Foot reflexology · zone 4, 5
Descending colon and splenic flexure — Left foot
Placement
Location: A vertical band down the lateral side of the sole of the left foot, from the waist line - where the splenic flexure turns down from the transverse colon - to just above the heel.
Longitudinal zone(s): 4, 5 of 5
Side: left foot
Tradition: Shared across schools
Traditional use
Traditionally worked downward, following the direction of the colon.
Reflexology is a traditional practice, not an evidence-based medical treatment. Systematic reviews have not shown it to be effective for any medical condition. These maps document what practitioners traditionally use — they are not claims about how the body works.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the descending colon and splenic flexure reflex area on the foot?
A vertical band down the lateral side of the sole of the left foot, from the waist line - where the splenic flexure turns down from the transverse colon - to just above the heel.
Which tradition does this placement come from?
Shared across schools. The major schools broadly agree on this placement.
Does pressing this area treat the organ it is named after?
No. Reflexology maps are traditional diagrams, not descriptions of anatomy or physiology. Systematic reviews have not found reflexology to be an effective treatment for any medical condition.
Sources
References displayed on this page were recorded with the point dataset.
- Eunice D. Ingham, "Stories the Feet Can Tell Thru Reflexology" (1938) and "Stories the Feet Have Told Thru Reflexology" (1951) Ingham original foot charts, plantar view
- Dwight C. Byers, "Better Health with Foot Reflexology: The Original Ingham Method" International Institute of Reflexology foot charts
- Chinese foot reflex-zone charts (足部反射区) as taught in the Chinese foot-massage tradition Standard Chinese plantar and dorsal reflex-zone chart