Reflexology

Reflexology is a form of foot massage which has been practised for thousands of years and is said to have originated in China some 5000 years ago .Then pressure therapies such as Acupuncture, Acupressure and Shiatsu were used to correct energy fields in the body. The ancient Egyptians also used a form of reflexology, as shown in a wall-painting in a tomb dating about 2330 BC at Saqqara, south of Cairo.

The connection between the chakras and reflexology is intimate as they are both forms and conduits for energy medicine – the Chinese call this life force “chi”.

Reflexology was introduced to the west in 1913 by William Fitzgerald, an American ear, nose and throat Consultant. He devised the method called “zone therapy” which involved applying healing pressure to specific areas of the body. The body was divided into ten zones or channels through which the person’s energy or “chi” flowed.

In the early 1930’s, another American Therapist, Mrs Eunice Ingram wrote two books on Reflexology in a form which concentrated solely on working with the feet. Her work was introduced to the UK by one of her students, Mrs Doreen Bayly. There are some recommended books on reflexology at the end of this section for further reading about the history of this form of therapy.

Reflexology is now widely practised in the UK and worldwide and many hospitals use it as a useful technique to help reduce anxiety and stress.

A full reflexology treatment should only be carried out by a fully trained practitioner. However the chart below gives you some ideas for safe and gentle home massage.

Copyright © Alison Bourne 2003

**Alison Bourne is a registered full member of The Association of Reflexologists and has been qualified for ten years.

Related Organisations:

The Association of Reflexologists
AOR Administrative office, 5-6 Fore Street, Taunton, Somerset. TA1 1HX United Kingdom
Tel: 0870 567 3320 Fax: 01823 336646 Email: info@aor.org.uk WWW. http://www.aor.org.uk

The British Reflexology Association
Administration Office, Monks Orchard, Whitbourne, Worcester, WR6 5RB
Tel: 01886 – 821207 Fax: 01886 – 822017 Email: bra@britreflex.co.uk WWW http://www.britreflex.co.uk

Reflexology - Recommended Reading

The Big Little Book of Reflexology: The Only Book You’ll every need. ~ Inge Dougans ~HarperCollins

The Complete Idiots Guide to Reflexology. ~ Frankie Avalon Wolfe~ Alpha Books

Reflexology: The Definitive Guide. ~ Chris Stormer ~ Hodder Stormer H & S