The Zone Theory is the base of the foot reflexology. Reflexology has become a more refined method, but the theory of areas remains a very useful tool; its understanding is essential to comprehend reflexology.
Zones connected with different areas of the body
The zone system organizes the relationships between the different parts of the body. You may think of them as guidelines or demarcations which connect one part to another. There are ten equal longitudinal zones running through the body from head end to the tip of the toes.
Zones in the feet
The number ten is the number of fingers and toes, and therefore provides a convenient numbering system. Each finger and toe belongs to a zone; for example, the left thumb is in the same zone as the big toe and so on. Using the Zone’s diagram, you can trace the ten areas on the body. Starting with the feet and drawing imaginary lines that go up the legs from each toe, through the trunk of the body to the top of the head. Each toe represents a zone.
Zones in the hands
And the same exercise can be done with the hands; starting the path from each finger. The numbered lines cross over the others in the neck and head zones. As an arrow through the body, it is considered that the reflex points pass through the body within the same zones. For example, the same point can be found on both the anterior and the posterior body, at the top and bottom of the foot.
Unlock the tension means to cure
The accumulated tension or congestion in any part of the body will affect the entire area longitudinally through the body. As a river where a dam has been built, the areas located on either side of the area are affected by the blockade. If the area remains blocked, the surrounding areas may be affected. The sensitivity in a particular part of the foot indicates to the reflexologist that something is happening in that zone or zones somewhere in the body. Direct pressure applied to any part of a zone will affect the whole zone. This is the foundation of the zone theory. It is also the foundation of foot reflexology; the feet are not only functional parts of the body that represent each zone, but are a direct reiteration of the body itself, its reflection.
FOOT REFLEXOLOGY, THE THEORY
In addition to the longitudinal zones of the zones theory, reflexology also provides lateral areas on the body. Its fundamental purpose is to help provide an image of the body on the foot in the correct perspective and location. Only three of the lateral zones are often used: the shoulder line, the line of the diaphragm and the waist line. However, the lateral zone concept applies to all areas.