Reflexology: The Definitive Practitioner's Manual [Hardcover]

Beryl Crane (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 25, 1998

This reflexology text includes coverage of such topics as: the art and practice of reflexology; the physiological and energetic theories of reflexology; the mapping of organs and body systems onto the foot; hand reflexology; taking case histories and patient care; and running a successful practice. Reflexology is the ancient technique of treating the whole body by pressing reflex points on the foot which affect different organs in the body through the meridian system and through different zones relating to each organ. This reflexology text includes coverage of such topics as: the art and practice of reflexology; the physiological and energetic theories of reflexology; the mapping of organs and body systems onto the foot; hand reflexology; taking case histories and patient care; and running a successful practice. Part 1 A brief history of reflexology: Egyptian origins; Chinese origins; the history of the zone concept. Part 2 A holistic approach to medicine: the concept of holistic medicine; theories and philosophies; what is energy?; how the nervous system works; meridians and nerves; the zones and the divisions of the feet and hands; western medicine and complementary medicine working together. Part 3 Basics of consultation and diagnosis: the fundamentals of good practice; clinical observation; questioning; listening; the case history; diagnosis; recommending treatment; support and care of the patient. Part 4 Basics of the reflexology treatment session: preparation of the client and yourself; relaxation techniques, support techniques and protective hold procedures; "back-up" or cross reflexes, or zone-related reflexes; interpretation of painful reflex points; reactions to expect during treatment; reaction that may arise between treatments. Part 5 The feet: anatomy and biomechanics of the foot; observation and analysis; the systems of the body and their respective zones on the feet treatment procedure; foot exercises. Part 6 The hands: history and theory of hand treatment; anatomy and physiology; observation and analysis; disorders; treatment procedure; hand exercises. Part 7 The ear, face and head: the ear; the face and head. Paty 8 A--Z of disorders of the body: how to use this chapter. Part 9 Disorders of the skin -- a practical application of reflexology: anatomy and physiology; disorders; analysis and treatment; skin care routine. Part 10 Stress: what is stress?; physiology of stress; stress as the cause of illness; physical and mental indicators of stress; the role of reflexology in stress; simple stress management techniques. Part 11 Natural nutrition: what is nutrition?; components of a good diet; additives; healthy lifestyle; what is an allergy?; disorders where diet and reflexology work together. Part 12 The reflexology practice: setting up the practice; ethics; professionalism; making an introductory presentation to an audience. Appendices: statutory support systems; first aid in the treatment room; complemetary therapies that may assist reflexology; astrology and health; some questions that students may be asked in an examination; useful addresses.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Beryl Crane is the founder and Director of the Crane School of Reflexology in Essex England. A Fellow of the Reflexologists' Society since 1989, she has been their Chairperson since 1995 and has held the position of President of the Board of Directors of the International Council of Reflexology since 1999. She has taught and lectured in several countries worldwide and is the only Westerner ever to be asked to attend and partake in every Symposium of the China Reflexology Association.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 443 pages
• Publisher: Thorsons (January 25, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1862041253
• ISBN-13: 978-1862041257
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.3 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #277,060 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

43 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The most comprehensive reflexology book ever!, July 7, 1998

By 

Russell Mcallister (Sydney, Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Reflexology: The Definitive Practitioner's Manual (Hardcover)

This book is concise, clearly written and easy to read. It includes the usual topics covered in reflexology books e.g. what is reflexology, history, how it works, zone theory, etc. Plus it covers areas that few other reflexology books have covered before: setting up a practice, consultation procedures, hand reflexology, ear reflexology and face reflexology.

It touches on all aspects of reflexology and health, mental, physical and spiritual. As the title says the definitive guide! A must for every reflexologist.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for learning reflexology, August 4, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Reflexology: The Definitive Practitioner's Manual (Hardcover)

This book is well-written and excellent for teaching reflexology. In fact, this book was a helpful reference for the national certification test for therapeutic massage and bodywork. My study group and I also used the following for the national certification exam:
The Ultimate Study Guide for the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork: Key Review Questions and Answers by Patrick Leonardi
Volume 1, Volume 2 and Volume 3
The last three books were excellent for helping my study group and I prepare for the type of questions asked.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A Mixed Bag, January 31, 2010

By 

Joe from Beverly Hills - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Reflexology: The Definitive Practitioner's Manual (Hardcover)

I was not sure whether I should give this book one star or five, so I compromised at three. On the plus side, the book contains a tremendous amount of information, far more than other books on reflexology that I have read. It is evident that the book was written by a gifted practitioner with a wealth of knowledge. On the minus side, the book could use some massive editing. For example, some critical terms are not defined, illustrations often do not appear on the same page as the related text, and it frequently is necessary to flip back and forth between different sections of the book to develop a full understanding of what you need to know. For a reader with sufficient patience, this book will be extremely useful and rewarding. For anyone else, it will be frustrating.