History of Reflexology

HISTORY OF REFLEXOLOGY

What can Reflexology treat ?

Reflexology is often used in conjunction with other forms of medical treatment. It can be performed on everyone from infants to the elderly. It can also be used to enhance health as well as treat very sick individuals. It is also safe during pregnancy, before and after surgery.

Specific conditions which benefit from reflexology include: Allergies, restless leg syndrome, back pain, bladder infections, bronchitis, childbirth, chronic fatigue, chronic pain, constipation, diarrhea, ear infections, female health problems, fever, gastritis, hay fever, headaches, insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome, menstrual cramps and stress. Most conditions can be treated by reflexology in that it is stimulating the body’s system to heal itself.

ZONE THEORY

As may be seen in the illustration, the first zone starts from thumb and through the arms go to the middle of the head and down to the big toe through the middle of the body. Similarly, each finger or toe represents a zone.

According to zone therapy, all body parts in the same zone are said to be linked through energy flow and if there is any congestion in that part of zone, the whole zone gets affected.

ZT was developed into FR by Eunice Ingham. She selected the feet for pressure application. The location of reflexes could be more easily found on the feet, a relatively more compact part of the body and where it was more convenient to work on.

As a result of her dedicated and untiring labour she could plot reflexes of all parts of the body on the feet. Her first book “Stories the feet can tell” was published in 1938. Some years later her second book “Stories the feet can told” was published.

Since then Foot Reflexology has been spreading fast.

What happens during a reflexology session?

The first visit to a reflexologist will generally take about 15 minutes longer than subsequent treatments. The reflexologist will probably ask you about your medical history and about your diet, exercise and general health. The reflexologist will take detailed notes about your lifestyle before looking at your feet; they will then make notes on the colour, look and feel of your feet.

They will then 'work' the entire area of both feet, some reflexologists may work the hands. The young or elderly will generally be given shorter treatments but more often so the body systems are not over stimulated. Sometimes on a first visit the session will be shorter as the reflexologist doesn't want to over stimulate the body and each session after will usually be 30-45 minutes.

During the session you may feel different sensations in your feet, it may feel like a sharp pain or your feet may feel very sensitive. Sensitivity varies from person to person and from treatment to treatment. But generally the session will be calming and comforting; it will not tickle since it is a firm pressure to the feet. The practitioner will adjust the pressure to suit.

Home

History of Reflexology

About AIAAR

Courses

Find Reflexologist

Calendar

Happenings

Photo Gallery

Sole Searching

Download

Shopping