The History of Reflexology
Reflexology is a popular complimentary therapy which has ancient origins. The treatment involves the manipulation and massage of the foot whilst applying pressure to specific areas known as reflexes.
Healing through the use of touch is as old as human kind. The philosopher Hippocrates (460-375 BC) talks of the use of massage to maintain health. The ancient Egyptian origins of reflexology can be seen in a picture at the physician's tomb showing massage of the foot and leg. There are also links to ancient Chinese writings which describe using thumb and finger pressure as in reflexology long before acupuncture needles were used.
Reflexology as practised today has grown out of zone therapy which was developed by an American doctor in the early 20th century. William Fitzgerald was an ear nose and throat surgeon and developed zone therapy as a form of anaesthetic. He observed that applying firm pressure to certain points on the toes caused anaesthesia in other parts of the body. This practise allowed him to perform pain free minor surgery on the nose and throat without any other form of anaesthesia. The doctor went on to develop the system known as zone therapy exploring which area of the foot or hand corresponded with other points in the body. Many of the reflex zones correlate perfectly with acupuncture points in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
The doctor's work was called Zone Analgesia. He made use of the following tools to provide the necessary pressure: elastic bands, clothes pegs and aluminium combs, on the hands, surgical clamps. Modern reflexologists do not use tools but manipulate the foot and apply pressure with their hands and thumbs. Dr. Fitzgerald also discovered a very interesting fact, that the application of pressure on the zones not only relieved pain but in many of the cases also helped relieve the underlying cause as well.
Reflexology as we know it today developed out of zone therapy through the work of Dr Shelby-Riley and his wife Elizabeth Ann Riley. Eunice Ingham was a student at the Riley chiropractic school and she advanced the practise of zone therapy still further. The practise of reflexology was introduced to the United Kingdom by Doreen Bayly who was trained by Ingham. Doreen Bayly developed the first reflexology foot chart in the UK, published in 1966.
Reflexology has gone on to become a popular therapy in many countries and research continues to support the work of the pioneering doctors and therapists.
Discover more about reflexology treatments here:
http://www.breathetherapy.co.uk/reflexology-kidderminster-ref/
Healing through the use of touch is as old as human kind. The philosopher Hippocrates (460-375 BC) talks of the use of massage to maintain health. The ancient Egyptian origins of reflexology can be seen in a picture at the physician's tomb showing massage of the foot and leg. There are also links to ancient Chinese writings which describe using thumb and finger pressure as in reflexology long before acupuncture needles were used.
Reflexology as practised today has grown out of zone therapy which was developed by an American doctor in the early 20th century. William Fitzgerald was an ear nose and throat surgeon and developed zone therapy as a form of anaesthetic. He observed that applying firm pressure to certain points on the toes caused anaesthesia in other parts of the body. This practise allowed him to perform pain free minor surgery on the nose and throat without any other form of anaesthesia. The doctor went on to develop the system known as zone therapy exploring which area of the foot or hand corresponded with other points in the body. Many of the reflex zones correlate perfectly with acupuncture points in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
The doctor's work was called Zone Analgesia. He made use of the following tools to provide the necessary pressure: elastic bands, clothes pegs and aluminium combs, on the hands, surgical clamps. Modern reflexologists do not use tools but manipulate the foot and apply pressure with their hands and thumbs. Dr. Fitzgerald also discovered a very interesting fact, that the application of pressure on the zones not only relieved pain but in many of the cases also helped relieve the underlying cause as well.
Reflexology as we know it today developed out of zone therapy through the work of Dr Shelby-Riley and his wife Elizabeth Ann Riley. Eunice Ingham was a student at the Riley chiropractic school and she advanced the practise of zone therapy still further. The practise of reflexology was introduced to the United Kingdom by Doreen Bayly who was trained by Ingham. Doreen Bayly developed the first reflexology foot chart in the UK, published in 1966.
Reflexology has gone on to become a popular therapy in many countries and research continues to support the work of the pioneering doctors and therapists.
Discover more about reflexology treatments here:
http://www.breathetherapy.co.uk/reflexology-kidderminster-ref/
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