Reflexologists postulate that malfunctioning of any organ
body system or function would lead to deposits of uric acid
or calcium crystalline.’*’ These, in turn, would impinge on
the nerve endings on the feet and obstruct lymph flow. The
massaging action would break down the crystalline deposits
so that they can be re-absorbed and eliminated.s
Other hypotheses relate to improvement of blood flow, the
theory that reflex points are nerve receptors whose stimulation
will reduce muscular or psychological tension inducing
‘deep relaxation’ or emits ‘impulses to all parts of the
body, as to Golgi tendon and muscle spindle cells’, the involvement
of the lymphatic system, the notion that waste
products, like lactic acid, are removed through reflexology
massage, and the enhancement of general homeo~tas