Techniques using pressure and massage movements to certain areas of the feet, hands or ears.
This results in a reflex action in other areas of the body.
There are 7200 nerve endings in the soles of the feet.
A diseased body part will show up as a sore spot in the same segment of the foot or hand. From this the alternative name 'zone therapy' is derived.
History of Reflexology
The most concrete evidence of the practice of reflexology in ancient culture was the discovery of a wall painting depicting the practice of hand and foot reflexology in the tomb of Ankhmahor (highest official after the Pharaoh) at Saqqara, which is also known as the physicians tomb.
This Egyptian wall painting is dated at the 6th dynasty, about 2330 B.C. Prior to this discovery it was widely believed that reflexology had ancient origins and frequent conjecture was made about its relationship to and development alongside the ancient Oriental practices of shiatsu and acupuncture. Similarly, North American Indian medicine men are believed to manipulate and stimulate the feet as a part of their healing practice.
The North American tribes of Indians are known to have practiced a form of foot therapy for hundreds of years.
There is some confusion about the true origin of this powerful therapy, sufficient to say that it has stood the test of time and has helped thousands of people to better health
Reflexology can benefit people of all ages and, depending on the length of time a condition has been present, can improve or eliminate many ailments during a course of four to six weekly treatments.
Dr. William H. Fitzgerald an ear, nose and throat specialist developed zone therapy in 1913.
In his research Dr. Fitzgerald developed a new system of ten zones running from the top of the head to the tips of the toes and hands. Dr. Edwin Bowers, medical critic and writer, investigated Dr. Fitzgerald's claims, appeased his skepticism, and jointly authored with Dr. Fitzgerald the book "Zone Therapy" - the name by which reflexology was known until the early 1960's.
Eunice Ingham, who initially worked with Dr. Fitzgerald as a physical therapist, recognized for her untiring devotion to and promotion of Zone Therapy. She toured North American cities annually giving Zone Therapy seminars, published charts and her two books: "Stories The Feet Can Tell" (1938) and "Stories The Feet Have Told" (1951), and established the "National Institute of Reflexology". Most authors of books and teachers of foot reflexology have acquired their basic knowledge directly or indirectly from Eunice Ingham's teaching. Eunice Ingham's nephew, Dwight Byers and his family have continued where Eunice Ingham left off with her death in 1974.
Can your Shoes Make you Feel Good?
Reflexologists believe the shoes you wear can determine your health. Ill-fitting shoes can cause blisters and hardened skin affecting the reflex points and influencing wellbeing. It is thought small shoes aggravating the big toe can induce headaches and confusion. Reflexology has many beneficial and lasting effects. Some treatments are gentle in nature, aiming to restore systems for better function while others are more specific, addressing the client's particular conditions. It is a healing process that can be safely used when it is not convenient to treat other body parts. As a non-intrusive technique, it heals indirectly. Reflexology can be a relaxing therapy that works on many levels, soothing, calming, balancing and boosting the entire body.
Eastern Vs Western Approach
We respond to outside stimulus via our autonomic nervous system which in turn stimulates our muscles and nerves in a reflex action.
In Western medicine the nervous system controls all body's functions.
By stimulating the number of nerve endings in the feet, hands or ears stimulates nerve transfers and helps rebalance the body's systems.
The Chinese philosophies have a more holistic approach.
They believe that we have energy channels running through the body that releases energy. These are called CHI.
Stimulation of the reflexes or energy clears congestion in the other areas of the body.
Helping the CHI flow and help balance body's function.
Reflexology will assist:
Sinus pain
Menopausal symptoms
Migraines
Pre-menstrual syndrome and other menstrual irregularities
Constipation
Diarrhoea
Sciatica
Asthma
Back pain
Neck pain
Shoulder pain
Benefits of Reflexology:
Reduced stress and tension
Improved circulation
Reduced toxicity
Improved immunity
Increased body awareness
When not to engage in treatment?
If you are suffering from any of the following, treatment of this kind should be ovoided (if in doubt, check with a qualified medical practitioner)
A contagious or acute infectious disease
Heart or nerve conditions
Had recent surgery of malignant tumor
Foot wounds, burns or infection
Deep vein thrombosis/phlebitis
Pregnancy (treatment should be done with caution to certain reflexes and caution should be taken particularly in the early stages of pregnancy
You should probably avoid reflexology when you are using alcohol or street drugs
For daily users of strong pain medication such as morphine
IUD users
After a Treatment
Most imbalances occur because of malnourishment, overuse or abuse, or too many toxins in the body causing irritations and sluggishness in certain areas.
When the body, or a particular organ, is sluggish due to a build up of waste products and then we stimulate that organ to "get back to work," it will probably eliminate some toxins right away. This is called detoxification. When a body system is stimulated and stronger, it has the energy and ability to kick out toxins settling in it. You will know when your body is detoxifying because of the symptoms you experience. One of the most common symptoms of detoxifying the body will be a loosening of the bowels.
The urinary system will carry out waste products in the form of urine. The urine may be stronger smelling.
Drink plenty of pure water to help flush out the toxins.
Detoxifying through the pores of the skin can show up as any type of skin eruption, including pimples, boils, rashes, or cold sores. Sweating during a deep treatment is sometimes experienced.
Article by Alexandra Williams (Dip. BT & Dip Make-up)
Interested in learning more about reflexology or booking a treatment from Hills Mobile Beauty:
Mobile : 0411 204 824 Email : beauty@hillsmobilebeauty.com.au