What You Need to Know About Reflexology?
In Sutton
Reflexology is a form of health therapy that uses different pressure points on the lower legs, feet, hands, face and/or ears that theoretically correspond with other areas on the body. This therapy is non-intrusive and typically used to compliment other forms of treatment. Reflexologists are holistic practitioners who prefer to work in conjunction with conventional health care professionals to improve their clients’ overall health.
History of Reflexology
The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine is an ancient Chinese medical book written about 1,000 BC. There is a chapter in the book on “Examining Foot Method” and this contains the very first discussions on the connection between the “life force” and various areas and points on the feet.
History tells us that in the 1300s Marco Polo translated a book about massage from Chinese into Italian, which first introduced massage and more specifically, reflexology to Europeans. In 1582 Drs. Adamus and A’tatis published a book in Europe on “zone therapy,” which is an integral part of reflexology.
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William H. Fitzgerald, MD, known as “the father of reflexology” in the U.S., in 1917 wrote of ten different vertical zones in the human body, extending the entire length. He discovered that by applying pressure to a particular zone that corresponded to where an injury was located could relieve pain, which led to this technique being used at that time during minor surgeries.
Dr. Shelby Riley expanded on Dr. Fitzgerald’s work by developing a diagram of various horizontal zones spanning the body along with a detailed diagram of pressure points on the feet, hands and outer ears.
Eunice Ingham worked in Dr. Riley’s practice as a physiotherapist and she is another important individual in the early development of reflexology. She did extensive research on the pressure points in zone therapy and discovered that the feet were the most responsive due to their sensitivity. Ingham was the one who created the foot diagrams and reflexology charts that are still used today. In the 1930s, she introduced the practice of reflexology to practitioners outside the medical community.
Dr. Paul Nogier was the first one to create a diagram of reflex points located on the outer ear. This was back in 1957 and although Flocco and Oleson have since expanded his work, the basic techniques are still being taught today for practitioners learning how to integrate foot, hand and ear reflexology.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Would reflexology be appropriate for me?
Reflexology can be performed on people of all ages, whether the client is a newborn baby or as part of someone’s end-of-life care. But, as with all forms of health care there are certain situations in which this may not be the most appropriate treatment. We recommend that you call your local reflexologist to relate your symptoms and ask whether reflexology would be appropriate for you.
How can I find out whether reflexology would help me?
A well-trained reputable reflexologist will not state that he/she can diagnose, prescribe or cure anyone. Reflexology is a highly individualized form of holistic treatment. It takes into account many different factors that could be affecting your health and wellbeing, including physical as well as non-physical.
It works well for some people and for others it doesn’t. The only way you can find out if it would be effective for you is to try it out!
Theoretically, reflexology helps to naturally rebalance the body. After being treated, there should be reduced tension and an overall feeling of being relaxed. You might sleep more soundly and notice an improved sense of wellbeing and state of mind. There may be other aspects of your health and wellbeing that show improvement as well, but this varies among individuals.
Research has been done on reflexology that shows positive results, but at this point there is not enough evidence to make concrete claims of clinical effectiveness.
With the stresses of everyday life on the upswing, it’s vital that people begin to assume more responsibility for the state of their health. Reflexology might very well be one way to relieve the stresses of a busy life.
What usually happens during a reflexology treatment?
On your first reflexology appointment you will be asked to provide a complete medical history and your signed consent for being treated. All information will be kept in complete confidence. This form of therapy is typically very easy to receive because you will only be asked to remove your shoes and socks.
Using his/her hands, the reflexologist will then apply pressure to different points on your feet, your lower legs, both hands, your face and/or ears. At times the treatment may feel a bit uncomfortable, but in general the treatment should relax you. In the end, your therapist will probably recommend a series of treatments to resolve your issues.
How should I expect to feel after being treated with reflexology?
It always helps to discuss this with your reflexologist so he/she knows how your body is responding to the treatment. This helps them customise a treatment plan to meet your specific needs. After just one or maybe two sessions your body may have a distinctly noticeable response. Most people feel relaxed with an overwhelming sense of wellbeing; but people have reported being tearful, nauseous and even lethargic, but this typically passes quickly and reflexologists consider this part of the therapeutic process of healing.
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