The Vacuflex Reflexology System (known as VRS) was devised and developed during the 1970s by lnge Dougans, a Danish reflexologist who came to believe that reflexology achieved its effects by means of treating the "energy meridians" defined by Oriental medicine systems rather than Fitzgerald's carefully defined "zones.
" Elements of Therapy The system has provided a way of stimulating all the reflex areas at the same time at the beginning of each session.
Special Vacuflex "boots" are worn for the first stage of treatment, inside which a vacuum is created.
This allows the reflexologist to identify congested areas, which are then treated by a special vacuum method.
First Stage Special boots made of felt are fitted around the feet, and the air inside is withdrawn by a vacuum pump.
This squeezes the feet firmly so that all the reflexes of the feet are stimulated at the same time.
The pressure is adjusted for each individual.
After about five minutes, the therapist removes the boots and quickly examines and notes the resulting areas of discoloration on the feet on the principle that they reveal areas of "congestion" and ill-health in the body.
The marks generally remain visible for only 20 to 30 seconds.
The progress of treatment is said to be evident in the change of the depth or area of discoloration at each session.
Second Stage The therapist then places silicon, pads of different sizes and in different combinations on specific reflex points along the "meridians" or "energy pathways" on the feet, legs, hands, and arms.
The pads: stay in place by gentle suction.
Although they remain on for only a few seconds, it is said to be long enough tol stimulate the reflex points into activity.
Vacuflex therapists claim that through wide use in nl number of countries this has been shown to be highly effective in treating an extensive range of disorders.