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A BRIEF HISTORY OF REFLEXOLOGY
When mankind went barefoot, walking on sand or uneven ground was a partial reflexology treatment. India, China, Egypt, etc., practiced reflexology thousands of years ago. For instance, in Egypt, in the physician's tomb (2300 B.C.) there can be found a pictograph which may be evidence of reflexology being applied. When we put on shoes we lost direct contact with the earth and were no longer grounded to it. We lost the natural exchange between the body's electrical currents and those of the earth.
In 1913 reflexology was brought to the Western world. Dr. Wm. Fitzgerald, an M.D. in Connecticut, was using "Zone Therapy" to deaden pain in some parts of the body. Physiotherapist Eunice D. Ingham who developed Fitzgerald knowledge into a usable therapy, calling it Foot Reflexology and took it to the public in the late 1930's through the early 70's.
Today recent research studies have been conducted around the world, including in the US, which are validating the effectiveness of Reflexology on a wide variety of conditions. Chronic conditions seem to respond especially well to Reflexology. In China, where reflexology is accepted by the central government as a means of preventing and curing diseases and preserving health, over 300 research studies have shown reflexology provided some improvement to 95% of the over 18,000 cases covering 64 illnesses studied. In Japan and Denmark, reflexology has been incorporated into the employee health programs of several large corporations saving each company thousands of dollars annually in paid out sick leave benefits.
Many of our health problems can be linked to stress. It is an acknowledged fact by the medical community that a body trying to function while under the influence of prolonged stress is less capable of organizing its defenses against illnesses and repair damage caused by injury. Stress can be mentally, emotionally, physically, or environmentally induced. Reflexology is primarily a relaxation technique. Reflexology can negate the effects of stress while it helps the body relax. Through the relaxation process the body is more capable of dealing with the stresses placed on it by daily living and those associated with illness. Reflexology gently nudges the body towards better functioning by improving lymphatic drainage and venous circulation, simulation to the nerve pathways, and muscle relaxation.
While historically Reflexology has anecdotally been found to have a positive affect on the body suffering from a wide variety of chronic problems, it is not a panacea for all ills. Reflexology is not a substitute for medical treatment, but can be used as a complement to any type of medical approach or therapy. Reflexology can also be incorporated into an overall healthy lifestyle which includes attention to diet, moderate exercise, and different forms of stress reduction and relaxation.
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FOOT & HAND REFLEXOLOGY: HEALING THROUGH PRESSURE THERAPY
Reflexology is a "pressure therapy" and involves applying focused pressure to certain known "reflex" points located in the hand or foot, which correspond to certain other areas in the body. This pressure triggers your body to release endorphins, its own pain killer. Some of the recognized benefits from receiving a reflexology treatment include increased circulation, relaxation, and release of tensions. Other benefits (for which empirical proof may not yet exist) discovered through my own use of this ancient tool include clearing of emotional debris, detoxification of organs, rejuvenation of tired tissues and cells, balancing of the auric field, grounding, and greater facilitation of any other energy method used.
As with all the healing modalities, I can best speak from my own perspective of the work and the effects I have personally witnessed. My first experiential contact with Reflexology occurred in a chronic pain support group, when I received a treatment from one of the other group members. The effects of the treatment were near-miraculous. I felt light and joyful for hours afterwards. At that moment, I decided I would learn the modality, simply because the proof of the effectiveness was so evident to me, by personal experience.
Since I began utilizing reflexology, I have been repeatedly amazed at how accurately the hands and feet reveal the state of the body. If I am working with someone who has severe sinusitis, for example, there will be a temporary but excruciating tenderness in the sinus reflexes on then hand or the feet. The physical results are often quick and very easily documented as a result of the treatment.
One important note concerns the location of the reflexes themselves. In the beginning, I was very confused about this because every text I read seemed to have certain reflexes in different places. Who was right, I wondered? As my experience grew, I began to see that they were all right some of the time. Each person's foot or hand was unique and individual.
Reflexology is easy to learn, and easy to do. I would encourage anyone with an interest in alternative healing modalities to study reflexology, and integrate it into whatever work you now do. I find that a brief reflexology treatment can be very beneficial. At other times, there may only need to be one reflex worked but it will correlate to the healing that is needed. It is a versatile tool that it can be included with any other kind of work done, and is so enjoyable that most people are grateful for the inclusion.
I teach basic reflexology class when I speak with groups interested in alternative healing tools. I even go so far as to suggest that it should be taught to grade school students.
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A NEW WAY TO LOOK AT YOUR FEET!
Each foot has over 7,000 nerve endings, 26 bones, 107 ligaments and 19 muscles. This type of drugless therapy triggers endorphins and creates a physiological change in the body by naturally improving your circulation, which reduces your body tension and enhances relaxation. It aids in the elimination of body waste and restoring the body functions to better health.
