What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is a Complementary & Holistic therapy that is applied to the hands and feet. The aim of the treatment is to treat the whole individual thus encouraging the body to heal itself and maintain homeostasis - the natural balance within the body.
It is important to remember that Reflexology is more than just a foot or hand massage. As the reflex points on the the hands or feet are worked the circulatory system increases blood supply around the body resulting in the release of tension and toxins for elimination. This brings about a more balanced state.
Because the treatment is so relaxing it aids the emotional and mental well being not just the physical. This should not be underestimated as it is widely considered that a high percentage of illness and disease are stress related.

Where did it originate?

The earliest evidence shows Reflexology being practised in Egyptian and Chinese culture, although it is believed by some that Reflexology was used by a vareity of different races reaching Europe around 1300AD but was still not widely known.
In Egypt there is pictorial evidence of work on feet and hands found in the tomb of the physician known as Ankmahor. The tomb at Saqqara in Egypt dates back to 2330 - 2500BC.

The translation of the above image reads as follows -
Patient: "Please do not hurt me"
Physician: "I will work so that you shall praise me"

As you can see from the image it clearly shows people working on the hands and feet. Wouldn't it be great to know what they knew and experience the treatment!

The story since then...

In 1917 an American ear, nose and throat specialist named Dr William Fitzgerald discovered whilst working that by applying pressure to certain areas of the body he caused an anaesthetic effect on another part of the body. Dr William Fitzgerald realised this worked within 'zones' and so divided the body in ten equal zones.
The work of Dr William Fitzgerald was expanded upon by a friend and colleague Dr Joseph Shelby Riley and his wife. They later went on to publish a book called "Zone Therapy Simplified" in which they charted the first reflex zone map of the feet.
During this time an assistant of Dr Riley named Eunice Ingham began expanding upon the works before her. She developed the role of the feet in Zone Therapy and further developed the map of the reflexes. Eunince Ingham then went on to train Hanne Marquardt and Doreen Bayly who then bought Reflexology to Europe.
Today we have training centres across the UK and professional bodies working hard to promote, expand and research this valuable and effective therapy.

What Conditions Can it Help?

Reflexology has been shown to be effective for conditions such as:

All stress related conditions

Migraine

Pain control

Sleep disorders

Hormonal disturbances

Digestive disorders

Sports injuries

Lethargy & stabilising energy levels

Poor immunity

General imbalances within the body

Reflexology can also when used before an operation or as 'maintenance' can help speed your recovery from surgery/illness.

The above list is by no means exhaustive. As mentioned earlier Reflexology works wonders on stress related conditions and as stress is a major contributor to illness and disease there are many more conditions which will benefit from Reflexology.

What Benefits can be Expected?

With regular treatments you will notice improvements in your day to day living. You will find that you will cope differently to stress and stressful situations more efficiently as your body strives to restore balance.