Each ancient civilisation practised some form of foot massage which dates back thousands of years. Reflexology itself has its roots firmly entrenched in traditional oriental medicine, however the modern practice of ’zone therapy’ began with an American E.N.T Specialist, Dr WilliamFitzgerald (1872-1942). He noticed when his patients performed his version of ‘painful point therapy’, their post-operative pain seemed to be much less than those who didn’t do any post-operative work. Eunice Ingham (1889-1974) picked up his work and concentrated her efforts in mapping the horizontal zones on the feet, plus the reflex points, and how they correspond to the body, this is the basis of the foot zonal reflexology, as we know it today.
Today there are many different styles of reflexology, some are based in Eunice Ingham’s zonal theory and some use the Chinese meridian, ancient ayurvedic or other systems, but each assume that the whole body can be reflected or mapped on the feet. The styles of Reflexology differ in the techniques and amount of pressure used by the therapist ranging from extremely heavy to hardly touching at all.
Reflexology is one of the few natural therapies being used by the nursing profession in palliative care, oncology, midwifery and aged care programs.
Reflexology is a complementary therapy that works alongside traditional medical care, it does not replace it. Reflexologists do not diagnose, prescribe or treat a specific illness. It is always advisable if you have any chronic or serious illness to get your doctors clearance before starting any type of Reflexology or massage therapy.