History of Reflexology

From ancient texts, illustrations, and artifacts, we know that the early Chinese, Japanese, Indians, Russians, and Egyptians worked on the feet to promote good health. Today many of these same techniques have been developed into a modern scientific method called reflexology. In the 1930s, Eunice Ingham, a physiotherapist used zone therapy in her work with patients. She concluded that the feet were the most responsive area for working the zones because they were extremely sensitive. Eventually, she mapped the entire body onto the feet and discovered that an alternating pressure on the various points had therapeutic effects far beyond the limited use to which zone therapy had been used, mostly, for the reduction of pain.

Modern reflexology is a both a science and an art. It requires careful study, faithful practice, a sound knowledge of the techniques, and skill. Therefore, it is best to see a certified reflexologist that has ample knowledge in the subject. Reflexology helps nature to normalize overactive or underactive glands or organs. It is important to note here that the normalization action of reflexology is never one of opposite extreme. In other words, once normal function of the organ or gland resumes it cannot be unbalanced by working the area too much. For example, if we were to improve low blood pressure we would not cause high blood pressure.

Reflexology improves nerve and blood supply. In order to keep the body at a normal balance, it is imperative that the blood and nerve supply to every organ and gland be at a maximum. The organs and glands contribute to the overall well-being of the body…each making contributions to maintaining efficient, fully-operating mechanism, but all receive their instructions from the nerves. They are the wiring system of the house you call your body. As with any complex wiring system, a short circuit can mean trouble. It is often caused by tension putting pressure on a vital nerve plexus or even a single nerve structure supporting a vital organ. As tension is eased, pressure on the nerves and vessels is relaxed, thus improving the flow of blood and its oxygen-rich nutrients to all parts of the body.