What do you think?
Rate this book
The Art of Reflexology
Shows how to find and use the reflexology points on the foot which relate to different parts of the body, in order to restore the balance of energy, to prevent ill health, and also to assist relaxation
208 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 1992
5 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Inge Dougans
19 books3 followers• Inge Dougans, author and a world renowned lecturer was born and educated in Denmark. Her career began in April 1981, when she qualified as a reflexologist in Copenhagen. In October of that year she emigrated to South Africa and opened a private reflexology clinic.
• She began teaching and established what was to become the first International School of Reflexology and Meridian Therapy incorporating Chinese Meridian Theory in 1983. Today the school has licenced branches throughout South Africa and all over the world, including United States, United Kingdom, Poland and Greece. New branches are being established and any interested parties are invited to apply for licences for a new branch. Click here for more detailed information.
• Inge Dougans has been invited to teach in Holland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Canada, the United States of America, Australia, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Namibia and the United Kingdom. She has also received numerous invitations as a guest speaker to address various international conferences and societies, including the International Council of Reflexologists held at Virginia Beach (USA), the Dutch Society's 10th Anniversary (Holland), the British Reflexology Association (UK), the 3rd World Congress of Medical Acupuncture and Natural Medicine (Canada), the National Congress of Reflexologists (Australia and New Zealand), the 4th European Congress of Reflexologists (Denmark) and the ICR Congress (Rome, Italy). Inge continues lecturing throughout the world on her unique concepts.
• She began writing two definitive works: In 1991 "Reflexology – foot massage for total health", Inside of Illustrated Guideand in 1992 her innovative and pioneering study, "The Art of Reflexology - a totally new approach using the Chinese Meridian Theory", were published by Element Books in the United Kingdom . Both books have since been translated into German, Danish, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, French, Swedish and Italian. In 1996 "The Complete Illustrated Guide to Reflexology" was also published by Element Books and so far has been translated into Polish, Hungarian and German. It is a beautifully illustrated full colour reference book, detailing reflexology from the viewpoint of the Chinese Meridians. SA Reflexology Society Service Trophy
• In 1985 she formed the "South African Reflexology Society" and has served on the committee since its inception. Inge retired after 17 years of service from the Executive Committee in 2002, so as to allow her more free time to become more actively involved in other areas of her profession.She was awarded a trophy in appreciation of her dedication and long service (1985 - 2002) as the Founder Member of the South African Reflexology Society, and received an honorary lifetime membership.
In addition to this, Inge has received an honorary membership to the Association of Reflexologists (AoR) in the United Kingdom in 2002. This award was given to her as a token of appreciation for all her outstanding and hard work in the field of Reflexology.
• Over the years Inge has worked hard to earn recognition and status for her school and reflexology as a profession. The International School of Reflexology and Meridian Therapy recently has been accredited with conditional registration as a Private Higher Education Institution on the National Qualifications framework in South Africa by the Department of Education, affording the school the right to tertiary Diploma Level (Level 5).
• The School, after the relentless efforts and visions of Inge Dougans, can also offer learners a distance learning course via interactive CD ROM, which has been available since November 2000. This course has been designed in such a way that both aspiring and practicing reflexologists can benefit from it.
• Inge Dougans is the founder of the revolutionary Vacuflex Reflexology System™, which is used by practitioners worldwide. The Vacuflex System™ maximises the body's
• She began teaching and established what was to become the first International School of Reflexology and Meridian Therapy incorporating Chinese Meridian Theory in 1983. Today the school has licenced branches throughout South Africa and all over the world, including United States, United Kingdom, Poland and Greece. New branches are being established and any interested parties are invited to apply for licences for a new branch. Click here for more detailed information.
• Inge Dougans has been invited to teach in Holland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Canada, the United States of America, Australia, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Namibia and the United Kingdom. She has also received numerous invitations as a guest speaker to address various international conferences and societies, including the International Council of Reflexologists held at Virginia Beach (USA), the Dutch Society's 10th Anniversary (Holland), the British Reflexology Association (UK), the 3rd World Congress of Medical Acupuncture and Natural Medicine (Canada), the National Congress of Reflexologists (Australia and New Zealand), the 4th European Congress of Reflexologists (Denmark) and the ICR Congress (Rome, Italy). Inge continues lecturing throughout the world on her unique concepts.
• She began writing two definitive works: In 1991 "Reflexology – foot massage for total health", Inside of Illustrated Guideand in 1992 her innovative and pioneering study, "The Art of Reflexology - a totally new approach using the Chinese Meridian Theory", were published by Element Books in the United Kingdom . Both books have since been translated into German, Danish, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, French, Swedish and Italian. In 1996 "The Complete Illustrated Guide to Reflexology" was also published by Element Books and so far has been translated into Polish, Hungarian and German. It is a beautifully illustrated full colour reference book, detailing reflexology from the viewpoint of the Chinese Meridians. SA Reflexology Society Service Trophy
• In 1985 she formed the "South African Reflexology Society" and has served on the committee since its inception. Inge retired after 17 years of service from the Executive Committee in 2002, so as to allow her more free time to become more actively involved in other areas of her profession.She was awarded a trophy in appreciation of her dedication and long service (1985 - 2002) as the Founder Member of the South African Reflexology Society, and received an honorary lifetime membership.
