Reflexology — History and Benefits
Reflexology is a 4000+ year
old method of natural health care. Its earliest evidence dates back to a cave drawing found in Egypt approximately 2500 B.C.
in the tomb of Ankhamahor, also known as the physicians tomb. Even before this discovery, it was commonly believed that reflexology
had ancient origins and that it developed together with the ancient Oriental practices of shiatsu and acupuncture.
Another belief
is that a form of reflex therapy was handed down from the Incas to the Native Americans. They have known the importance of
feet for centuries. Jenny Wallace, a Cherokee Indian from the Bear Clan, practices today as a foot therapist. In the tribe
working on the feet is an important healing art.
In the early
1900’s, Dr. William H. Fitzgerald, known as the founder of Zone Therapy,
advanced and developed the practice of reflexology in our Western culture. Dr. Fitzgerald developed a system of 10 zones,
running from the top of the head to the tips of the hands and feet. Reflexology was known as Zone Therapy until the early
1960’s.
Eunice Ingham, who initially worked for Dr. Fitzgerald is credited as
being the “Mother of Modern Reflexology.” She used Zone Therapy and eventually “mapped” out the zones
and their effects on the rest of the body. It was her devotion to the art of reflexology that makes it as popular as it is
today.
A Holistic Approach
A holistic approach to healing means that the entire body, mind and spirit are treated as opposed to isolating the area of illness or treating only the symptoms.
The effects of modern living, for example, diet, stress, chemicals, all
tax our bodies. Reflexology helps the body regain homeostasis, to recover its state of balance.
Who can Benefit
from Reflexology
Anyone
and everyone can benefit from reflexology’s wonderful ability to synchronize all of the body’s systems. It effectively
improves the functioning of mind, body and spirit.
The way a person goes about getting reflexology is a little like how they go about having massage: some people will
do it when they have a specific health concern and they want the therapeutic benefit, others get reflexology when they have
an unusually high level of stress and tension in their lives (and in their body), still others have their regular sessions
of reflexology as part of their health regimen - a preventative approach, and then, there are those people who indulge themselves
simply for the peacefulness of the experience and the deep relaxation that they enjoy after - some as a special treat for
themselves on a special occasion, others as a regular enjoyment.
Whatever the reason, reflexology will help you balance your body and support you on your way to better health.
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