By Nicola Lambert
The History of Reflexology
The origins of Reflexology are believed to be at least five thousand years old when the Chinese discovered the therapeutic effects of manipulating specific points on the feet and hands when treating disease. Forms of reflexology have been used by many ancient people including African tribes, Red Indian tribes, Incas and the Ancient Egyptians.
In fact, in 1897, illustrations were found in the tombs of the physician Ankmahor in Saqqara, which is just south of Cairo, clearly showing people massaging and manipulating the feet. These drawings can be dated back to 2,330BC. (See example above)
In the early part of the nineteenth century Reflexology was brought to the West and was brought to the attention of the medical world by Dr William Fitzgerald It was more commonly known as 'Zone therapy' at this time and Dr Fitzgerald worked on the principle that the body was divided up into 10 zones and by applying pressure to an area within a zone on the foot, pain was relieved in other areas of the body.
Many people were sceptical about these theories until the 1930's when Eunice D Ingham developed the work of Dr Fitzgerald and found that the feet were intensely sensitive and accessible enough to treat ailments within the whole body. She went on to publish two extremely popular books on the subject of foot reflexology and open her own training school. Reflexology as we know it today had arrived.
What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is a method of activating the healing powers of the body. It is a natural and drug free treatment which involves removing nothing but your shoes and socks. It is based on a long established principle that there are energy zones within the body and reflex areas in the feet that correspond to all the major organs, glands and body parts. When illness or imbalance occurs in the body the corresponding energy channels become blocked. Reflexology is a method of applying pressure to each and every one of these precise reflex points on the feet to locate imbalance within the body and destroy these blocks to allow the body's energy to flow freely again. Reflexology helps to activate the body's own healing and cleansing mechanisms bringing the body to a natural state of balance.What Reflexology Can Do for You
Reflexology has many benefits and can help to -- Reduce stress
- Induce deep relaxation
- Improve circulation
- Cleanse the body of toxins and impurities
- Revitalise energy
- Re-energise the immune system
- Restore mental alertness
- Improve attention span
Reflexology is not a medical treatment therefore a Reflexologist cannot treat specific diseases nor diagnose illness.
Reflexology is used to help you become aware of any imbalances in your body, and to help you maintain optimum health.
Reflexology is safe for people of all ages and many people have reflexology to help with a wide range of common conditions. Whilst others use it as a preventative measure or because they have a physical or emotional problem.
Acute or chronic conditions may benefit from reflexology when used along side orthodox medicine.
Reflexology can be used to treat any condition that comes about because the bodily systems are out of balance. Conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, hay fever, eczema and PMS may benefit from regular reflexology treatments.
What to expect during a Reflexology treatment
When you have your first Reflexology session you will have a full consultation that will help to build a complete picture of your health, lifestyle and expectations of the treatment. This will ensure that a treatment plan is created to suit your own personal needs. You will be asked to remove your shoes and socks and relax your feet in a soothing foot spa. You will be placed in a comfortable position either lying or sitting down and your feet will be examined. Relaxation techniques will be used to start the treatment to relax the body. Pressure will then be applied to each and every one of the reflex points on the foot. During the treatment you will fall into a state of deep relaxation and you may even fall asleep. When the treatment is completed you will feel very relaxed and invigorated. An aftercare sheet will be provided to give you advice on how to help make the treatment more effective.
Posible side effects following a Reflexology treatment
It is common to suffer from side effects for up to 24 hours following a reflexology treatment. This is because the body is adjusting and beginning its own healing process and is known as a healing crisis. Some people may find that their condition worsens after a treatment but this is temporary and should only last for a day or so. This should be taken as a positive sign that the treatment is working although subsequent sessions should be kept to a minimum for the duration of the healing crisis in order to give the body time to rid itself of the toxins.
Because reflexology is a deeply relaxing treatment many people find that they sleep very well following their session.
Other common reactions are also visiting the toilet more frequently, a runny nose, increased perspiration or a slight rash on the skin. This is because the body is ridding itself of unwanted toxins.
After a treatment you should take time out to relax and benefit from the session.
Drinking at least 8 glasses of fresh water after a treatment will help the body to rid itself of waste.
Avoiding alcohol and reducing your caffeine intake is also recommended following a reflexology session.
About the author:
Nicola Lambert has completed complementary therapy courses in Hopi Ear Candling, Reflexology, Flower Essences and is nearing the end of a Colour Therapy course. Nicola is also about to enrol on an Holistic Massage course and once she has completed her therapeutic training is looking forward to setting up her own complementary therapy practise. You can contact Nicola via the Holistic Shop at: info@theholisticshop.com |
<< Previous page
Print this article
Send this page to a friend