What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is not a foot massage! Reflexology is a non-invasive manual technique based on the principle that the body is reflected in reflexes found on the feet, hands and outer ears that reflect back to every part of the body. The application of a certain pressure technique to these reflexes and the resultant stimulation sent via the nerve pathways, produces physiological change in the body. Reflexology gently nudges the body towards better functioning and healing by improving oxygenation of cells, lymphatic drainage and venous circulation through the relaxation process. The effectiveness of Reflexology is recognized worldwide by various national health institutions and the public at large, as a distinct complementary practice within the holistic health field.
Definition of Reflexology
Written in 2019 in conjunction with RAA, ARCB, NCRE and the RAA Delegate Assembly
"Reflexology, an integrative health practice, maps a reflection of the body predominantly on the feet, hands and outer ears. It uses unique manual techniques to deliver pressure to neural pathways assisting the body to function optimally."
"Reflexology, an integrative health practice, maps a reflection of the body predominantly on the feet, hands and outer ears. It uses unique manual techniques to deliver pressure to neural pathways assisting the body to function optimally."
Reflexology: A Brief History
In the United States, during the early part of the 20th century, Dr. William FitzGerald carried out research on Zone Therapy. He used gadgets to apply pressure to different parts of the body in order to anesthetize another area for minor surgeries. He theorized that the body could be divided into 10 longitudinal zones and that by working anywhere in a zone, the rest of the zone is affected. Dr. Joe Shelby Riley, who studied Zone Therapy with Fitzgerald, took the discipline further. Riley was the first to make detailed charts of the reflex areas found on the feet and hands. Riley developed and added a manual “hooking” technique to apply pressure. Dr. Riley worked with physiotherapist, Eunice Ingham, who had been working in Riley's office. With the encouragement of Riley, she further investigated the relationship between the feet and the entire body. Ingham probed the sensitive spots on clients' feet and carefully observed the correlation between these tender areas and the clients' ailments. She discovered that intermittent pressure, as opposed to constant pressure, stimulated a healing response in the body. Ingham developed a therapeutic “thumb-walking” technique and drew detailed maps of the reflexes of the feet and hands. She worked on hundreds of clients and observed how, time after time, her Reflexology method, as she came to call it, effectively alleviated people's ailments.
Prior to the 20th century, knighted research scientist, Dr. Henry Head, proved the neurological relationship that exists between the skin and the internal organs in the 1890's. Nobel prize winner, Sir Charles Sherrington proved the whole nervous system and body adjusts to a stimulus when it is applied to any part of the body. In Germany, Dr. Alfons Cornelius observed pressure to certain spots triggered muscle contractions, changes in blood pressure, variation in warmth and moisture in the body as well as directly affecting the metal state of his patients. Reflexology is built on these concepts.
Since the 1980s, there have been over 500 research studies validating the effectiveness of Reflexology on a wide variety of conditions conducted around the world, including the US. In Denmark, Reflexology has been incorporated into the employee health programs of several large corporations saving each company thousands of dollars annually through the reduction of sick leave.
Prior to the 20th century, knighted research scientist, Dr. Henry Head, proved the neurological relationship that exists between the skin and the internal organs in the 1890's. Nobel prize winner, Sir Charles Sherrington proved the whole nervous system and body adjusts to a stimulus when it is applied to any part of the body. In Germany, Dr. Alfons Cornelius observed pressure to certain spots triggered muscle contractions, changes in blood pressure, variation in warmth and moisture in the body as well as directly affecting the metal state of his patients. Reflexology is built on these concepts.
Since the 1980s, there have been over 500 research studies validating the effectiveness of Reflexology on a wide variety of conditions conducted around the world, including the US. In Denmark, Reflexology has been incorporated into the employee health programs of several large corporations saving each company thousands of dollars annually through the reduction of sick leave.
