Direct and Associated Reflexes - Help!

[Sandy Bullot]

Hi all!

I'm studying for ITEC Reflexology (exams in just a couple of weeks ... eek!). I'm pretty comfortable with most of the course but I do have one (pretty big) stumbling block: direct and associated reflexes.

I'm working from Louise Tucker's reflexology text. She lists direct and associated reflexes for various conditions. However she does not offer any explanation for the reflexes listed. This makes it really difficult to learn - I feel like I'm just learning by heart long lists of reflexes, which is both difficult to do and not very constructive.

In some cases the reflexes listed are obvious (more so for the direct reflexes) (e.g. stomach is direct reflex for indigestion). In others a little A&P knowledge can explain the choice of reflex given (e.g. kidneys, eyes, liver, adrenals and pituitary as associated reflexes for diabetes: adrenals, pituitary and liver are all involved in the metabolism of glucose and kidneys and eyes can be damaged by increased blood viscosity that occurs with high blood sugar).

However in many of the cases listed I haven't the slightest idea why the reflexes are chosen, or why one is associated where it seems more obvious as a direct reflex (e.g. lymphatic system as an associated rather than direct reflex for oedema), and in some cases why some obvious (to me anyway!) reflexes have been omitted altogether (e.g. the brain is neither a direct or associated reflex for epilepsy).

So can anyone shed any light on the rationale for Tucker's choice of direct and associated reflexes please? I would be most grateful as I find it much easier to learn when I understand rather than learning by rote.

Thanks folks!

c

 

[Juan Carlos]

I know, I know! I'm posting a reply to my own post. I just wanted to share a post-script to my query above: I have twigged (I think) a couple of patterns in Tucker's direct and associated reflexes.

Firstly, the associated reflexes for any infection will include the lymphatic system and probably the spleen.

Secondly, inflammatory conditions will probably included the adrenals.

Thirdly, stress-related conditions will probably include the adrenals, solar plexus and diaphragm.

Unfortunately, these patterns aren't consistently applied so they're obviously not cast-iron rules.

As requested above, any pointers, enlightenment, etc. will be most gratefully received.

(And any general good vibes for my exams too! )

 

[Danica Marie]

Hi
With regards your query on direct and indirect reflexes one way to help work out which is direct and which is indirect is to look at what effect the condition/illness is doing to the mind/body etc and what areas of the body it is affecting. For example IBS would be the colon and Small Intestines as a drect reflex and the stomache,solar plexus and as indirect reflexes and support. I hope this helps and good luck with your exams

maddy dolphin

 

[Eldbxpljqa]

I did my exams last year and was also completely confused by Louise Tucker's ideas. I think the thing to remember really is that her book is what you need to know for the exams - the examiner will want to hear her answers on the day. However, afterwards, when you are working for yourself you should work the reflexes that you feel are appropriate. (In fact some of the things that she suggests should definately not be worked (according to my tutor) such as working the Gall Bladder if the client is suffering from Gallstones).

I know that doesn't really help you as far as learning them all goes, but I wish you luck with your exams!!

 

[charaze2000]

Thanks 5star and maddyd! I appreciate what you're saying re post-exams. I'll bear it in mind for when the exams are over. In the meantime it looks like I'm stuck trying to memorise Lousie Tucker. Poo!