About Reflexology
A brief history of Reflexology
The art of healing using the feet and hands can be traced back as far as Ancient Egypt. Many civilisations and cultures,including India and China,have practised for thousands of years, different ways of working on the feet to aid health.
The development of modern reflexology in the West is based on the work of two people, Dr William Fitzgerald and Eunice Ingham. Dr Fitzgerald introduced the idea that reflex areas on the feet and hands could be linked to other areas of the body within the same zone and called this 'zone therapy'. In the 1930's,an American, Eunice Ingham, developed 'zone theory' into what we now call reflexology.
What is Reflexology?Reflexology is a complimentary, holistic
therapy which involves working on the feet
and hands to help the whole person not just
the presenting symptoms. It is a gentle
non-intrusive therapy which helps the body
to restore its own healthy balance naturally.
The main principle of reflexology is based on
the idea that particular points on the feet
(and hands) reflect various parts of the body.
Applying pressure to particular areas of the
feet the reflexologist can detect any
disturbances or imbalance. By working these
points (known as reflex points) any blockages
can be eased helping to restore the free flow
of energy. This aids circulation and elimination,
the release of tension, and encourages
the body's own healing processes
Reflexology can help most people from babies and children to the very elderly. It can be used to maintain good health and to relieve the stresses of today.
Reflexology can be effective in helping a variety of conditions. These include