Yes, there are points on the Achilles tendon that reflex to the body (I’ve heard it called the “hemorrhoid line”), but it doesn’t seem like the proportions are right… big strong tendon, small energy connection.
The Achilles tendon is the strongest and the toughest tendon in the body. It connects the muscles of the calf to the heel. It’s also known as the Tendon Calcaneus.
If it’s an issue for my clients, it’s often because the tendon is prone to injury due to excessive use in sports that involve a lot of running and jumping.
The injuries can be mild, like inflammation, but if not properly cared for might cause more adverse conditions.
Any inflammation, swelling or any other kind of irritation and discomfort in the Achilles tendon is known as Achilles tendonitis. Achilles tendonitis could lead to small tears within the tendon and eventually lead to rupture!
Injuries to this tendon can be caused by general weakness and congestion. Other possible causes are:
- Overuse leads to excessive wear and tear of the muscle leading to injury (by far the major cause of Achilles tendonitis).
- incorrect footwear
- improper running technique
- Some kind of trauma and infection might also lead to it
- Arthritis is another cause for problems in the Achilles tendon.
As a Reflexologist, I can’t diagnose or treat any illness but I do know that reflexology, as a complement to doctor recommended pain management (i.e., rest, ice, compression, elevation) and anti inflammatory medicine, can help relieve excessive discomfort in the tendon.
The tendon can take 6 to 12 weeks to heal depending on the extent of the injury.
As you probably know, doctors will check some of our nervous system functions via another type of “reflex test”. For example, striking the knee with a rubber mallet to make the leg jump is one such “reflex test”.
In addition to the knee, there are other nerve-function-test locations and one of these is the Achilles tendon. Not too long ago, the “reflex test” on the Achilles tendon was thought to indicate not just nerve function, but also an indicator of thyroid function.
As a Reflexologist, NOW you have my attention!
But what can I do with this piece of information?
Medical research that was conducted to test the Achilles-thyroid connection proved inconclusive and therefore has not been pursued as a reliable indicator.
However, it did have enough proponents to support the research and this does reinforce my gut reaction to the powerful energy that might held in this, the largest, strongest tendon of the body.
Maybe I can add the Achilles tendon into the reflexology session menu I create for a client who indicates they have a thyroid issue.
I will never use this amazing connection to diagnoses but I don’t do that in my work anyway.
What I do is support health balance with my wonderful reflexology techniques. I can “hold the space for healing to occur”, and that to me is the best reward, an honor and a gift.