Reflexology, a Brief History and Benefits

Reflexology is the stimulation of the feet for healing purposes. This is achieved through applying pressure to specific points in our feet. It is a form of acupressure, which has been around for thousands of years. Dating back as far as 5000 B.C. there are written records from Asia that document acupressure massage techniques. Hieroglyphic references to foot reflexology have been discovered in Egypt. Native Americans have known about the relationship between the feet and the whole body for centuries. Native Americans would use various herbs and mud to rub into the soles of the feet. They used this form of treatment for disease, pain, and illnesses. They believed this form of treatment would improve one's health and reconnect his spirit with the Earth.

Modern Reflexology

In the early 1900's modern reflexology began. Pioneered by Dr's. William H. Fitzgerald, Edwin F. Bowers and George Starr White. They developed "Zone Therapy" in which they believed the body was "mapped" in different zones. These zones corresponded with different structures in the body. Dr. Eunice Ingham is known as the "Mother of Modern Reflexology." She expanded on the zone therapy by mapping the feet. She discovered very specific points in the feet and hands that corresponded with the various organs, glands, and structures (ie: spinal column) in the human body. By stimulating these points with applied pressure, the corresponding organ or gland is stimulated.

How Reflexology Works

Your reflexology session will start with a gentle "warming up" of the feet. Once this is completed the reflexologist will then begin applying pressure to specific points located on your feet. This is done to stimulate the nerve ending of the pressure point. In turn, the corresponding organ or gland will be stimulated. Sometimes a "crystal deposit" is found on a specific point. It is believed these crystals are blocking the nerve ending. Your reflexologist will break up these deposits with pressure and massage. This will open up the channel between the nerve ending and the corresponding organ.

Reflexology Results

Everyone is different in how their body responds to reflexology. Some people will see and feel the results rather quickly. Others, will need several sessions to start noticing the results they desire. Like all forms of treatment, it depends on how long the condition has existed and the severity of the condition. Reflexology is a holistic treatment and a good alternative to certain remedies. Another key to positive results is the belief that reflexology works. The mind/body connection is a powerful thing; if you have a positive mental attitude your body will react in a positive fashion.

Here are some of the results my clients have reported back to me:

Most people have reported the relief from constipation in 3-24 hours.

Relief of menstrual cramps.

Relief from stress, reflexology is very relaxing.

Sleeping better and longer at night.

Relief of back pain.

Relief from migraine headaches.

Benefits Of Reflexology

Like benefits of massage therapy, reflexology is a holistic approach to treating the body. Reflexology improves the functionality of the kidney's, intestines, skin, circulation, and lungs. It will increase the control of the bladder and bowels. Reflexology helps in pain relief by the release of endorphins (the body's natural pain killer); by stimulating the nerve endings in the feet. It can help reduce stress and fatigue. It provides cold and flu relief as long as you are not in a feverish state. It can help induce labor in over-due pregnancies. Reflexology can help with the unpleasant side-effects of different cancer treatments.