Health is a large word. It embraces not the body only, but the mind and the spirit as well.
- James H. West
A Brief History
What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is modern terminology for a very ancient and safe therapy of manipulation and massage of specific points on the feet and hands. Reflexology was evident in the Egyptian civilization more that 4 000 years ago. Eastern cultures also had similar practices 5 000 years ago. This science was also known in India. The biggest influence for reflexology has come from America where the practice of massaging the reflex zones is thought to derive from ancient folk medicine used by Native American Indians. This may have been passed down to them by the Incas who were thought to have refined the Asian Indian techniques. Reflexology as we know it today n the West, has it's origins in the study of "Zone Therapy". In early 1900's massage techniques were developed in Germany called "Reflexzonemassage". In 1913 an American called Dr William Fitzgerald studied "Zone Therapy" and he described a system of ten longitudinal zones in the body and the importance of this was that within each zone there were energy links between certain areas. Dr Joe Riley and his wife Elizabeth were friends and supporters of Dr Fitzgereald. In the 1930's one of Dr Riley's students of "Zone Therapy", Mrs Eunice Ingham became the main pioneer of "Reflexology" as it is known today. Mrs Eunice ingham was working as a physiotherapist in an orthopedic hospital. her basic philosophy was to help people help themselves. By separating the reflexes of the feet and hands from "Zone Therapy" she called ther work, "Compression Massage" but later changed it to "Reflexology". Reflexology was introduced to Britain in the early 1960's by a student of Eunice Ingham called Mrs Doreen Bayly, and it was this lady who trained and enlightened Reflexologists throughout Britain and the Continent. A German practitioner, Mrs Hanne Marquardt who trained with Eunice Ingham, first described the transverse zones on the feet and hands which helped interpret the arrangement of body parts more accurately within the original longitudinal zones.
Holistic Reflexology
When you look at your feet you discover that there is a perfect microcosm or mini-image of the whole body. All the organs, glands andbody parts represented in the foot are laid out in the same arrangement as in the body, as a perfect reflection. Even the inside of the foot corresponds to the natural curves in the spine. Reflexologists specify that there are ten energy zones that run the length of the body from head to toe, five on each side of the body ending in each foot and running down the arms to the tops of the fingers. Not only do these zones run lengthwise, but they pass through the body so that a zone located on the front can also be reached from behind. All the organs and parts of the boday lie along one or more of these zones. Each zone can be considered a channel for the intangible life energy called Chi, or qi in oriental medicine and martial arts. Modern reflexology is both a science and an art. Reflexology gives the best results when the Reflexologist works with dedication, patience, focused intention and loving care. Communication of touch is an extremely basic instinctive need. Reflexologists stimulate or work any zone in the Client's foot or hand by applying pressure with their own thumbs and fingers. This in turn affects the entire zone throughout the client's body. How it works is still a mystery. the fact that it works is proven every day. Reflexolgy is not a medical treatment. Reflexologists do not diagnose illness, treat diseases, nor do they practice medicine or heal (only licensed physicians are allowed by law to practice medicine). The aim of all health care practitioners, whether holistic or allopathic (treantment by drugs), shoud be to wrk for the patients benefit. To this end, reflexology when practiced in agreement with sound medical advice from doctors, is now being encouraged as a complementary therapy in the care of cancer, mentally ill and maternity patients.
Benefits of Holistic Reflexology
Reflexology is a safe and gentle holistic treatment that is suitable for men and women af all ages and physical conditions. In certain circumstances there may be medical contra-indications to Reflexology. Should this happen the client will be advised to seek a medical referral before having a Reflexology treatment. Reflexology may be considered as a therapy for preventative health care. When a body is well balanced a person is in good shape to ward off illness. Reflexology helps alleviate the effects of stress. 75% of disease is estimated to be stress related. Reflexology induces deep relaxation. By placing the client in a safe place and allowing the nervous system to calm down and function more normally. Circulation then proceeds smoothly as the "Flight or Fight Syndrome" is calmed and blood flow is improved, oxygen reaches all the cells. the body seeks homeostasis (natural functioning of all the body systems) and natural healing can take place. The experience itself does not "heal" it merely creates the circustances through which "self healing" can occur. The client experiences a sense of well-being at all levels. During reflexology the body is normalized as the seven energy centers known in eastern medicine as the Chakras are unblocked. The body returns to its natural rhythm, energy flows, the body, mind and spirit are brought back into balance.