Reflexology

What is Reflexology?

Quite simply, reflexology is the practice of relieving pain by applying pressure to the hands and feet in specific areas, dating back for as long as humans have had the ability to massage their feet and toes after accidentally banging them on something.

Reflexology has some similarities to the ancient Chinese practice of acupuncture and acupressure, developed alongside each other over thousands of years.

There are paintings dating back to the 6th dynasty of Egypt (2330BC) on the walls of the famous Physician’s Tomb, so called because medical scenes are shown in the doorway that leads into a five pillared room, that show people performing massage and acupressure techniques, early forms of reflexology that were taking place at the time.

Acupuncture and Acupressure originated in China, and the Japanese practice Shiatsu, these are all similar to reflexology but differ slightly in their spiritual approach; the Eastern-based therapies follow the traditional philosophy of Ki or Chi life energy, believing that the energies flow through special meridians in the body and that they can be redirected to suit the needs of healing.

Reflexology concentrates far more on the physical practice of relaxation and manipulation in order to lessen pain and stress.

Modern reflexology in the west was first studied by Dr. William H. Fitzgerald, who graduated from Vermont University in 1895. He spent 18 years after graduating at a practice in Boston, and then London and Vienna.

It was during his years in the Ear, Nose and Throat department worked at in Europe that he made his discoveries concerning the research he undertook; namely that applying pressure to the feet and hands of his patients prior to surgery helped reduce their post-operative pains.

In 1913 Dr. William H. Fitzgerald presented his theory on Zone Therapy to the medical community, developing a new system of ten zones from the top of the head to the tips of the toes and hands – claiming that he could relieve pain by applying pressure to certain points on the feet and hands.

This theory was taken onboard by a physical therapist called Eunice Ingham, who worked exhaustively to expand on the doctor’s theories. She first set out to create a map of the different reflex zones of the feet, hands and ears, a map that is used in reflexology today.

She worked further to discover that, in addition to the pain relief the doctor had uncovered, reflexology can be used to give relief to a whole range of chronic and acute conditions.

In reflexology it is thought that every part of your body has a reflex point in you ears, hands or feet; the reflexes are divided symmetrically throughout your body, the left foot is connected to your left-side internal organs and the right-side internal organs are connected to your right foot.

It is important for the practitioner to detect the location of your reflexes and their corresponding organs for she or he to offer you a successful treatment.

Do you need Reflexology?

The main goal of reflexology is to relieve stress and tension through the reflex points, so that your body may maintain or regain a state of health and equilibrium.

Reflexology has been shown to reduce poor blood circulation, relax your muscles and stimulate nerve connections.

It can also remove toxins from your body via the lymphatic and immune system, enhancing the functions of the body and achieving a healthy balance.

Many of people’s health problems are related to tension and stress, so it should be easy for you to see the benefits of reflexology in respect of your mind and spirit as well as your physical well-being.

Reflexology is now part of the healthcare systems of Britain, China and Denmark – it is not intended to cure diseases or ailments, reflexology is a means to provide information as to the whereabouts of stress and tension areas in your body.

Reflexology practitioners help in order to lessen the tension and stress in your body, as well as promote the natural healing abilities of your body.

Reflexology treatment can be effective against such things as sleep disorders, migraines and hormonal imbalances.

Reflexology can also help physical problems such as arthritis, sports injuries and infertility. Reflexology’s popularity has been boosted over the last 70 years due to extensive research and practice worldwide; it is a none-invasive and natural therapy that is totally harmless, so it can be used in conjunction with conventional therapies and medicines, but should never be used in place of such treatments.