What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is a holistic complimentary therapy that believes that the feet reflect the body and that all the organs and glands are represented somewhere on the feet. By working on the feet, your body’s own healing energy gets released, helping the body and mind to recover and maintain its optimal balance and harmony.Reflexology has been practised in various forms for millennia. There is a historical evidence of this therapy being practised in Egypt, Japan, India, China and by the native Indians of North America. Indeed, a form of reflexology was even practised in Europe in the Middle Ages. However, the oldest historical evidence comes from ancient Egypt, and this hieroglyphic has been dated to 2500BC.
The first book was written in 1582 by Doctors Adamus and A’tatis. This was written on the subject of ‘Zone Therapy’, which was developed by several doctors throughout the years. But the person who developed it to the level we know reflexology today is Eunice Ingham (1889 –1974), an American physiotherapist. She charted (or mapped) the feet in detail locating the original reflexes, and added the technique of ‘variable and alternating pressure’ to the previous zone therapy method of ‘constant direct pressure’. She also named this therapy Reflexology, and that why she is known as the mother of reflexology. In the UK, reflexology was first introduced in the 1960’.
Reflexology aims to improve the functions of body systems in a natural and non-invasive way, helping to aid in a good physical and mental state, for a healthier and happier life. The human body is capable of self-healing, but sometimes it needs an extra helping hand.
Reflexology has many benefits, such as:
Decrease anxiety levels and induce a deep state of relaxation.
Reflexology can help with reducing the effect of stress by putting the body in a state of complete relaxation. It is also believed to encourage the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good hormones.Increase energy levels.
By working on certain points on the feet and aligning the functioning of various organ and muscle systems, reflexology can increase metabolism and energy creation processes within the body. Well balanced energy levels are essential for our wellbeing both physically and mentally.Increase circulation.
It means that blood and oxygen are being cycled through the body more effectively. More oxygen reaches vital organs optimizing their functioning. This also results in faster healing and re-growth of damaged cells.Remove toxins from the body.
The accumulation of toxins causes energy blockages in our bodies, which have a great impact on our quality of life. Low energy levels, depression, digestive problems, frequent headaches, poor memory, sugar cravings and skin problems are some of the pointers telling us that our body needs a detox.Improve nerve function.
Reflexology stimulates more than 7,000 different nerve endings in a single session, increasing their function and reactivity. A reflexologist stimulates reflexes prompting a healing response in every organ, gland and body system bringing relief throughout the system.Reflexology is a complimentary therapy, which means that we work alongside, not instead of, conventional therapy or other alternative therapies to get the best results for the client. The code of ethics states that reflexology doesn’t diagnose, prescribe or claim to cure any medical conditions.