Reflexology is a even pressure applied to the feet with the hands which is claimed to promote healing and relaxation to all parts of the body.
Evidence shows that the feet were worked on to promote well being by the early Chinese, Japanese, Egyptians, Russians and Indians. In the early 20th century Dr William Fitzgerald developed a zone theory of the body claiming that one part of the body affected another in as much as pressure to one area could prevent pain in another area.
In the 1930’s Eunice Ingham furthered this theory and mapped out the body on the feet claiming that pressure on the various points had a healing effect on corresponding points in the body.
Reflexologists work with the subtle energies of the body stimulating the nerve endings in the feet and helping body into healing itself.
Reflexology claims to reduce stress, bring about deep relaxation, improve circulation, cleanse the body of toxins and impurities, balance the system and revitalise energy. It is also said to nurture relationships, stimulate creativity and productivity as well as being a preventative health care system.
Some feel who consider some hands on therapies as intrusive are happy to have their feet worked on as it is not so personal.
Scatz November 2002
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