Written in association with Anna-Louise Haigh, Principal of the British School of Reflexology (Northern), Essential Reflexology contains core reflexology information, details of over 70 conditions, a comprehensive anatomy and physiology section, a full glossary and 20 case studies. All this is supported by over 30 video sequences, action photographs and many graphics.

The sections include:

Introduction to Reflexology - This section introduces the concept of reflexology. It looks at the definition, effects and the general principle of the treatment.

History of Reflexology - Looks at evidence of the existence of primitive reflexology in ancient Egypt, India and China. The concept of Zone Therapy, reintroduced in the early 20th century by Fitzgerald, is then covered, followed by the influence of the modern pioneers including Bowers, Riley, Ingham, Marquardt, Byers and Gillanders.

The Principle - This section looks at the principle of reflexology, namely the fact that the feet mirror the body. This is discussed by breaking down typical foot charts and comparing the position of the major anatomical structures with the corresponding reflex areas. The influence of zone therapy and the presence of areas of assistance are also considered.

The Treatment - This section looks at the factors that influence a reflexology treatment. This includes the impact of a few commonly used drugs. The general features of the treatment such as the creeping thumb technique, bi-directional working and the various foot supports are then covered. The various functions of relaxation techniques are explained and 20 of these techniques are demonstrated. The section ends by briefly looking at some of the theories on how a reflexology treatment actually works.

Safety – This is concerned with the safety issues associated with reflexology. It begins by looking at how the treatment can be adapted to meet the needs of the majority of individuals. Possible reactions to the treatment are then listed. The main circumstances that may prevent a reflexology treatment are discussed, followed by a look at the circumstances under which extra care must be taken.

Conditions - This section looks at 72 common conditions and gives the primary target area(s) and any appropriate area(s) of assistance for the reflexology treatment. It provides an excellent reference for the qualified practitioner. The conditions included are as follows:

Amenorrhoea, Anxiety, Arthritis – osteo, Arthritis – rheumatoid, , Asthma, ,Back pain, Bell’s palsy, Blurred vision, Bronchitis, Cancer, Catarrh, Chilblains, Colds and flu, Compression of spinal nerves, Constipation, Cramp, Cystitis, Depression, Diabetes, Diarrhoea, Dysmenorrhoea, Eczema, Endometriosis, Facial neuralgia,
Female infertility, Fever, Frozen shoulder, Glue ear, Headache, Heart attack,
Heartburn, Hiatus hernia, Hypertension, Hyperthyroidism, Hypotension, Hypothyroidism, Indigestion, Insomnia, Irregular ovulation, Irritable bowel syndrome,
Kidney stones, Laryngitis, Lumbago, Mastitis, Menopause, Menorrhagia, Migraine,
Multiple sclerosis, Muscular fatigue, Myalgic encephalomyelitis, Nausea, Oedema,
Ovarian cysts, Palpitations, Panic attacks, Parkinson’s disease, Pregnancy, Pre-menstrual tension, Prostatitis, Raynaud’s disease, Sciatica, Seasonal affective disorder, Sinusitis, Stress, Stroke, Tennis elbow, Tension, Thrush, Tinnitus, Ulcer,
Varicose vein, Vertigo.

The Developing Professional - This section outlines some of the factors involved in trading as a professional reflexologist. The information is available from a menu under the following headings: