Reflexology can be a wonderful experience enjoyed by all ages; from newborns to the very old, the ill and frail to the healthy and well, reflexology can be integrated into your lifestyle and used to complement modern medicine and well as a preventative measurer to maintain good health.

The oldest documentation depicting the practice of reflexology was unearth in Egypt. It was a wall engraving that was found in the tomb of an Egyptian Physician, dating back to 2500 BC. Some theories were that reflexology originated in China over 5000 years ago and others say it was passed down to the American Indians by the Incas.

 

In the early 1900's Dr. William Fitzgerald, referred to as the father of reflexology, found that the application of pressure to various parts of the body deadened pain in other areas and reduced  the need for anesthesia in surgery and other procedures. He mapped out 10 zones calling his work Zone Analgesia.  Dr. Shelby Riley further developed the Zone Theory with Dr. Fitzgerald.

 

Eunice Ingham, a physical therapist who worked with Dr. Riley, started developing her foot reflex theory in the early 1930's. Referred to the founder of modern reflexology, she discovered that in using a pressure technique across the soles of the feet, she was able to stimulat and heal other parts of the body , rather than to merely nump sensation of pain. Her work is continuing to grow in populartity today.

 

 

In a typical session you would take off your shoes and socks and you are ready for your entire body to reap rewards. Each session soothing and relaxing techniques' are use on the feet in preparation for the more specific reflexology pressure techniques (suggest pressure is between 2-5 pounds) which are systematically applied until the session is complete.

 

 Not everyone will have sensitive areas, there are a variety of things that can affect the sensitivity of the foot they are as follows:

 

Weekly sessions may be required is some cases, to encourage a quicker return to balance and health. Monthly for session may be required fro preventative and maintenance program. Any periodic session will rejuvenate and enhance your overall sense of well-being and your feet will love it. This will all depend on your personal goal for wellness.

 

Some results from a session:

Most people feel relaxed, re-energized and renewed, some feel a sense of incredible well-being, others feel like they are walking on clouds. You as a result may feel calm and relaxed or you may experience a feelin of energy and rejuvenaton. 

A Reflexology session on both feet will usually take 40-45 minutes. Less time is usually an incomplete session or too fast can be over- stimulating. Reflexology is relaxing and enjoyable. Some reflex points my be more sensitive than others, this sensitivity may be the deposits mentioned in How does Reflexology work? these deposits have settled in the feet and created energy blockages. 

Reflexology is not the same as a massage. Reflexology works through the stimulating of the reflex points or nerve endings to evoke an autonomic nervous system response which helps create balance throughout the entire body. Reflexology is considered a form of body work.

Reflexology persuades the body to balance and heal itself, helps to prevent further deterioration, strengthens and reinforces all systems in the body and promotes overall good health. It is used to complement modern medicine, not to replace current therapies and treatments. If you have been diagnosed with any desease, injury or other physical or mental conditions, it is advised that you inform your medical doctor or any other licensed healthe care professional that you will be receiving reflexology. 

Reflexology has been known to do the following:

 

In addition Reflexology creates an over all sense of well-being. When this happens it also helps with the following:

 

 

Reflexology promotes well-being, due to the fact that the feet have 7200 nerve endings and have immense sensitivity, second to the lips. 

As we go about our daily routines, minute amounts of waste containing Lactic acid, uric acid, calcium and other by-products build up as the nervous system communicates with the body. When the body is overstressed these waste products are carried along the nerve paths to the extremities. Where they cause blocked energy and circulation. When pressure is applied to the nerve endings (reflex areas) messages are transmitted to the brain through the nervous system and the body responds by working towards a biologically balanced state.