The Reflexology Atlas

I read almost every reflexology book available during my reflexology certification process. If you were to only buy one book on reflexology, I would recommend it be The Reflexology Atlas. It is the most comprehensive text on the subject, and has superior illustrations of the reflex points. Especially impressive and valuable to the reader or practitioner are the illustrations. Drawings of the bones of the feet as well as the reflex points are superimposed over photographs of the feet and/or hands. The photographs in the book are extraordinarily helpful. These are probably the most helpful reflexology maps that I have seen or used. The body's organs are also represented as color illustrations superimposed over photographs of the body which is quite helpful for readers learning about human anatomy. Reflex points are highlighted on photographs of the feet from many different perspectives, helping students to learn where reflex points are to be found on the sides of the feet and ankles, as well as on the dorsal (top) side of the foot. The text is easy to understand, and does a good job explaining the background of reflexology as a healing modality. By following the text and photographs readers will learn how to perform a full reflexology session. A detailed discussion (with illustrations) of reflex points on the hands and ears are also included. Massage, acupuncture, and shiatsu are also touched upon.

I'm a professional Massage Therapist and Reflexologist and this is an excellent resource to use for my students. This book also covers the meridians, although I wish that aspect was a bit more exact in showing it on the anatomy. Very comprehensive. Packed with lots of good info including some ear. Big book size wise. Kind of quirky as I think the authors are European and some wording is not congruent, but all the info is very accurate. Excellent resource especially if you want more than just the basics.

As a practicing reflexologist, I enjoy this colorful and useful book. The illustrations are explained and addressed very well. A useful tool for my library.

Broken down into the most basic principles, reflexology is the practice of dividing the body into zones, which can then be mapped onto hands, feet, head, or ears. So for example if your head is giving you trouble, proper attention to the corresponding point of your big toe will help to restore the area's natural energies, promoting a return to normal health. Now that I've completely oversimplified this ancient practice, if the idea of self-healing has appeal, THE REFLEXOLOGY ATLAS is a fabulous book to add to your collection. This soft-cover, coffee-table-size book is delightfully easy to use. Not only is it chock full of great photos, it is filled with helpful text as well. Broken down into various chapters, including the reflexologies of the hands, feet, head and ears, the book gives lots of great maps as to exactly what zone of the body corresponds to the reflexology zones. A chapter is also included highlighting the most basic components of Shiatsu massage. The final chapter deals with specific ailments, and a treatment course that can help alleviate some of these symptoms. The liberal use of photos in this book is really what makes it so incredible. The images not only show where the correct zones are, but also demonstrate specifics in how to apply pressure and massage, and include the necessary right and wrong photos. In fact this book is so full of great images that it is tempting to skip the text, and just use each picture as the guide. However, lots of great information is imparted in the text as well, making the reading as interesting as the skimming.

First, the presentation. Large format - 13x10 on glossy paper, card cover. Nice. Flipping through the pages, there are numerous illustrations or photos on just about every page. Closer examination reveals how-to photos and detailed diagrams of the material that is being discussed on each page. So, the book has lots of pictures, but once you get into the material covered, you will understand why this becomes critical. The book is a good "how-to" book on the practice of Reflexology. The book is written by two German doctors, once of whom is a physical therapist and specializes in reflexology and the other is not just a doctor but also a medical scientific editor specializing in natural healing methods as well as other general medicines. So the book is written by not just practitioners but medical doctors using these techniques in their everyday practices. As you go through the book, there is much information here. This is where the illustrations and photos come into play. It is sooo clear, so easy to identify and very well laid out. The whole book is put together this way, making it easy even for the beginner to understand not only the concepts, but also how it works. There are figures that are "zoned" with overlays so you can see how this system works. But there is much more information in here. The book also shows how to work on hands, ears and head. Again, great pictures, very good instructions and well thought out and presented. The book also discusses Shiatsu. Shiatsu is a massage therapy that uses "finger pressure". It also includes stretching and movement. If you are familiar with Reflexology and want to know more, this book will provide all you need to know. It is also a good study book for those who want to learn this healing modality. So back to my original impression of the book... Wow, what a book! boudica