What is Reflexology?

by Amy Kreydin, ARCB Certified Reflexologist

History

The practice of Reflexology has a long history and has been passed down from generation to generation for centuries. Greek legend tells us the feet were considered a symbol of the soul, and any lameness was perceived as a sign of weakness in spirit. While Reflexology has a place in ancient Egyptian medicine: illustrations were found in the Physicians Tomb in Saqqara dating to 2,300 BC. The hieroglyphic writings were translated by the Papyrus Institute in Cairo above the scene reading “Do not let it be painful” says one of the patients. “I do as you please” is the reply. And in China foot reflexology was used alongside acupuncture in the 4^th Century BC.  

Theory

The scientific basis of reflexology began with knighted research scientist and medical doctor, Sir Henry Head in the 1890’s. He demonstrated the neurological relationship between the skin and internal organs. Around the same time a German physician, Dr. Alfons Cornelius, observed that pressure applied to certain areas of the body triggered muscle contractions, caused changes in blood pressure and variation in warmth and moisture levels throughout the body as well as positively affecting the emotional state of the patient.

Today's Reflexology

Doctors William Fitzgerald and Joe Shelby Riley along with physiotherapist Eunice Ingham developed the basis of modern reflexology as we know it today. Ms. Ingham developed the work of her colleagues into a useable therapy and called it “foot reflexology.” She then took it to the public from the late 1930’s to early 1970’s by traveling around the country teaching groups. And so the modern Reflexologist was born. The number of published books, articles and television appearances has risen by 500 percent since the 1980’s.

Medical science now validates the positive therapeutic benefits of reflexology on a wide variety of conditions including back pain, asthma, PMS symptoms, bedwetting, menopause symptoms, multiple sclerosis, infertility and many more.