ABOUT REFLEXOLOGY

The origins of Reflexology can be traced back to ancient Egypt; where wall paintings in a physician’s tomb at Saqqara, dated 2330BC, show patients receiving treatments on their hands and feet. Practices akin to Reflexology also appear to have been used in early China, Japan, India and Russia.

Modern day Reflexology has its origins in Zone Therapy, which Dr William Fitzgerald pioneered. He divided the body into ten longitudinal zones; the theory being that everything in each zone was connected, so pressure and stimulation of a reflex could relieve pain affecting organs, body parts and glands within a given zone.

Eunice Ingham, a Physiotherapist, developed and refined Zone Therapy. She discovered that a beneficial effect could be achieved by using pressure from her thumbs and fingers on specific tender spots, which related to problems elsewhere in the body. Eventually she was able to map the entire body onto the feet. Her charts are now the standard used by reflexologists all over the world.

It works on the principle that the whole body, from head to toe, is connected via around 7,200 nerve endings in the feet and hands. These are can be likened to a road map mirroring the anatomy and physiology of the body. Circulating through the body in distinct channels or zones is a flow of ‘vital energy’. If the body is to remain healthy, this energy flow should not be interrupted. However toxins build up in the body during times of stress or illness and these cause blockages, so preventing energies flowing freely. Reflexologists, by stimulating the reflexes in the feet release these blockages, helping bring the body back into balance.

Reflexology is suitable for all ages, including pregnant women, children and the elderly. Having completed a course of treatments for a specific problem, many people decide to continue with regular sessions in order to maintain good health, including a boosted immune system.

Although many people have reflexology as a way of relaxing and counteracting stress, it is recognised by many doctors, consultants and other healthcare professionals as a well established, respected and effective therapy.