Reflexology is a complementary therapy, intended for use alongside conventional medical care and not as a replacement.
It is the practice of stimulating nerves on the feet, hands and ears, in order to encourage a beneficial effect on some other parts of the body, or to try to improve general health.
Reflexology is most commonly performed on the feet, moving on to the hands and/or ears where physical restraints (contraindications), such as veruccas or fractures, apply.
There is no one fixed theory to explain reflexology. All practitioners believe that areas on the foot correspond to areas of the body, and that reflexology assists the self-healing process.
Some practitioners believe these zones to reflect the energy (Qi) body, and that blockages of energy in the body are reflected through "grit" or "lumps" on the foot.