History of Reflexology
Man from as far back as 2330BC has known the ancient healing art of  reflexology when a wall painting in Egypt showed a person holding the foot of another person and applying pressure to the soles.
For centuries it has been practised by American-Indians, Chinese and other Asian countries and by African tribes. Dr William Fitzgerald, an American ENT surgeon who developed the theory of the link between reflex zones in the feet and hands with corresponding areas and organs of the body, introduced reflexology to the West about 1913.
Dr Fitzgerald discovered that some of his patients were producing an anaesthetic-type effect on certain parts of their bodies by applying pressure to other Parts of their bodies. He discovered that by applying elastic bands on the middle parts of the fingers or clothes peg-like clamps to the tips of the fingers he could create a local anaesthetic-type effect to the hand, arm, elbow, face, nose and ear. This enabled him to perform some minor surgical operations without the aid of an anaesthetic. He found that he could divide the body into ten vertical zones - five on each side of the body - and that there was an energy link between parts of the body found on the same zone.
Dr Fitzgerald’s fellow American Eunice Ingham went on to refine and develop zone therapy. She realised that by applying pressure to certain areas of the feet she could not only reduce pain but treat a whole range of other ailments too. Reflexology finally arrived in Europe including mainland Britain, in the 1960’s and in Ireland in the 1980’s. It is rapidly growing in popularity in Ireland and is becoming firmly established as an effective and gentle complementary therapy, which can be practised on persons of all age groups. Reflexologists now practise side-by-side with other healthcare professionals in health care centres etc.
Above excerpt from the Irish Relexologists Institute
The following is taken from The Danish Reflexologists Association
The human being is a complex organism. If something does not function as it is supposed to, an imbalance occurs.
The result is illness, pains, weariness and indisposition. Reflexology often helps restore the balance.
On the soles and on top of the feet there is a complete map of the human body. Each part of the body has a corresponding zone on the feet, called a reflex zone. A sore reflex zone is connected with some part of the body not functioning at it’s best. By treating the sore reflex zones with specialized combinations of pressure, the therapist can influence the organs to improve their functions, and through this restore the balance of the body.
Many people take reflexology treatments, even without having health problems. They do this in order to maintain a good state of health, and as a preventive measure.
The treatment
Reflexology treatment is performed as a specialized pressure massage of the sole and top of the feet. Through the degree of tenderness of the various reflex zones, the skin condition etc., the therapist gets an impression of the character of the imbalance, its location and force. Then the treatment is planned. Through the therapy those parts of the body are influenced, which are not functioning at the best, and the body restores the balance.
It is difficult to say in advance how many treatments are necessary – it all depends on the character of the problem.
Reactions to treatment
Reactions may be different.
Any reaction is connected to a better balance and general condition. It is impossible to predict exactly how the body reacts, as the reactions are individual.
Some typical reactions may be:
- Relaxation, tiredness and deep sleep
- Increased discharge
- Turbid, dark urine
- Increased bowel movement
- Change in bowel movement pattern
- Secretion from nose and throat
- Previous disorders, which have not earlier been healed, may reappear
- Mood changes
These reactions should not be regarded as worsening, on the contrary they are signs of the treatments showing results, and that improvement is on the way.
Good health - a unified whole
Reflexology alone is not enough. Even though treatments can restore the body balance, you will not seriously get better until there is an overall balance. Conditions of life, environment and nutrition are important factors, which all play important roles in connection with health.
In connection with the reflexology treatment the therapist indicates which factors may be likely causes of possible imbalances. By following the advise of the therapist, you may do an effort yourself to keep up a good health condition.
The therapist readily co-operates with doctors and other therapists.
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