cause of problems elsewhere in the body. For
example, the reflexology foot chart shows that the
toes correspond to the head and neck, the ball of
the foot to the thorax, the arch of the foot to inter-
nal organs, the heel to the sciatic nerve and pelvis,
and so on. The right foot represents the right side
of the body; the left foot represents the left side.
Acupressure applied on the foot’s reflex points may
help alleviate such conditions as tension and
migraine headaches, gastrointestinal problems,
asthma, acne, eczema, arthritis, sciatica, premen-
strual syndrome, and neurological disorders.
Although reflexology generally has no adverse
effects, caution is indicated for pregnant women,
who may experience uterine contractions when
certain areas of the feet are stimulated. Also, indi-
viduals who have pacemakers, gallstones, kidney
stones, phlebitis, thrombosis, lower-limb vascular
problems, ulcers, foot injury, or blood clots should
consult a physician before choosing reflexology.
Reflexology as it is practiced today was adapted
from Dr. Fitzgerald’s zone therapy by the nurse and
physiotherapist Eunice Ingham in the 1930s. The
author of a book on the reflexology theory, Ingham
created the foot chart and identified the reflex
points. Her nephew, Dwight Byers, continued Ing-
ham’s work and became known as the leading
authority on reflexology. More information is avail-
able by contacting the American Reflexology Certi-
fication Board and Information Service, P.O. Box
620607, Littleton, CO 80162, or (303) 933-6921.
See also Appendix I; ZONE THERAPY.
refrigerant In Ayurvedic medicine, foods or
herbs that are categorized as cooling, or capable of
reducing body temperature. Examples of cooling
substances are dandelion root, rhubarb, pome-
granate, unsalted butter, unsalted cheese, ghee
(milk or butter fat clarified by boiling), goat’s milk,
mother’s milk, coconut oil, maple syrup, lentils,
garbanzos, soybeans, broccoli, cabbage, carrots,
celery, cauliflower, cucumber, lettuce, okra, white
potato, spinach, sprouts, zucchini, apple, banana,
figs, grapes, melon, pears, saffron, coriander seeds,
barley, basmati rice, wheat, and white rice. Cool-
ing foods are usually prescribed for individuals
with a pittaconstitution, that is, a general body
type described as a moderate frame and body
weight; soft, oily, warm, fair skin; aggressive, intel-
ligent personality; sharp memory; fiery or violent
dreams; moderate financial status; fanatic faith;
irritable, jealous nature; excessive thirst; and good
appetite. Refrigerants help balance the “fiery” type
of body and personality. Refrigerants are also used
in homeopathic medicine.
See also AYURVEDA; HOMEOPATHY.Reich, Wilhelm Twentieth-century medical doc-
tor and former student of Sigmund Freud who
developed Reichian therapy, a system of bodywork
and breathing exercises that helps unblock
repressed emotions that may be causing muscle
tension, pain, and misalignment, which Reich
referred to as “armoring.” In addition to breathing
techniques, Reichian therapy includes movement
such as kicking to release emotional tension.Reiki A branch of energy medicine involving
intense mental focus and the laying on of hands,
named from the Japanese words reiand ki, mean-
ing “universal life energy.” Reiki’s main premise is
to direct or infuse healing energy to the body in
order to rebalance blocked energies, release toxins,
and activate innate healing capabilities. Unlike stu-
dents of other energy healing methods and disci-
plines, Reiki students are given “attunements,”
processes similar to rites of passage in religious
practices, by Reiki masters, rendering them open
and able to draw upon healing energy from the
universe and channel it in a therapeutic way. Some
Reiki practitioners believe they are helped by heal-
ing spirit guides or by a higher spiritual force.
The modern practice of Reiki is attributed to Dr.
Mikao Usui, who in the early 1900s was principal of
Doshisha University in Kyoto, Japan, and a Christ-
ian minister as well. Incorporating Japanese symbols
that are said to summon a higher power and adapt-
ing ancient healing techniques used by Jesus and
Buddha, Usui developed a safe, non-invasive ther-
apy that works on physical, mental, and spiritual
levels for both the practitioner and the Reiki recipi-
ent. Now a mainstream course offered to nurses and
other health care professionals, Reiki is credited for
its ability to relieve pain, reduce stress and anxiety,
mitigate the nausea and vomiting associated with
chemotherapy and radiation, and produce otherReiki 137