What is Reflexology all about?

Massaging and touching the feet is a very ancient practice. On The wall in the tomb of Ankhmahor an Egyptian physician, there is a series of pictures showing a foot and hand massage.

The Chinese have been using the application of pressure as a healing therapy for over 5000 years.  The therapies of acupressure and acupuncture are thought to have influenced the development of reflexology because they are all based on the principle that there is a relationship between the point where pressure is applied and the rest of the body.

In the twentieth century Dr William Fitzgerald, an American physician, discovered that some of his patients were able to reduce pain by applying pressure at certain points. Dr Fitzgerald became the founder of zone therapy, the basis of modern reflexology.  Zone therapy divides the body into ten vertical slices(zones) from head to toe.  Each zone has a corresponding finger and toe, and all body parts in the same zone are linked.

In the 1930’s Eunice Ingham, a therapist, further developed and refined the zonal theory into what is known as foot reflexology.  She observed that congestion or tension in any part of the foot mirrored congestion or tension in a related part of the body.  Therefore treating the whole foot can have a relaxing and healing effect on the body.

How can reflexology help you?

Every body has the ability to heal itself.  Following illness, stress, injury or disease, the body is in a state of imbalance.  Reflexology can be used to restore and maintain the body’s natural equilibrium.

Correct stimulation of the reflex points results in improved health since it enhances the body’s natural healing power by revitalizing energy flow, relaxing the body and improving circulation, which has a cleansing effect.  Working on the foot reflexes enhances vitality by breaking down congestion and crystallized calcium deposits, which impede blood and energy, flow.

Reflexology helps induce deep relaxation, reduce stress, relieve pain, stimulate the organs of excretion and respiration, improve circulation, revitalize energy, improve nerve functioning and balance the body.  Reflexology may help in conditions like arthritis, kidney stones, asthma and sinus problems as well as digestive and circulatory disorders.  It can be used to maintain health, prevent and treat illness at any age.

Although reflexology cannot diagnose a disease, it can by determining tender parts on the foot, indicate unbalanced organs, glands and body parts.

Hand reflexology, though reflexes are not as sensitive as those in the feet, can be used especially in cases of an injured or missing foot or self-treatment.

Reflexology was the first complementary therapy that I trained in.  I have been treating people with it for 17 years now and I am still amazed at the benefits that are gained from using it.  I have over these years treated a wide variation of conditions and gained lots of experience in the application of this wonderful therapy.  In its simplicity reflexology gets results-so why not try it to experience first hand the benefits!