What is Reflexology

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology by Definition

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 is a serious adjunct to the health field and should not be confused with massage.

Ancient Roots

The origins of reflexology are believed to have stemmed all the way back to ancient Egyptian times as seen in hieroglyphics found in a physician's tomb in Saqqara, Egypt(Below). It clearly shows the practitioners are working on the hands and feet of their patients.

Ingham Method

Reflexology as we know it today was researched and developed by Eunice Ingham(pictured) who was a physical therapist working with Dr. Joe Shelby Riley in the early 1930's. Dr. Riley had been working with Dr. William Fitzgerald who had developed "Zone Theory" in 1917. This theory was based on applying pressure to "zones" in the feet to relieve pain and often the cause of the pain in corresponding "zones" of the body. Eunice Ingham picked up where the doctors had left off to develop zone theory further. Eunice treated many patients with what she called "Reflex Therapy" and later named "Reflexology". She had much success discovering reflex areas in the feet which had an affect on a certain part of the body. As a matter of fact the body's "map" on the feet(as seen below) is an exact copy of the body itself! Finding and working the body's reflexes in the feet helped to relieve an abundance of health problems through a natural reflex action that improved life giving blood flow to vital organs and parts of the body. Eunice wrote two books on all her findings and what started out as short book reviews, over time with the help of her niece and nephew, turned into training workshops. Eunice helped raise her niece and nephew from an early age. Her nephew, Dwight C. Byers, taught reflexology at the workshops as well, helped to develop reflexology even further, and went on to establish the National Institute of Reflexology in the early 1950's. In 1980, the workshops had gone worldwide and became the International Institute of Reflexology. To this day these workshops, all over the world, are being taught to keep Eunice's dream alive and that was simply using reflexology to ease the suffering of mankind.

Benefits of
Reflexology

Relieves stress and tension
Improves nerve and blood supply
Helps nature to normalize which brings balance to the body

Today, it is said by doctors that 60-90% of all ailments are linked to stress. In this modern life we rarely find an "off" switch for our minds and rest for our bodies. This can cause tension to build and build until necessary functions in the body are disrupted which can cause illnesses or diseases to take hold. Reflexology gives your nervous system that much needed space to de-stress and return to normal function.

Can Reflexology Make a Condition Worse?

No. Reflexology is non-invasive and simply helps the body to normalize. It cannot make any condition more acute. Anyone can receive reflexology at any age and any stage of life. Your reflexologist will ask you about your health history to cater your sessions to suit your indidvidual needs. Some clients of reflexology do experience something called a health response after their session. This may include responses like tiredness, a surge in energy, change in sleep pattern, frequent urination and nausea just to name a few. This is a completely normal response from the body being able to release waste materials it may have been holding on to due to stress and poor circulation. This is a good thing! These symptoms usually don't last long, often resolving in a day or two.

*Disclaimer: Reflexology is not a replacement for medical care. Reflexologists do not:

Diagnose
Prescribe
Treat for a specific condition

How Does Reflexology Work?

There is a map of the entire body located in the feet represented by reflex areas. Applying pressure to these reflex areas establishes communication with the inner body. This helps to strengthen connectivity between body systems that may be out of balance or are suffering from stagnation. Reflexologists use the manual technique of thumb and finger walking to communicate with the nervous system through the reflexology map. Our feet have nerve sensors that are constantly processing information when outside pressure is applied. It is often forgotten how important our feet are when it comes to navigating. They don't just carry us, they tell us everything.

How Often Should I Receive Reflexology?

Reflexology is unique for every person because every person is unique. A regular foot reflexology session can last 45 minutes to an hour. This gives time to work necessary reflex areas. As for how often to receive sessions it depends on health concerns and goals. When dealing with chronic or acute health issues more often is best, receiving sessions at least once a week. Receiving regular weekly sessions on a consistant basis works best for achieving a physiological change in the body. If only relaxation is needed to recoop from stressful events or for general maintenance, come as you need.

Reflexology Lymph Drainage

Reflexology Lymph Drainage (RLD) is a specialized technique that was developed and researched by Sally Kay(pictured) in the United Kingdom whilst working at a cancer clinic. The need for RLD came from patients undergoing treatment after breast cancer and struggling with secondary lymphodema, primarily in the arm. Through extensive clinical practice and research, Sally Kay found the RLD protocol had made a significant difference in reduction of volume in the affected arm of patients.

RLD was modeled after Manual Lymph Drainage or Lymph Drainage Massage focusing on the reflex areas of the lymphatic system in a specific sequence to encourage proper lymph flow and drainage. The goal is to help the lymphatic system drain properly, especially in the case of excess lymph fluid gathered in an area of the body.

RLD can be used for both primary and secondary lymphodema. It has also been shown to be useful for clients who are dealing with inflammatory or auto-immune issues such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, migraines, eczema, chronic fatigue, sinus problems, and more.

Reflexology Pioneers

The field of Reflexology and each of it's members has made great strides thanks to some amazing and gifted people. Below are just my personal favorite, and maybe yours too, contributors to this wonderful work we call Reflexology.

Learn more by clicking on their name!