In addition to this, Inge has received an honorary membership to the Association of Reflexologists (AoR) in the United Kingdom in 2002. This award was given to her as a token of appreciation for all her outstanding and hard work in the field of Reflexology.
• Over the years Inge has worked hard to earn recognition and status for her school and reflexology as a profession. The International School of Reflexology and Meridian Therapy recently has been accredited with conditional registration as a Private Higher Education Institution on the National Qualifications framework in South Africa by the Department of Education, affording the school the right to tertiary Diploma Level (Level 5).
• The School, after the relentless efforts and visions of Inge Dougans, can also offer learners a distance learning course via interactive CD ROM, which has been available since November 2000. This course has been designed in such a way that both aspiring and practicing reflexologists can benefit from it.
• Inge Dougans is the founder of the revolutionary Vacuflex Reflexology System™, which is used by practitioners worldwide. The Vacuflex System™ maximises the body's
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 23, 2024
A USEFUL INTRODUCTION TO THIS SUBJECT
Coauthor Inge Dougans (with Suzanne Ellis) wrote in the Preface to this 1992 book, “Reflexology has enlightened me as to tremendously important role feet play in health and well-being, and of the tales feet can tell about the state of the body. I had, prior to reflexology treatment, suffered from extremely painful, sensitive, cracked heels… I [also] suffered severe congestion. During my course of reflexology treatment, the condition of my heels gradually improved until they were completely healed… This … coincided of the healing of my fallopian tubes. I have now been a practicing reflexologist for ten years, and have taught reflexology for 8 years… it seemed obvious to me that there had to be a link between the meridians described in Chinese acupuncture, and reflexology; that one should understand the body in terms of energy… and perceive disease as the result of congestions of ch’i energy… I felt it was time to share the knowledge I have accumulated over the years, and to introduce a new aspect to reflexology---an aspect which will hopefully serve to expand, and enhance, complementary therapies.”
The authors state in the Introduction, “Both zone therapy (to date, the primary basis of reflexology study) and meridian therapy are based on the premise that energy channels or pathways traverse throughout the body, linking organs and body parts. The efficacy of reflexology is believed to be the result of stimulating and revitalizing this energy flow. Thus it is necessary to have some concept of the fascinating phenomenon---energy.” (Pg. 1)
They explain, “Zone theory is considered the basis of modern foot reflexology and most reflexologists use zone therapy as a useful adjunct to their work. However, the time has come to take foot reflexology a step further and expand on existing knowledge by combining it with the ancient Chinese system of meridian therapy…. There can be little doubt that a strong link exists between reflexology and acupuncture… Reflexology definitely has some relationship with … shiatsu and acupressure… I believe the effects elicited by massaging the feet are largely the result of stimulating the six main meridians that run through the feet… [I] am convinced that the energy channels linking the feet to other organs and body parts are the meridians described in Chinese medicine… the object of this book … is to illustrate that a combination of knowledge---modern reflexology techniques and the Eastern meridian system---can be of enormous benefit to patient and practitioner.” (Pg. 14-15)
They explain, “The art of reflex foot massage … is a specific pressure technique which works on precise reflex points on the feet, based on the premise that reflex areas on the feet correspond with all body parts. As the feet represent a microcosm of the body, all organs, glands and other body part are laid out in a similar arrangement on the feet.” (Pg. 16)
They state, “The neural pathways are both living tissue and electrical channels and can be impinged upon or polluted by many factors. When neural pathways are impaired nerve function is impeded---messages are delivered slowly and reliably, and body processes at less than optimum levels. Reflexology, by stimulating the thousands of nerve endings in the feet, encourages the opening and clearing of neural pathways.” (Pg. 20)
They clarify, “Reflexologists don’t practice medicine…. Reflexologists NEVER diagnose a disease, treat a specific condition, prescribe or adjust medication. They do not treat specific diseases although reflexology helps eliminate problems caused by specific diseases. By bringing the body back into a state of balance, reflexology treatment can combat a number of disorders… This ‘diagnosis’ is only of parts of the body ‘out of balance,’ not specific named disorders. It is important to be aware of this. Any attempt to diagnose or prescribe could well land a well-meaning reflexologist in a law court.” (Pg. 78-79)
Later, they add, “A reflexologist is a therapist who uses the science of stimulating reflexes in the feet to encourage the body to heal itself. In most countries, reflexologists are not allowed to diagnose specific conditions.” (Pg. 173)
They summarize, Massaging the hands may elicit some positive effect, but nothing as powerful as the effect of foot massage. The reason for this… is the fact that the six main meridians… all begin or end in the toes… The meridians represented in the hands… do not actually penetrate any organs.” (Pg. 181)
This book will interest people studying Reflexology.
