Reflexology has been around since ancient civilization. In 1979, archaeologist Ed Case discovered pictographs dating back to 2000 BC which documented foot treatments in ancient Egypt. The actual origin of reflexology, however, still remains a mystery. It seems almost all cultures used some form of foot treatment as part of their health practices.
Modern reflexology can be traced to Europe during the late 1500s under the name "zone therapy." Several books were written on the topic, but it did not catch on in the United States until an American physician, Dr. William Fitzgerald, mapped out the 10 "zones" of the body. Dr. Fitzgerald discovered that by putting pressure on certain areas of the body he could perform minor surgeries without anesthesia. He published several books and articles based on his research of zone therapy during his career, and taught others this practice.
Eunice Ingham, who studied with Fitzgerald, actually mapped out the reflex points of the feet. Considered to be the founder of modern reflexology, she wrote three books on the subject: Stories the Feet Can Tell; Zone Therapy and Gland Reflex; and Stories the Feet Have Told. Ms. Ingham was a primary educator in zone therapy and lectured on the topic for over 40 years. Then the trouble began.
In 1968, the state of New York sued Eunice Ingham -- and won -- for illegally practicing medicine. A student of Ms. Ingram, Mildred Carter, was sued for mail fraud when she released her book, Helping Yourself with Foot Reflexology, in 1969. This "witch hunt" continued right into the 1980s. Several states outlawed the practice of reflexology and deemed it "quackery."
Today, reflexology has gained recognition as a form of bodywork. It is being practiced in hospitals, complementary health centers and private offices. Many organizations have been developed to network, educate and accommodate the growing number of practitioners. There is worldwide research going on in the field of reflexology, including government-funded programs in Denmark and Switzerland, and there are reflexology schools to prepare students for certification exams. It truly has become accepted as a healing art.
Reflexology is the art and science of enervating over 7000 nerves on the feet, believed by reflexology practitioners to correspond to every muscle system or organ in the body. The procedure is non-invasive and focuses on the body's natural ability to heal itself. It differs from massage in that it pushes on pressure points to elicit an autonomic nervous system response or reflex. This response from the nervous system helps create balance throughout the entire body. The body can then begin to heal. Reflexology induces an optimal state of relaxation, conducive to healing. It can be more relaxing than a massage.
The cost of a reflexology session can vary from $25 to $60 (US) per hour. In general, you can expect to be in a comfortable recliner or on a massage table. The practitioner may massage your feet initially to warm them up. Then he will begin to work your reflexes by alternately holding pressure points for five seconds on and five seconds off, moving from foot to foot. It is extremely relaxing, and generally does not tickle. You may even fall asleep. Some of your reflex points may be tender, and it's important to communicate any discomfort to your reflexologist.
Reflexology can be used for a variety of conditions -- it helps reduce stress, assists in pain control, balances hormones and can enhance a person's mental state. It provides comfort for the terminally ill, and it can increase functioning in patients with neurological damage. It may also be effective in regulating blood pressure, boosting the immune system, increasing circulation, and removing toxins. (Due to the nature of the procedure, caution should be taken if you have diabetes or a history of blood clots. Please speak with a practitioner for details if you have any medical problems.)
Reflexology has become an accepted form of bodywork. It can be used as part of a holistic plan to promote health and well-being in an individual. As with all forms of healing, a person must take responsibility for his own healing process, which includes a balance of body, mind and spirit.
Reflexology
is a Complementary Therapy that works on the feet or hands enabling the body to heal
itself. Following illness, stress, injury or disease, it is in a state of
"imbalance", and vital energy pathways are blocked, preventing the body from
functioning effectively. Reflexology can be used to restore and maintain the body's
natural equilibrium and encourage healing.
A Reflexologist uses hands only to apply pressure to the feet. For each person the
application and the effect of the therapy is unique. Sensitive, trained hands can detect
tiny deposits and imbalances in the feet, and by working on these points the Reflexologist
can release blockages and restore the free flow of energy to the whole body. Tensions are
eased, and circulation and elimination is improved. This gentle therapy encourages the
body to heal itself, often counteracting a lifetime of misuse.
Indeed reflexology
can benefit almost everyone. An increasing number of people are using this safe, natural
therapy as a way of relaxing, balancing and harmonising the body. |
Who Can
Benefit From Reflexology?
Listed below are just
a few of the conditions and disorders
that can be treated by this totally non-invasive therapy
Reflexology Foot Chart
Reflexology Hand Chart
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