When you start exploring the wonderful and fascinating world of Reflexology you will find that there are many Reflexology charts out there, some are very similar and some are totally different. Why is this? I found the following excerpt from Yvette Eastman in one of my course manuals to be helpful to answer the question:

“Once upon a time long ago, there were many, many anatomy charts. Each medical school, in each country had a different chart. One day, all the schools made a decision to have only one chart. And so, they did. There is, to this day, only one true medical anatomy chart. …. And no individual fits it! “– Yvette Eastman

One of the answers is that all the Reflexology schools have not sat down to make “The Reflexology chart”. In a way I feel this is a good thing since I feel very strongly that everyone is a complete individual and should be treated that way.

It is very interesting to me that when you look at medical anatomical charts, the person in the chart has perfect posture, his palms are open towards you (I don’t know anyone that walks around like this except if they are dead) and no extra fat can be found on his body etc. So it is very fitting when Yvette says “and no individual fits it!” This is why X-rays are taken before any form of surgery is performed since we are all so different. Anatomical body parts can be in slightly different places.

This also gives insight as to why reflexology charts are different, by feel of the feet there are slight variations as to where the points are found from one client to another and so it is a very difficult task to have one chart that fits everyone because the truth is in general it might fit the majority of people but not all. Having said that, most of the reflexology charts out there have many of the points in common but there are some small and great differences.

Another thought is in copyright laws,  each school or reflexology training center has made their own personal version of a Reflexology Chart making slight changes here and there in order to stay out of trouble with the copyright laws.

Different Categories of Reflexology Charts:

These are the most common form of Reflexology chart; they put the parts of the anatomy on the feet as they are in the body. These Reflexology Charts usually have a base in Zone Therapy. They may also tend to portray a personal experience of working with clients.

Acupuncture Foot Charts usually originate from China – These are based on acupuncture meridians. These charts reflect correspondence with other parts of the body but not in direct reflection of how the anatomy falls on the feet like in the above reflective charts.

Ayurveda or Indian Charts – These are based on Marma points which are points that come from Ayurveda massage and there are points found on the hands and feet that are called Marma points.

These are in abundance throughout Asia. There are a number of pictographs and symbols whose meaning tend to be more toward the spiritual life for example the feet of Buddha and of Vishnu’s etc.

Vishnu’s Feet

Depiction of Vishnu-pada (footprints of Vishnu) as an object of worship. Embellished with auspicious symbols associated with Vishnu, such as the throne, conch, flag and fish. – Jaipur, Rajasthan, mid-19th century The National Museum, New Delhi 82.410

Reclining Buddha’s Feet

When I was in Thailand in 2005 I visited Wat Pho, The temple houses the famous Reclining Buddha, 46 m long and 15 m high, making it the largest Reclining Buddha in Thailand. You can see 108 Auspicious symbols on the feet made with mother of pearl.

These are done for an artistic effect, for visual stimulation, attraction and mostly for selling products. For example Reebok produced a Reflexology ad using a very artistic chart. The body shop had a reflexology massaging tool and printed on the outside of the bag was an artistic reflexology chart.

What Reflexology Chart should I use then?

An interesting point: When a reflexologist, no matter what chart they use, produce positive results. The real question then is … what reflexology chart speaks to you? Which reflexology chart is the easiest for your clients to understand and attracts them to want to receive a session from you?

You can get a Reflexology Chart right here

We at Balancing Touch have created a series of Reflexology Charts called The Reflexology Visual Dictionary Series which is composed of Reflexology Charts, Books and DVD’s.

The Main Foot Chart or Map: Balancing Touch’s FOOT CHART

Reflexology charts by anatomical systems: Anatomical Reflexology Charts

An interactive chart … just mouse over to see the different sections of the foot