Reflexology
A brief history of Reflexology
Whilst the healing art of reflexology dates back to Ancient Egypt, India and China, it wasn't until 1913 that Dr William Fitzgerald introduced this therapy to the West as 'zone therapy'. He noted that reflex areas on the feet and hands were linked to other areas and organs of the body within the same zone.
In the 1930's Eunice Ingham further developed this zone theory into what is now known as reflexology. She observed that congestion or tension in any part of the foot is mirrored in the corresponding part of the body.
What is reflexology?
Reflexology is a pressure therapy primarily involving the feet. It revolves around the understanding that there are over 7,000 nerve endings, or reflex points on each of the feet (or hands) that relate to the tissues, organs and systems of the body.
Applying pressure to these reflex points using a gentle on/off pressure may influence the body in many ways. For example, reflexology has been found to reduce stress and tension, relieve pain, improve bodily functions and generally restore the body to a better state, so improving physical well being.
How can reflexology help me?
The healing art of reflexology can be used to help restore the body's natural equilibrium. This gentle holistic therapy encourages the body to work naturally to restore its own healthy balance.
Whilst reflexology does not claim to cure, diagnose or prescribe, many health problems have been helped including:
- Asthma
- Anxiety
- Back Pain
- Digestive disorders (Constipation & IBS)
- Hormonal imbalances
- Headaches, migraine
- Hayfever
- Insomnia (Sleep disorders)
- Infertility
- Menstrual disorder (PMS, Menopause)
- Mild depression
- Pregnancy management
- Stress related disorders
- Ulcers
How does reflexology work?
The way in which a reflexology treatment achieves its sometimes startling results has not yet been scientifically established, although there are a number of theories, irrespective of how it is actually achieved, reflexology is thought, in many cases, to influence the function of the body.
Reflexology induces a state of deep relaxation and since it has been estimated that 75% of disease is stress related, this is a major contribution to the return of health. As treatments continue over time this state of relaxation becomes deeper and more established.
As well as being used to help relieve specific disorders, reflexology may also be used to maintain the efficiency of the body. Reflexology may also be used to maintain harmony in the body. Reflexology is a very safe treatment with very few conditions where it would be inappropriate to treat. There is no limit to the number of treatments that could be carried out - even daily is acceptable. All ages can benefit, from very young babies to the elderly.
