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Winter Special Reductions Available Now - Save up to 20%! Click here for more details... What is Reflexology?
What is Reflexology? Like many things in life, explaining "how" this works is difficult. If you ask "why" enough times to anything at all, sooner or later the explanations will end, or not make a great deal of sense. We know that manipulation of this part of the foot will help ease backache, and that that part will help ease allergic reactions - but the "how" part is delving into something that people have been trying to discover for thousands of years (see "Is Science Starting to Agree?" for details of recent and current studies, and "Reflexology's History" for details of some people who've put their minds to this in the past). Firstly, reflexology induces a state of deep relaxation in the recipient. During this state, known as homeostasis, the body is more able to repair itself than is normally the case, whether the person is awake or even when asleep. In essence, this encourages the body's natural repair system to work more effectively. Secondly, manipulation of specific areas of the feet use the central nervous system to carry "messages" to the intended area, stimulating that area into (e.g.) functioning in a more beneficial manner for the recipient of the therapy.
Reflexology's History The most common theory is that the earliest form of reflexology originates in China and goes back as far as 5,000 years. Many health skills in China originate from the early Taoists. There are several classic Chinese medical texts originating from this time, which note the effects of pressure point techniques, including those of the feet for use in healing. The picture below was found in the Physician's Tomb at Saqqara:
During the middle ages, the principle was known as "Zone Therapy" in Europe - the earliest known book on the subject was published in 1582 by Dr Adamus and Dr A'tatis, both prominent physicians of the time. Shortly afterwards, another book was published by a Dr Bell in Leipzig. In the 1800's, interest picked up in Zone Therapy in various places, with notable scientific figures investigating. In 1870's Russia, investigations were undertaken by Ivan Pavlov (a Nobel prize winner in 1904) and Vladimir Bektev (founder of the Russian Brain Institute). In 1890's London, Sir Henry Head (a celebrated neurologist) published a paper where he "proved" aspects of Zone Therapy, "The bladder can be exited into action by stimulating the soles of the feet". In Germany, Dr Alfons Cornelius treated his own symptoms with Zone Therapy-based techniques, and found that these symptoms improved, and, eventually, disappeared. Dr William Fitzgerald, in the earlier part of the 20th century, was someone who brought Zone Therapy into the limelight in America. In 1913, following years of investigation and as head of the Nose/Throat department in Hartford, Conneticut, he presented his findings. He demonstrated how, by application of pressure to certain points of the body, pain and discomfort could be relieved, and the function of organs improved. Together with an initially sceptical colleague, Dr Edwin Bowers, he discovered more about the practice, and, in 1917, they published "Zone Therapy". Until the 1960's, the term Zone Therapy was used. It was in 1961 that the physiotherapist profession officially objected to the use of the word "Therapy" in the name, at which point the name "reflexology" was adopted to describe this practice. It was a Dr Joseph Riley, who learned this technique, who taught it to a woman by the name of Eunice Ingham, a massage therapist (physiotherapist according to other sources). It was Eunice Ingham who brought reflexology to the attention of the general public, by promoting reflexology outside of the medical professions. In 1968, Eunice was charged with practicing medicine without a licence in New York. The charges were dropped before the trial - possibly because Eunice Ingham was 80 years old, and this could have been embarrassing for the authorities involved. Eunice died in 1974. In the late 1960's, reflexology was brought to the UK by Doreen Bayly. She offered training courses in reflexology, where an attendee would train for a weekend, after which they were issued a certificate. Later, this was extended to 2 weekends of training. These days, a diploma-qualified reflexologist trained in the UK must study for a year-long course, incorporating over 100 hours of practical application of reflexology techniques, as well as intensive theoretical study and research. This culminates in a 3-hour written exam as well as a separate practical examination, both of which must be passed in order to qualify.
Is Science Starting to Agree Again? At reflexology-research.com, there are details of over 170 studies of reflexology's effects. Over half of these studies were "controlled" (ie were under scientific conditions), and over 90% of these show positive effects from reflexology. In particular, over the last few years, a study was conducted via the University of Hong Kong, where magnetics (FMRI - Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging) were used to view the brain during the application of reflexology techniques. In essence, when a reflex area on the foot was manipulated, the corresponding area of the recipient's brain was "activated", indicating that there was a direct correlation between the two, and that the reflexology technique was indeed having a direct impact on the area in question. This evidence was presented at the 11th and 12th meetings of the Organisation for Human Brain Mapping through 2005-2006.
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Please remember that a reflexologist cannot prescribe medication or diagnose medical conditions. Should you require such services, please speak to your GP in the first instance. © Copyright 2009 In-Yo Reflexology |
