WHAT IS REFLEXOLOGY?

Reflexology is a non-inviasive natural health science based on the concept of pressure maps, called Reflexology Maps, resembling the shape of a human body, that are found on the feet, hands and outer ears.

Specific touch techniques unique to the field of Reflexoloyg, using thumb and fingers, are applied to specific parts of the feet, hands and outer ears to bring relief to a wide range of health concerns and challenges throughout the body.

Reflexology is a natural health approach to promote relaxation, increase circulation, and balance the body’s systems in a holistic manner.

It is estimated that up to 85% of all illness is stress-related.

With Reflexology we can reduce accumulated stress and tension on body and emotions.

 

HOW DOES REFLEXOLOGY WORK?

When there is an imbalance in one part of the body, a backache for example, we can feel it as tenderness or soreness in the corresponding reflex area at the feet, hands and ears. An experienced reflexologist can detect accumulated blockages in the reflex areas.

How can that be? What is the relationship between your neck, liver or sinuses and your feet, hands and ear?

Western medical books estimate several thousands of nerve endings (synapses) in each foot. The nerves go up the legs, interconnecting with other nerves throughout the whole body. An imbalance occurring in one part of the body hinders our bio-electrical energy flow to the reflex areas. When we are balanced and in harmony the energy can flow freely. Prolonged stress on the other hand can cause congestion around the nerve endings and hinders proper energy flow. By gently breaking down the congestions, the corresponding part of the body also experiences some form of relief. Balance and health returns to the affected area.

 

BENEFITS OF REFLEXOLOGY

Reflexology is deeply relaxing and helps reduce the effects of stress on body and emotions. Prolonged stress causes organs and glands to become either over-active or under-active. Reflexology helps to normalize the body functions.

There are many benefits frequently reported like…

• Stress reduction and deep relaxation
• Reduction and elimination of pain
• Improved circulation
• Increased oxygen and nutrient supply to the brain and body
• Normalization of body functions
• Strengthens the immune system
• Detoxification

All of this and more through safe and nurturing touch.

 

REFLEXOLOGY MAP OF THE FEET & HANDS

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Bottom View of Feet                                                  Palm View of Hands

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REFLEXOLOGY MAP OF THE EARS

 

Internal Organs & Musculoskeletal Ear Points

 

DOCUMENTED HISTORY OF REFLEXOLOGY

Reflexology was first documented by three medical doctors in the early 1900’s.

In 1917 William Fitzgerald, M.D., USA, in his book, Zone Therapy, divided the body into ten wide vertical zones running the entire length of the body, with every part of the body being in one or more of the zones. In 1924 Joe Shelby Riley, M.D., USA, in his book, Zone Reflex, divided the body into horizontal zones going across the body as well as across the feet and hands, with the tips of the fingers and toes corresponding to the head, progressing downward, with the heel of the feet and hands corresponding to the lower parts of the body.

By the 1930’s their combined work was being called Foot Reflexology and Hand Reflexology.

Eunice Ingham, a physical therapist in Dr. Riley’s general practice, pioneered the development of reflexology in the 1930’s. Her method and findings has now spread around the world and her work was then continued by her nephew, Dwight Byers.

Most commonly known today is foot and hand reflexology. Although, some reflex points on the outer ears were known in Ancient China and Ancient Mediterranean countries, it was not before 1957 that Paul Nogier, M.D., France, documented for the first time, a reflex map of the human body upside down in the fetal position, located on the outer ear, with the head reflex on the ear lobe and progressing upwards with the foot reflex near the top of the ear. In 1959 researchers in China validated Dr. Nogier’s reflex map while at the same time discovering a second, equally effective reflex map on the outer ear.

In the early 1980’s at the American Academy of Reflexology in Los Angeles, California, William S. Flocco discovered that it is important to work with all three reflexology systems, the feet, the hands and the outer ears. Mr. Flocco found that working on each system was effective, and that knowing how to prioritize the work on the feet, hands, and ears, is most important for best results in eliminating pain and discomfort.