History of reflexology

Although people talk about foot massage, they often mean foot reflexology. Reflexology therapy can be applied to the hand, foot, face or ear. However foot reflexology is better known.

In fact, reflexology is an ancestral therapy which has been used in many cultures throughout history:

3000 B.C in China. There is evidence that ancient Chinese used foot massage and pressure points on the feet as a healing technique. It was used with acupuncture therapy.

2300 B.C First evidence in Egypt. Paintings on the tomb of Ankhmahor at Saqqarain depict physicians giving a hand and foot massage as part of a healing treatment.

1917 In the US, doctor William Fitzgerald, an ear, nose and throat specialist, publishes a book on reflex zones. This is the first Western book with diagrams describing the use of pressure points to relieve pain in another part of the body. Foot reflexology as we know it today has evolved from these early findings.

1938 Eunice Ingham, a pupil of Dr Fitzgerald, further develops the work on Zone therapy and publishes several books: "Stories the feet can tell" (1938) gives description of treatments with charts. This is followed by "Stories the feet have told" (1951). Those popular books have been translated and read throughout the world. Current reflexology is still based on her charts.

1960s a pupil of Eunice Ingham, Doreen Bayly introduces reflexology therapy to the UK.

Many others have contributed to the development of this ancient technique and further research is going on to identify the positive effects of reflexology on various disorders and illnesses.

How does reflexology work?

There are 7200 nerve endings in our feet which are interconnected via the brain and spinal cord to every part, gland and muscle of the body. Therefore, we can say that the feet are a mirror image of the body, each organ being represented in a reflex point on the foot. Some are found on both feet, such as the lungs, others are only on one foot, such as the spleen on the left foot.

Using a specific touch on the feet, the reflexologist can identify the precise parts of the body where tension and dysfunction are occuring. He will then work these reflex points with specific pressure in order to eliminate the blockage and restore balance in the body. So in fact, reflexology is a holistic therapy which stimulate the body's own natural healing abilities.

It should be made clear that reflexology is not intended to diagnose or treat medical conditions, and is not a replacement for conventional medical practice. In particular, you should consult your GP if you are in the first quarter of pregnancy, diabetic or if you suffer from cardiovascular diseases.

Reflexology therapy is ideal to combat everyday health problems and to create a deep state of relaxation. A simple foot massage would provide relaxation but would not impact the health of the patient. Reflexology is also a preventative therapy, so it is advisable to regularly visit a reflexologist or to practice this technique at home on a regular basis. Indeed, this is a relaxation therapy which can be mastered and applied on your own feet or hands.

For you and your family !!

Once you discover the power of reflexology as a relaxation technique and healing therapy, you will want to find out more.

At home, reflexology could become part of your daily care for your family, as a privileged moment of relaxation and exchange.

Learning and using the basic reflexology technique, which is easy and effective, could ease tensions and stress as well as increase your sense of well-being after a long hard day.

Many cultures use massage, quite naturally, as a bonding technique, so you can learn to do the same to improve your relationship with this relaxing therapy.

Learn at home with our book: Reflexology manual.