Coauthor Inge Dougans (with Suzanne Ellis) wrote in the Preface to this 1992 book, “Reflexology has enlightened me as to tremendously important role feet play in health and well-being, and of the tales feet can tell about the state of the body. I had, prior to reflexology treatment, suffered from extremely painful, sensitive, cracked heels… I [also] suffered severe congestion. During my course of reflexology treatment, the condition of my heels gradually improved until they were completely healed… This … coincided of the healing of my fallopian tubes. I have now been a practicing reflexologist for ten years, and have taught reflexology for 8 years… it seemed obvious to me that there had to be a link between the meridians described in Chinese acupuncture, and reflexology; that one should understand the body in terms of energy… and perceive disease as the result of congestions of ch’i energy… I felt it was time to share the knowledge I have accumulated over the years, and to introduce a new aspect to reflexology---an aspect which will hopefully serve to expand, and enhance, complementary therapies.”
The authors state in the Introduction, “Both zone therapy (to date, the primary basis of reflexology study) and meridian therapy are based on the premise that energy channels or pathways traverse throughout the body, linking organs and body parts. The efficacy of reflexology is believed to be the result of stimulating and revitalizing this energy flow. Thus it is necessary to have some concept of the fascinating phenomenon---energy.” (Pg. 1)
They explain, “Zone theory is considered the basis of modern foot reflexology and most reflexologists use zone therapy as a useful adjunct to their work. However, the time has come to take foot reflexology a step further and expand on existing knowledge by combining it with the ancient Chinese system of meridian therapy…. There can be little doubt that a strong link exists between reflexology and acupuncture… Reflexology definitely has some relationship with … shiatsu and acupressure… I believe the effects elicited by massaging the feet are largely the result of stimulating the six main meridians that run through the feet… [I] am convinced that the energy channels linking the feet to other organs and body parts are the meridians described in Chinese medicine… the object of this book … is to illustrate that a combination of knowledge---modern reflexology techniques and the Eastern meridian system---can be of enormous benefit to patient and practitioner.” (Pg. 14-15)
They explain, “The art of reflex foot massage … is a specific pressure technique which works on precise reflex points on the feet, based on the premise that reflex areas on the feet correspond with all body parts. As the feet represent a microcosm of the body, all organs, glands and other body part are laid out in a similar arrangement on the feet.” (Pg. 16)
They state, “The neural pathways are both living tissue and electrical channels and can be impinged upon or polluted by many factors. When neural pathways are impaired nerve function is impeded---messages are delivered slowly and reliably, and body processes at less than optimum levels. Reflexology, by stimulating the thousands of nerve endings in the feet, encourages the opening and clearing of neural pathways.” (Pg. 20)
They clarify, “Reflexologists don’t practice medicine…. Reflexologists NEVER diagnose a disease, treat a specific condition, prescribe or adjust medication. They do not treat specific diseases although reflexology helps eliminate problems caused by specific diseases. By bringing the body back into a state of balance, reflexology treatment can combat a number of disorders… This ‘diagnosis’ is only of parts of the body ‘out of balance,’ not specific named disorders. It is important to be aware of this. Any attempt to diagnose or prescribe could well land a well-meaning reflexologist in a law court.” (Pg. 78-79)
Later, they add, “A reflexologist is a therapist who uses the science of stimulating reflexes in the feet to encourage the body to heal itself. In most countries, reflexologists are not allowed to diagnose specific conditions.” (Pg. 173)
They summarize, Massaging the hands may elicit some positive effect, but nothing as powerful as the effect of foot massage. The reason for this… is the fact that the six main meridians… all begin or end in the toes… The meridians represented in the hands… do not actually penetrate any organs.” (Pg. 181)
This book will interest people studying Reflexology.
February 25, 2012
This was alright. I enjoyed the case studies of how reflexology helped certain ailments. My issue was that the author was trying to describe the differences between Western foot Zones and the Eastern theory of meridians. After reading the book cover to cover I still don't understand meridians. I enjoyed her argument as to why the two theories should be combined, I just wasn't pleased with her explaination as to how to achieve this. Glad I read it, but I will keep other books around for reference and will have to continue my search for a book that better explains meridian theory.
February 6, 2011
Good reference point for Reflexologists -- LOTS of diagrams, which are really detailed (and helpful!).
October 15, 2012
Great description on how reflexology works. Cannot wait to put it to use for my family.
August 22, 2017
Good clear charts and lots of info. Very readable.
March 1, 2014
I knew there was a reason I bought this book back in the mid 80s. Finally read it. Looking forward to learning more.
January 25, 2017
This is a great introduction to Reflexology and Meridian Theory with clear illustrations, case studies and treatment sessions. I look forward to reading more on this subject.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews