Reflexology: Complementary, Alternative Therapy

Reflexology

Reflexology is a complementary, alternative therapy. Some call it an art of stress reduction, relaxing, definitely. It is a form of complete healing that can detect and correct energy imbalances. It is also known as zone therapy, in which pressure is applied to the feet, lower leg, face, hands and ears with a finger, thumb and hand technique of a physician, to treat a wide range of ailments and to promote total well-being and optimum health. The feet and hands are regarded as mirrors of the body, and pressure on specific points (reflexes) found, correspond to different areas of the body, through a series of longitudinal and transverse zones. “Why the feet? you may ask”, well there are an unusually high number of nerve endings in

They use charts to guide them as they apply pressure to certain points. Each reflex point is linked to a specific organ, gland or part of the body. In each reflex point the therapist can determine whether the organ or gland is working as it should be. Therapists or practitioners often use objects such as rubber balls or specially carved sticks of wood to assist them in their work.They will also use such techniques as rubbing, kneading, rotation and finger or thumb

Some say it originated from chinese and eastern traditions. There is evidence of foot and hand therapy being performed in China as far back as 4000 B.C. This was also depicted at the same time in Egypt. Between 2500 to 2330 B.C it was depicted on the Egyptian tomb of Ankhmahor along with other medical procedures. Forms of foot massage were used by healers in many ancient lands, from Egypt to Tibet to china to Japan. Native Americans have been using similar techniques for centuries. However Reflexology was developed in America in the 20th century. During the 16th century a number of books were published on zone therapy. It is believed Marco Polo translated a Chinese massage book into Italian in the 1300s introducing Reflexology to Europe. In 1582, a book was published called Zone Therapy, a book written about an integral element of Reflexology. Dr William Fitzgerald is known as being the father of ‘zone therapy’. In 1917 he co-authored a book, named “Zone Therapy”. In this book it states that he discovered this therapy in 1909, but does not state where he became upon the theory. His theory included ten vertical zones that extended the length of the body. He found that applying pressure to a zone that corresponded to the location of trauma could help with pain relief. Dr Shelby then accompanied Dr Fitzgerald and developed a map of horizontal zones going across the body and a detailed map of