WHAT IS REFLEXOLOGY?
A reflexology treatment involves pressure systematically being applied to different areas on the feet and/or hands known as “reflexes”. It is based on the theory that these reflexes link with the different organs and energy systems of the body and, when stimulated, help to remove any blockages within the body and promote inner healing to restore the natural balance of the body. People generally find the treatment very relaxing and a powerful way in which to improve and maintain their physical health and emotional well-being which can work well alongside conventional western medicine.
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The beginnings of Reflexology can be traced back centuries and across many different cultures, as far back as 5000BC in China, and 2330BC in Egypt. Reflexology has evolved over time to be viewed as a holistic therapy that treats the whole person, mind, body and spirit. It is now a popular way in western culture to work holistically with individuals to promote a better feeling of health and help counter the stresses and tensions of modern living.
Reflexology today owes much of its development to Dr William Fitzgerald who, in the early 1900’s discovered that by applying pressure to specific points on the hands and feet he could create an anaesthetic effect on another part of the body. Through this discovery he was able to build up a map of the body and divide it into 10 different zones. His findings were then developed further by others who related the zones in the body to further corresponding reflex points on the hands and feet. This resulted in a map of the reflexes on the hands and feet being created. Eunice Ingham was instrumental in this area by refining the reflex map of the feet and also in developing specific techniques to work these reflexes to bring about change in the body. Her findings led her to believe that congestion and tension in different parts of the body can be visible on the corresponding reflexes on the feet, and is the basis of what modern day reflexologists study.
It wasn’t until 1966 that reflexology came to the United Kingdom with the first reflexology school being established to teach the findings of the predecessors in this exciting area of holistic health.