Stefanie Sabounchian, a native German, has a thriving private reflexology practice in Los Angeles, California, and teaches foot, hand, and ear reflexology at several schools, including the American Academy of Reflexology, where she is one of the core teachers, as well as various international workshops. She is nationally certified with the American Reflexology Certification Board and a past president of the Reflexology Association of California.
Emily Portnoi is a professional designer with extensive experience working in advertising, branding, packaging design, illustration, and publishing. She lives in Brighton, UK.
C H A P T E R O N E / B A S I C P R I N C I P L E S
In the first section we explore what reflexology is and how this non-invasive natural health modality can help us.
After introducing the map concept, the reader learns how the chain of benefits can assist in activating our body’s
self-healing ability. The reader is then guided through the principles of how each part of the body corresponds to
a specific part on the feet and how reflexology works. To keep the beginner home reflexologist and the receiver of
reflexology safe, we explain when it is advised not to use reflexology before we introduce the most efficient and
powerful reflexology-specific techniques.
WHAT IS REFLEXOLOGY?
• How reflexology is different from massage and acupressure
• A brief overview of when and how reflexology started
MAP CONCEPT
• Introducing the map concept as a micro-map of the human body
• Reflex points on the right foot correspond to the right side of the body, reflex points on the left foot correspond to
the left side of the body
BENEFITS
• List of reported health benefits
• How the chain of benefits can help the entire body to function more efficiently
• The body’s self-healing ability
HOW REFLEXOLOGY WORKS
• Theories on how reflexology works
• The nervous system’s role in reflexology
CONTRAINDICATIONS AND PRECAUTIONS
• A list of contraindications to keep the giver and receiver of reflexology safe
• A few guidelines of precautions
• The difference between contraindications and precautions
C H A P T E R T W O / T E C H N I Q U E S
In this hands-on part the reader will learn the principles of using a variety of unique thumb and finger techniques. We
will introduce vertical and horizontal zones to understand the simplified principles of reflex maps. A clear overview
shows in which region each reflex point is located.
REFLEXOLOGY TECHNIQUES
• Introducing thumb and finger techniques
• Variations of reflexology techniques
• Learning to apply the techniques with illustrated instructions
• How much pressure to use and when it is advisable to work lighter
• Importance of hydration after reflexology
VERTICAL ZONES
• Dividing the body and the feet into ten vertical zones
• The role of vertical zones in foot reflexology to easily locate reflex points
HORIZONTAL REGIONS
• Dividing the body and the feet into seven horizontal regions
• Shoulder line, diaphragm line, and pelvic line are helpful guidelines dividing each region
• The role of horizontal regions in foot reflexology to easily locate reflex points
REFLEX POINTS ORGANIZED BY REGIONS
• A table showing in which horizontal region we find each of the fifty reflex points
C H A P T E R T H R E E / R E F L E X P O I N T S
This main section of Press Here! Reflexology for Beginners invites the reader to explore each reflex point at a time,
systematically from the top of the body to the bottom, color coded by regions. To ensure a clear and easy way of
learning to read a foot reflexology chart, each double page is dedicated to one reflex point. Illustrations identify the
reflex point on the foot and shows the corresponding body part. The text details how that reflex point relates to
that part of the body, its unique function, how reflexing that point or area can be most beneficial, along with clear
instructions on how to apply the pressure techniques to that specific reflex point.
TOES FOR HEAD AND NECK
• Brain
• Pituitary
• Sinuses
• Teeth
• Jaw
• Occiput
• Neck
• Nose
• Mouth
• Thyroid
BALL AND PAD FOR CHEST
• Shoulder line
• Eyes
• Ears
• Heart
• Lungs
• Esophagus and trachea
• Thymus
• Breasts
• Shoulder blades
SOFT SOLE FOR UPPER AND MID ABDOMEN
• Diaphragm line
• Solar plexus
• Stomach
• Spleen
• Liver
• Gall bladder
• Pancreas
• Adrenal glands
• Kidneys
• Ureters
• Small intestines
• Colon/large intestine
HEEL FOR LOWER ABDOMEN AND PELVIC REGION
• Sciatica and lower back
• Appendix
• Groin
• Urinary bladder
OUTER EDGE OF THE FOOT
• Shoulder joints
• Arms
• Elbows
• Hands
• Hips
• Knees
• Feet
• Ovaries and testes
INNER EDGE OF THE FOOT
• Cervical spine/neck
• Thoracic spine/upper back
• Lumbar spine/lower back
• Sacrum
• Coccyx/tailbone
• Uterus and prostate
A I L M E N T D I R E C TO RY
The ailment directory enables the reader to look up problems that are troubling them and find out which reflex points
to work that may help them.
The New copy of this book will include any supplemental materials advertised. Please check the title of the book to determine if it should include any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.
The Used, Rental and eBook copies of this book are not guaranteed to include any supplemental materials. Typically, only the book itself is included. This is true even if the title states it includes any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.