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WHAT IS A TREATMENT LIKE?
Both patient and reflexologist must be positioned comfortably to ensure maximum relaxation. Usually, a reclining position is preferred by the patient. A reflexologist will usually work on the feet, but if this is not possible, the treatment can be given on the hands.
Beginning with one hand or foot, all reflex points on both hands or feet are always stimulated as the body is considered to be a whole; the pressure applied varying with each person and the depth of the work.
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CAN REFLEXOLOGY MAKE A CONDITION WORSE?
No, it will not make any condition more acute. Foot & Hand Reflexology helps nature to normalize body functions. A Foot & Hand Reflexology series relaxes the stress that can affect your health. It is a safe effective way to better health.
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RELEASE OF TENSION
Stress in modern life cannot be avoided; we live with it every day. Stress becomes a problem when we fail to manage it well, especially the stress that results from problems, frustrations, overwork and worry. When we don't handle stress well, the body's defenses breakdown and you become more susceptible to illness. Reflexology reduces stress by generating deep tranquil relaxation.
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IMPROVES CIRCULATION
We all know how important it is for blood to flow freely through the body carrying oxygen and nutrients to all the cells in the body and removing waste products and toxins. Stress and tension tighten up the cardiovascular system and restrict blood flow. Circulation becomes sluggish. By reducing stress and tension, Reflexology allows the cardiovascular vessels to conduct the flow of blood naturally and easily.
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REFLEXOLOGY FOR EVERY DAY
Reflexology has become increasingly popular for obvious reasons. Who wouldn’t want to feel healthier or even feel less stressed? Imagine, you’re sitting at your desk at work and your head feels like it’s in a vise and the sound of drums are echoing loudly through your ears! Maybe it’s sinus related or perhaps you’re overburdened with a hectic workload and you are STRESSED! Why not take a minute to REFLEX? You whip out your reflexology chart, look at the corresponding area that relates to what is presently causing you discomfort and then you reflex it! Unfortunately the first thing most people think of, Ibuprofen, caffeine and other drugs. However, with a little practice and reflexology that association can change!
Quick routines for various ailments do not replace a traditional Reflexology session, but they are wonderful for alleviating discomfort and helping to bring oxygenated blood flow to the affected areas. Consult your charts for these procedures and start applying them whenever you are confronted with a painful stress producing challenge. If these symptoms persist it is wise to check with your doctor to make sure nothing serious is happening.
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INFECTIONS AND DAMAGED AREAS
Some conditions (e.g. warts, & small cuts) would be covered with a dressing and direct touch would be avoided. With severe conditions (e.g. bad varicose veins in the leg, open sores in the leg, oozing, cracked athlete’s foot) working on the referral areas would be appropriate. Light cases of athletes foot (flaky, itchy) OK to work, be sure to wash hands thoroughly before and after working.
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BROKEN BONES/SPRAINS
If the foot or hand is in a cast, don’t work on it. Once the foot or hand is out of the cast, work the area lightly to improve movement and circulation. If the sprain is bandaged, leave it alone. Work on the referral areas to promote faster healing.
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INFECTIOUS ILLNESS
It is sensible to avoid working on people during the infectious stage, to avoid the risk of cross-infection (Colds, flu, etc. with other clients).
If there are stitches, do not work on that particular area. Work on the referral areas to promote faster healing. Once the stitches have been removed, work the area lightly to facilitate circulation in the healing process.
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PREGNANCY - Pregnancy is not a disease!
There is nothing wrong with the uterus or ovaries. Many therapists feel that they have to concentrate on these areas. It is not necessary to work on those areas. It is the body in its entirety that needs to be helped, not just the reproductive reflexes! Related conditions such as back pain, morning sickness, fluid retention and constipation are all things which reflexology may alleviate during pregnancy. I have read that it is contra-indicated to work on women who have a history of unstable pregnancies; it is these women who need reflexology! The first trimester is, for many, the best time to have reflexology done.
There is no evidence whether or not Reflexology can encourage a cancer to spread, but most Reflexologists, through years of work, feel that this is very unlikely. Reflex work can be beneficial at all stages of the illness, to help reduce pain, counteract the side-effects of drug and radiation therapy, and increase general resilience. Reflexology may be particularly helpful in the terminal stages of the illness.
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ELDERLY, ILL CLIENTS
Eledly, and ill clients benefit tremendously from short, light sessions.....note the word ILL. For generally healthy elderly people.....they love it!
Healing Yourself with Foot Reflexology by Mildred Carter
Body Reflexology Healing at Your Fingertips by Mildred Carter & Tammy Weber
Hand Reflexology Key to Perfect Health by Mildred Carter
Better Health with Foot Reflexology by Dwight C. Byers
Stories the Feet Can Tell/ Have Told Thru Reflexology by Eunice D. Ingham
The Art of Reflexology by Inge Dougans
