History of Reflexology

Reflexology was practiced by many ancient civilizations such as the Chinese, Japanese, Indians, Greeks, and Egyptians, who believed that working the feet promoted health, they knew that reflexology activated the healing powers of the body and through pressure on various parts of the body had analgesic and therapeutic effects. They also recognized that body soul and body are united.

Historically reflexology appears in 3000 BC in tomb frescoes in Egypt and India where they showed a specific way of applying pressure to the feet. About 2000 years back we have references to it in a book by the Chinese emperor Huang Ti. Around the same period there are reports that in the most famous asclepias of antiquity, such as those of Epidaurus, Amphiaraeus, etc., a form of pressure therapy similar to that of reflexology was applied.

The modern history of reflexology begins in 1913 by Dr. Fitzgerald, surgeon otolaryngologist, founder of the theory of zones, who is considered the father of reflexology. This theory began when during operations he observed a reduction in pain when pressure was applied to specific points. His work was continued by the American Eunice Ingham who had been trained under him. Her famous books are: Stories the feet have to tell us and Stories the hands have to tell us.

What is reflexology?

Reflexology is a human approach to pain because it has to do with the fact that reflexology and all similar practices do not separate the emotion from the body, that is, it has a holistic approach (body, emotion and mind).

So when a body starts to get sick, the only way it can tell us about it is through pain either emotional or physical.

So it is at this moment that a person has a story to tell us, a story that hides an unexpressed emotion that can be embodied, and it only takes an external stimulus to awaken even a forgotten pain.

Reflexology is a complementary treatment where its purpose is to balance and enhance the body's self-healing capacity.

It is a practice that never works on the point of pain but on the reflex of pain.

Every part of our body has its reflex in the ears, face, hands and feet as well as in corresponding areas of the body. The activation is achieved through specific pressures and techniques.

In addition, by following a reflexology treatment one has mental clarity, one's powers of observation are sharpened, the mind is distinguished by sharpness and clarity, mind and body work in harmony.

We could therefore refer to reflexology as a practice that is not only therapeutic but also rejuvenating and anti-aging as it has benefits to all systems of the body.

Action of reflexology

Reflexology is a mildly harmless natural method that helps all systems of the body. We can perform reflexology on a newborn as well as on a senior citizen. In newborns it can help with colic in the bowel as well as pains they experience in their little body. In seniors, it reduces stress, improves mood and sleep.

Systems

• In the gastrointestinal system e.g. helps with colitis, diarrhoea, bloating, oesophageal reflux (acid reflux).

• In the circulatory system there is a general reduction of swellings in the body, better oxygenation and supply of tissues with nutrients as well as due to stress reduction, regulation of pressure.

• Through the reduction of stress we observe better functioning in ourendocrine system. When one is under stress, adrenaline is secreted, resulting in an increase in palpitations, tachycardia, as well as an increase in blood pressure. Through reflexology, endorphins are secreted "the hormones of joy" and thus the body relaxes and well-being is created, thus regulating the pressure, insomnia is relieved because sleep is continuous without interruptions, and sleeplessness is reduced, as well as palpitations.

• In the lymphatic system where toxic substances are removed from the blood, strengthening the lymphatic system (strengthening the body to deal with colds, fevers, headaches, sinusitis, rhinitis, etc).

• In gynecology due to the balancing of hormones we observe a reduction in period pains, headaches, helps with dysmenorrhea in menopause and menopause with a reduction in hot flashes and better sleep as well as regulating libido.

• In the urinary system (frequent urination, prostate).

• Finally, regarding the musculoskeletal system, reflexology helps with neck, back and back pains (lumbago), pains along the leg (sciatica) and headaches.

Reflexology helps in autoimmune conditions as well as in people undergoing chemotherapy.

Nowadays, stress levels are high, resulting in an explosion of many autoimmune diseases. As reflexology reduces stress levels, there is an automatic reduction in the symptoms experienced by those who have them.

As far as people undergoing chemotherapy are concerned, reflexology:

• reduced fatigue and increased energy
• reduced the tendency to vomit
• reduced swelling all over the body, especially around the ankles
• normal functioning of the urinary tract and bowel and a reduction in musculoskeletal pain
• stress was significantly reduced, resulting in a better mood and better sleep.

Reflexology also helps in conditions such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's by reducing tension in the body and helping with mobility.

How many sessions are needed?

A suggested protocol is 10-12 sessions in which our body starts to regain its strength.

In general, reflexology can be done as often as one wants and for a long period of time because it is a gentle harmless natural method that helps all systems of the body. We can do reflexology to a newborn as well as to a senior citizen. In newborns it can help with colic in the bowels as well as pains they experience in their little body. In seniors, it reduces stress, improves mood and sleep.

Reflexology is something magical not described in words, you can feel it. It is a complementary holistic treatment that can link with other medical practices and work together. 

Reflexology is a practice that proves time and time again that no matter how much we have abused our bodies, with just a few sessions, the differences are often dramatic.