Book Review: Complete Reflexology for Life by Barbara and Kevin Kunz

I came across this book in a cafe a little over a year ago and thought it looked interesting, so I brought it home. Unfortunately, I made my classic move of setting it on a shelf and forgetting about it for many months. 

I am happy to report that I recently picked it back up and it’s AMAZING! I’m so excited to share it with you.

What is Reflexology?

At the beginning of chapter one, the authors use these words to describe this healing technique: “Reflexology is the application of pressure techniques to the hands and feet to affect another part of the body. These techniques stimulate pressure sensors, triggering relaxation response throughout the body. Reflexology encourages good health, promoting relaxation, easing pain, preventing disease, and improving quality of life.”

The authors explain the body’s natural use of reflexology using the example of a person in a fight or flight situation.  Pressure signals from the soles of the feet tell the brain and body if the person is sitting, walking, running, etc. and the body is able to respond appropriately. If a person is in danger and running for their life, for example, the pressure exerted on various parts of the foot will alert the brain, the heart, the lungs, etc. of the increased need of oxygen, blood sugar, muscle contraction, etc. In this way, the pressure on the foot is a way of communicating with the rest of the body what it needs. 

Reflexology utilizes this method of communication by intentionally telling the body which areas need to be alerted, active, or whatever else the person needs. Pretty amazing, right?

History of Reflexology

There is evidence of people practicing various forms of reflexology in the hands and feet as far back as thousands of years ago. Places like Egypt, China, and Japan have writings and images depicting this form of healing work, and it’s a common Eastern practice today. The concept of reflexology first began to emerge in Western thought in the 19th century and significant findings were seen in the work of Sir Henry Head in 1895. However, the development of new drugs and surgeries outshined this information and reflexology is not common among Western healers today.

Who can Benefit from Reflexology?

Literally anyone! The title, “Complete Reflexology for Life,” was intentional, illustrating that everyone from the tiniest infant to the most elderly grandmother can benefit from this practice. It’s a gentle, non-invasive method of relaxing the body and teaching it to handle stress in more appropriate and healthy ways. 

This book specifically goes through ways to use reflexology to benefit many groups of people including babies and children, teens, women, men, pregnant women, and the elderly. The authors review specific ailments that are common to each individual group and how you can target your reflexology work to address those needs.

Can I Practice Reflexology on Myself?

You certainly can. That is one thing I love about this book. It shows how to use these techniques on others, but it always includes ways to self-help, including how to position your fingers and which supplemental tools you can use (like a simple golf ball, for example) to make it easier on yourself. 

What types of issues can reflexology address?

The authors include an extensive section dedicated to showing how to use reflexology to address common health concerns. It goes through each system of the body and illustrates what a person can do to support someone dealing with many specific ailments common to that system. For example, in the cardiovascular system section, they start by showing generic support you can give to help someone’s heart. Then it goes through many specific issues, such as arrhythmia and congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, angina pectoris, low blood pressure, and heart attack, and shows what you can do for each of these specifically.

I’m new and don’t have a history with reflexology… is this still for me?

Absolutely! That is exactly where I am with this, too – totally new and have zero previous experience. Here’s what I love about this book for us newbies:

1. PICTURES! Every single page is full of clear, simple, full-color pictures that are easy to understand and apply. You’re not just reading a bunch of words, hoping you get it right.
2. Teaches the methods and tools first. There are actually several different ways to stimulate a reflexology point. The authors do a great job explaining each method and using corresponding images and icons throughout the book so you know exactly what it’s talking about. After getting these basics down, you’re able to open up to the ailment or type of person you are wanting to work on and understand what it’s telling you to do!
3. Learning tips and common mistakes. Throughout the book there are little boxes that include helpful tips or share common mistakes beginners make and how to avoid them. This is great for me as I don’t know what I don’t know. The little tips are like having the person right there with me, guiding me as I try out this new tool!
4. Quick reference guides. The authors do a great job at getting all the information across in a thorough, yet concise manner. At the same time, they realized that we’re not going to need all the words every time! After practicing and applying, we’re going to get faster and more effective. So, they’ve also included quick reference charts and guides that you can easily bookmark and flip open to when you just need a simple outline. 

Overall it is very well-organized, very simple, and very informative. I have loved trying the self-help methods on myself and I’m excited to practice the other techniques more on my family. 

If you have any experience or insights on reflexology, I’d love to hear it! In the meantime, I’m getting out my golf ball and getting some good reflexology going.

Resources

Complete Reflexology for Life: Your Definitive Photographic Reference to the Best Techniques and Treatments: Kunz, Barbara: 9780756655808: Amazon.com: Books