CMP Massage Techniques & Reflexology 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which reflex point on the foot is associated with the adrenal glands in reflexology?
- The tip of the big toe
- The lateral heel
- The medial mid-arch near the waist line (Correct answer)
- The dorsal mid-foot
Correct answer: The medial mid-arch near the waist line
The adrenal gland reflex point is found on the medial plantar surface near the waist line of the foot, just above the kidney point.
Question 2: When performing a lower leg massage, the direction of effleurage strokes should generally move:
- Distal to proximal (toward the heart) (Correct answer)
- Proximal to distal (away from the heart)
- Laterally across the shin
- In a circular pattern on the shin
Correct answer: Distal to proximal (toward the heart)
Effleurage strokes directed toward the heart (centripetal) support venous and lymphatic return, promoting circulation.
Question 3: Which massage technique uses quick, alternating, springy movements such as hacking or cupping?
- Effleurage
- Petrissage
- Tapotement (Correct answer)
- Vibration
Correct answer: Tapotement
Tapotement encompasses percussion movements including hacking, cupping, beating, and tapping, which stimulate and invigorate tissue.
Question 4: A pedicurist notices a client's foot is acutely inflamed and hot to the touch. The correct action is to:
- Apply deep petrissage to reduce swelling
- Avoid massage entirely and refer to a physician (Correct answer)
- Use ice massage only
- Perform light effleurage to improve drainage
Correct answer: Avoid massage entirely and refer to a physician
Acute inflammation is a contraindication for massage; the client should be referred to a physician to rule out infection or injury.
Question 5: In a standard pedicure massage sequence, which area is typically massaged LAST before completing the service?
- The heel
- The toes
- The lower leg/calf (Correct answer)
- The plantar arch
Correct answer: The lower leg/calf
The lower leg and calf are massaged last so that the entire foot is worked first, finishing with effleurage up the leg to encourage venous return.
Question 6: The 'thumb-walking' technique in reflexology involves:
- Sliding the thumb with full surface contact across the foot
- Bending the thumb at the first joint in small forward caterpillar-like steps (Correct answer)
- Rotating the thumb in deep circular movements
- Pinching the skin between thumb and forefinger
Correct answer: Bending the thumb at the first joint in small forward caterpillar-like steps
Thumb-walking uses the bend of the first knuckle to create small, forward, creeping movements that apply consistent pressure to reflex points.
Question 7: Which condition is an ABSOLUTE contraindication to any foot massage service?
- Dry, cracked heels
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (Correct answer)
- Mild callus buildup
- Flat feet (pes planus)
Correct answer: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Deep vein thrombosis is an absolute contraindication because massage could dislodge the clot and cause a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.
CMP Massage Techniques & Reflexology 2
Which reflex point on the foot is associated with the adrenal glands in reflexology?