What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is NOT massage.

Reflexology is a non-invasive, complementary modality (therapy) involving the use of thumb and finger techniques to apply alternating pressure to reflexes shown on reflex maps of the body located on the feet, hands, and outer ears.

Reflexology is a relaxing therapy that can be used alone, as a complement to, or in conjunction with integrative healthcare therapies.

 

Scope of Practice

--Specific techniques and areas of application define the unique quality of reflexology as opposed to any other practice. The traditional practice of reflexology primarily focuses on the theory of reflex maps and their representation on the feet, hands, and ears. Reflexology as a manual practice consists of working with specific finger, thumb, and hand techniques in order to stimulate reflex points on the feet, hands, and ears. Reflexology is applied to a fully clothed person, only the shoes and socks are removed

What is a Reflexologist?

A Reflexologist is a person who uses special pressure techniques on the reflexes of the feet, hands, and ears; one who has studied the principles of reflexology, anatomy, and physiology generally included in a regular course of study and who has received a minimum 200* hour training certificate or diploma of education in reflexology, or certification through a national, independent non-profit reflexology certification board.

*These hours are under review at the national level and subject to increase.

History of Reflexology

"The human foot is a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art."

( Leonardo da Vinci )

--Many forms of footwork have been known and used throughout human history in Egypt, India, China, Japan, the European countries and the North and South Americas. In 1909-13 Dr. William Fitzgeral, and American medical doctor, began introducing a new therapy to the west known as ‘zone therapy’. He noted that reflex areas on the feet and hands were linked to other areas and organs of the body within the same longitudinal zone (Fitzgerald Zones). He noted that zone therapy brought pain relief to his patients.

--Dr. Joe Shelby Riley, a student of Dr. Fitzgerald’s, added to Fitzgerald’s longitudinal lines with his discovery of the eight horizontal lines and also made the first drawings of the reflex points located on the feet and hands, and he was the first to add the ears. Dr. Riley published the first book on ‘zone therapy’ in 1919. Altogether, he wrote four books (twelve editions) and several correspondence courses on the subject.

--In the 1930’s to the mid 70’s, Eunice D. Ingham, a Physiotherapist in Dr. Riley’s office, further developed zone theory and renamed it “Reflexology”. Through her study and work on many clients, she observed that congestion or tension in any part of the foot is mirrored in the corresponding part of the body and created detailed “reflex maps” of the reflex points on the feet. She also discovered that an alternating pressure was more effective than continuous pressure and created the “thumb walk” technique.

--In 1938 Eunice published her first book, Stories the Feet Can Tell and began a 40 year lecturing and teaching career that took her across the US and many parts of Europe. In 1945: Zone Therapy and Gland Reflexes was published. Later the two books were combined and renamed Stories the Feet Can Tell and Stories the Feet Have Told. Eunice’s work and legacy lives on through her books and the Original Ingham Method™ by nephew Dwight Byers of the International Institute of Reflexology.

To learn more about Reflexology’s history read
Reflexology: Art, Science & History and Eunice Ingham: A Biography by Christine Issel, www.quantumreflexology.com