Reflexology
Definition of Reflexology
Reflexology is based on the principle that there are reflex areas / points in the feet, hands and ears that correspond to all the organs, glands and other parts of the body. Reflexology means working on these reflex areas / points (on feet, hands and ears) with the thumb and fingers.
History of Reflexology
Reflexology has its origins in ancient times, maybe as far back as 4,000 BC. Definitely, the Egyptians already used it about 2,300 BC. This was also the time when acupuncture began, and it is believed that Reflexology and Acupuncture share a common beginning in Oriental Pressure Therapy.
Pressure methods on hands and feet were also used in several parts of Central Europe in the 16th century.
The North American Indians also used the relationship between reflex points and internal organs when treating diseases or relieving pain.
Important people who influenced contemporary Zone Therapy / Reflexology:
Dr William Fitzgerald (1872 – 1945)
He was an US American ENT (= Ear, Nose, Throat) specialist, who laid the foundation for modern reflexology, following his studies in Vienna, Austria, and in the USA. He published his book “Zone Therapy” in 1917, in which he described his division of the body into 10 “zones”, 5 on each side of the body. In his book he described his success with pain relief through the use of several devices on hands and fingers. He also held courses of instruction, and built up groups of practioners.
In the late 1800s Dr William Fitzgerald, an US American ENT (= Eer, Nose, Throat) specialist, established the “Zone Therapy” that
Eunice Ingham (1889 – 1974)
She was an US American massage therapist who studied the work of Dr Fitzgerald, and developed techniques for feet and hands. She found that feet were more responsive to pressure than hands, and the reflex points were easier to locate in feet. In her book “Stories that feet can tell” (published in 1938) she described her “Ingham Method of Compression Massage”. She also wrote later the book “Stories the feet have told”. Her work is the basis for modern reflexology teaching.