage the remaining reflex zones with pleasurable, long stroking and circling movements.

To experience the difference unblocking can make, try doing a reflex zone massage without a basic unblocking of the leader zone, and afterward a massage with the basic unblocking procedure. This little test will convince even the most skeptical person.

Should any other reflex zone signal a problem during the massage, carry out a basic unblocking procedure there; this technique is described in part 4. As before, remain quietly in position with your crystal wand and wait for the breathing and tissue relaxation signs in the person you are treating. Depending on the reflex zone system being addressed and the theme of the massage, a full massage following this protocol can take anywhere from three minutes (as in a fast treatment on the hands) up to an hour (including extensive massage of the back and foot reflex zones). Always be sure that all strokes and applications are thoroughly pleasurable and lend a sense of well-being. If, despite your best efforts, an impulse is perceived as unpleasant or even painful, the intensity should be reduced to the point that the touch or the massage technique feels good again for you and for your client.

To finish a reflex zone treatment, the entire reflex zone system—the back, the hands, and the feet—can be massaged again thoroughly with the hands. After that, allow the client to rest for a little while. If trading this kind of massage with a friend or partner, reciprocal treatment should not be undertaken immediately afterward. It is much better to reserve an evening or a session exclusively for one massage and then allow the other person to enjoy the same massage on a different day. In this way, you and your friend or partner will get the most out of the massage.

Stroking and circling

Basic unblocking

Reduce the intensity if an unpleasant reaction is observed.

For a finale, give an extensive massage to the back, feet, and hands by hand.