History of Reflexology

Reflexology has been in existence for thousands of years. There are paintings in the Physician’s Tomb in Saqqara, Egypt dating back to 2330BC. They depict people receiving hand and foot massages. Similar practices have been documented in the histories of China and India.

Reflexology was introduced to the United States by William Fitzgerald in 1913 and who was named the modern-day pioneer, in the early 20th century he created  a technique focussing on ‘zone analgesia’. He was known as the ‘father’ of Reflexology.

Eunice Ingham, modernised reflexology and went on to create Zone therapy in the 1930’s and wrote various books including; ‘Stories that Feet Can Tell’; ‘Stories that Feet have Told’. She was known as the ‘mother’ of Reflexology, and has made reflexology what it is today. By illustrating all the reflexes on feet – mirror image of all organs, glands & parts belonging to body.  She went on to highlight that when the body part experiences a problem, corresponding reflexes in feet will reveal sensitivity when pressure is applied. Then by applying a deep, alternating pressure, a stimulating effect occurs distributed to the ‘zones’ of the body.

Reflexology is a Complementary Therapy that works on the feet or hands enabling the body to heal itself.  It is a form of massage which applies pressure to certain parts of the feet in order to promote relaxation, maintaining the body’s natural equilibrium and encourage healing elsewhere in the body.

Below is an example of a reflexology foot chart which illustrates where certain parts of the body are located on the feet.

footchart

There are some suggestions that reflexology may aid :

  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Stress-related conditions
  • Back pain
  • Headaches
  • Fertility issues
  • Sleep disorders

Sonia Tillcock MAR is a qualified complementary therapist.

To make an appointment or discuss treatments call or text Sonia on 07771 562491 or email [email protected]

map of where to find Bliss Therapies.