History of reflexology

Many civilisations have practiced a form of zone therapy for centuries; it can be dated back to ancient Egypt, India and China. As new knowledge was added throughout the years, plenty of changes took place within the art of zone therapy. In China, specifically, zone therapy eventually reached a whole new level. The practice of acupressure using the fingers, turned into the practice of acupuncture using needles. The study of the reflex points still existed, but the knowledge was linked or added to and taken in a new direction – namely the direction of meridians. This indicates that the Chinese concept of meridian therapy is an important part of the foundation of reflexology. Modern zone therapy was introduced to the United States in 1913 by William H. Fitzgerald - an ear, nose, and throat specialist. Fitzgerald claimed that applying pressure had an anaesthetic effect on other areas of the body. This was further developed in the 1930s and 1940s by Eunice D. Ingham, a nurse and physiotherapist. Ingham claimed that the feet and hands were especially sensitive, and mapped the entire body into "reflexes" on the feet. It was at this time that zone therapy was renamed reflexology.

How does it work?

Reflexology is a form of zone therapy and the idea is that areas on the foot correspond to areas of the body, and that by manipulating these one can improve general health through one's energy flow. Reflexology does not directly cure illnesses by itself, but benefits a patient’s health and well-being. The pressure used when massaging and squeezing can get rid of tension, and at the same time increase your body’s circulation greatly. A reflexologist will use his hands to apply pressure to certain points on your feet or hands. Certain points correspond to certain organs in your body, and this is how a reflexologist targets pain or discomfort in those certain areas – using energy flow. For example, massaging the tips of the toes can stimulate the head and in turn relieve headaches, while applying pressure to the ball of the foot can have a positive impact on the chest and heart. Also, several reflexes around the toes relate to the nasal and sinus area, and can be manipulated in order to drain the sinus passages and ease the pressure in your ears.

Reflexology chart

This foot reflexology chart illustrates which parts of your feet correspond to other parts of your body. For example, your left foot reflects the left side of your body, while your right foot reflects the right side of your body. Toes and fingers mirror head and neck, while the ball of the foot mirrors the chest, upper back, hands and lungs.

What are the benefits of reflexology?

According to the Association of Reflexologists, reflexology can benefit people of all ages by encouraging the body to work naturally and restore its own healthy balance by maintaining well-being. Working well to relax your mind and body, reflexology has been proven to be effective for back pain, migraines, fertility problems, arthritis, sleep disorders, sports injuries, hormonal imbalances, digestive disorders and stress-related conditions. Most patients say they feel calmer and more relaxed after a treatment, and enjoy the non-invasive and safe approach of this alternative practice.

What are the disadvantages of reflexology?

Reflexology does not really have any disadvantages in itself, but it can be hard to enjoy it if your feet are very ticklish or sensitive, or if you don’t particularly like having your feet touched. Concerns have been raised by medical professionals that treating potentially serious illnesses with reflexology could delay the ill patient in seeking appropriate medical treatment. Reflexology should be a complimentary treatment to medication when it comes to serious illnesses and injuries, and not used as a cure on its own.

Reflexology is a popular therapy proven to reduce everyday factors such as stress, and it has been confirmed that it helps benefit a person’s general health and well-being. Reflexologists are available worldwide and your best bet is to visit one if you want effective, skilled treatment and positive results. However, you can also build reflexology into your life by asking your partner to massage your feet in certain places - using the reflexology chart above. You can also do improvised reflexology while doing other daily activities; put a foot roller under your computer desk or work your hands while you are standing in line to pay for your shopping. You can be as creative as you like, but remember to always be consistent. Five minutes a day is worth so much more than an hour once in a while.