TCM Foot Reflexology

Identifying deposits in the feet is the first step in TCM foot reflexology.  These deposits can be the result of any number of things such as illness, use of medication, stress, and depression.  The location of the deposit will indicate where there is an imbalance in the corresponding meridians and organs.  The lymphatic and circulatory systems are also effected.

TCM reflexology recognizes 5 levels of deposits.  A level 1 deposit has the consistency of sand, with many tiny granular bumps.  A level 2 has the consistency of small lumps.  Both levels 1 and 2 can come and go, and can often be broken up in 1 – 4 reflexology sessions.   A level 3 deposit consists of a single lump that feels gelatinous, but moves when touched.  It can often feel painful when touched.  This level indicates inflammation in the corresponding area, and can take 3 – 6 months to break up.  A level 4 deposit feels like a hard knot that moves when touched.  And a level 5 deposit is a hard lump that has developed a root and therefore does not move.  A level 5 deposit is the “oldest”, and can indicate a long term, chronic illness.  The older the deposit, the longer it will take to break up.

In TCM reflexology, once the “oldest” deposit is located, the focus of the rest of the session is based on supporting those corresponding organs by unblocking the nerves, balancing their meridians, and increasing circulation.  The area where the oldest deposit exists is considered the area of the root cause of any dis-ease in the body.  As this deposit is broken up, all other symptoms of imbalance in the body also begin to disappear.   When these deposits begin to break up, the client could experience a healing crisis.

I’ll talk about how to look for these deposits in my next entry.