Danny Davis
Modern-day reflexology often draws comparisons to acupuncture and acupressure, and while they do share some similarities and roots in Eastern medicine, the histories are quite different. As ancient as many other modern complementary medicine options, reflexology’s roots extend back into the B.C. centuries.
The call to work on the physical body so as to bring about optimal healing and balance through bodywork and energetic shifts date back further than you might imagine. There are tomb drawings, some from ancient Egypt, that show what appears to be Egyptians sharing in the practice of hand and feet massage. It seems as if reflexology, or at the very least, hand and foot massage, began as early as 2,300 B.C.
It’s hard even to fathom what times were like back then – but it would make sense that they found healing through the simple methods of bodywork and reflexology.
The idea that everything is connected, some more clearly and pertinently than others, within the body and its energetic layers is not new. Rather, it has existed for centuries. Reflexologists think that micro sensations, such as a tug on a toe, can induce healing through a macro space, such as organs in your digestive system. Again, these ideas are hardly new. Only their popularity could be considered ‘new.’
Modern Happenings
A lot (to say the least) occurred between the time of the ancient Egyptians and our modern societies. Still, reflexology powered through all the changes and shifts. One of the major concepts which reflexology is based on is Zone Theory – the idea that the body can be divided into ten longitudinal zones, with five on each side.
Within these zones, there are notable connections that can be seen through the effects of reflexology. Zone Theory dates as far back as 1,500 A.D. So, while not as ancient as basic hand and foot massage, it came about in time for the concept to meld with energy work.
In the early 20th-century, Dr. William Fitzgerald supposedly said, “To stop that toothache, squeeze your toe.” Dr. Fitzgerald was an ear, nose, and throat doctor. So, reflexology began in the medical world but was shifted off to the side of complementary medicine over time. Less time was required with conventional medicine. Plus, it brought in more money.
The Namesake
Where did reflexology get its name? Well, you can thank Eunice Ingham. Ingham was a physiotherapist working with Dr. Joe Shelby Riley and his wife. Dr. Riley became interested in Zone Therapy. Eventually, he introduced the concept to Ingham. She deserves the credit for mapping the foot and hand charts, which are now well-known and widely used today.
How did she create the maps? She studied first-hand the reactions to sensations through work and research in hospitals and with numerous patients. It was Ingham who eventually named reflexology – the science of reflexes. The name stuck!
Thanks to Eunice Ingham, reflexology was brought back to life and maintained by her students and clients. She paved the way for the United States to cultivate a growing and thriving reflexology field.
Across the pond, in England, Doreen Bailey brought Ingham’s reflexology to her worlds. It took time, but eventually, it became popular and seen as a reliable method of healing.
Down The Road
Over time, as reflexology grew in popularity and became less vilified, research, monetary support, and authorized reflexologists grew correspondingly. As time goes on, reflexology will likely only continue to grow. Eventually, it might be as accessible and known as the wildly praised acupuncture.
For now, it remains a lesser-known practice. But, for those who know its benefits, it stands as a pillar of their health through its complementary medicine offerings.
The Benefits of Reflexology
Are you stressed out?
Do you feel achy all over?
Do you suffer from chronic or lingering pain?
Are you in desperate need of relaxation? Could you use a cognitive boost?
Do you need to improve your sleep pattern?
Are you looking for an energy boost, an improvement in circulation, pain relief or to prevent migraines?
Guess what? Reflexology can help you with all of those things! And, that’s just for starters. Ultimately, reflexology can provide you with an overall boost to your health and wellbeing. T
his holistic approach to health is beneficial to both your overall wellbeing and your happiness.
Too often we focus on symptoms instead of focusing on the root cause of the problems with our body. Reflexology is about finding the problem and rooting it out.
There are so many benefits to reflexology. If we wanted to share all of them, well, we’d need to write an eBook on the subject. Wait, we have and time is running out! Act now before it’s too late! Start our new eCourse – Reflexology 101 (it’s 100% free, no sign up required). In it, you will find everything you have ever wanted to know about the alternative and complementary medicine reflexology.
Are There Risks To Reflexology?
Have you heard there are risks to reflexology? That isn’t the case. For the most part, reflexology is safe for everyone. Of course, as with any health or medical procedure or treatment, there are exceptions. When it comes to who should or shouldn’t use reflexology it’s simple.
Pregnant women should avoid reflexology. A more appropriate treatment during pregnancy would be a prenatal massage. However, once the baby has been born, reflexology is beneficial for relieving symptoms of postpartum depression.
If you have active gout, an autoimmune disease, open wounds or infections (on your ears, feet or hands), then you should avoid reflexology. The majority of reflexologists eschew the use of gloves. This is because it can limit the power of the energy exchange. Once your open wound or infection heals, you can book yourself in for a reflexology appointment.
Additionally, someone who suffers from arthritis should be wary. That doesn’t mean it isn’t appropriate for you. It simply means that you should avoid treatment while you’re experiencing a flare in symptoms.
You can learn more about reflexology and who it’s right for by reading our new eCourse Reflexology 101 (100% Free).
It will provide you with everything you need to know about the subject.
Practice Reflexology At Home
In an ideal world, you will be able to enlist the services of a professional reflexologist. However, not everyone has that luxury, whether it’s an affordability issue or down to your location. In the meantime, it’s something that you can practice at home.
Before you can treat yourself, you will need to learn about the key points and where you can find them on your feet (or hands). You will need to get to know the map of your feet, finding which areas are firmer, tenser or more sensitive than others.
When you experience tension, you can breathe through it as you work the area. However, if there is pain present, this is an area you should avoid. This is the point at which you should find a professional to offer advice and guidance or, simply book a treatment with them.
Do you want to try reflexology for yourself? With our new eCourse Reflexology 101, you can learn all about how to treat yourself at home. No sign up required, get instant access completely free.
You will also learn the history of reflexology, the science behind it, and what a professional treatment looks like. There is nothing to fear from this satisfying and beneficial treatment option.
The Power of Reflexology
What is reflexology and how can it positively influence your life? Most people fall into the trap of believing reflexology is nothing more than a glorified massage. That isn’t the case, it’s all about pressure points, the body’s meridian lines, and how each of them can influence different areas of your body. It’s all connected and that’s the secret to good health.
Reflexology takes a holistic approach, aiming to treat your whole self. Alternative and complementary medicine approaches health factoring in your physical wellbeing, as well as your spirit, mind, and breath.
This healing method of treatment offers a wide variety of benefits. Typically, people think of reflexology as being focused on the feet. That isn’t true, though, feet are a major focus. Reflexology can also be carried out on the hands and ears.
If you want to learn more about reflexology and what it can offer you personally, then you can uncover a host of truths in our new eCourse – Reflexology 101 (FREE).
We don’t just define reflexology and discuss how it works, we also highlight the many benefits it has and the health issues it can improve.
Who wouldn’t want to improve their health without putting more medication in their bodies? Start reading today …
