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.

 

 

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 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.

 

Reflexology is a non-invasive ancient and scientific healing art, it is gentle and natural. Reflexology uses the act of applying pressure to reflex points (nerve endings) on specific areas of the feet and hands, by using specific thumb and finger techniques. These reflex points correspond to all the glands, organs, parts and systems of the body. The results of applying pressure to these reflex points is stress reduction, which in turn will promote positive changes throughout other areas of the body.