What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is a complementary therapy that works on the principle that there are reflex points in the feet and hands that correspond to all of the organs, glands and parts of the body. It is widely accepted in the UK and recognised by the NHS, many GPs and hospices.
Reflexology has been practiced for many years and has origins that can be traced back to 2330 B.C. in ancient Egypt and also in India and China. It wasn’t until 1913 that Dr William Fitzgerald introduced this therapy to the West 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 zone.
In the 1930’s Eunice Ingham worked with Dr Fitzgerald and further developed this zone therapy into what is now known as Reflexology. Her work is taught exclusively by "The International Institute of Reflexology”, the school that she founded. This is the school I trained with. It is the oldest Reflexology School and the only one licensed to teach the Original Ingham Method® of Reflexology.
Reflexology is not a beauty therapy or a foot massage. Reflexology is a unique method of applying pressure with the thumb and fingers to the reflex points on the feet and hands. There are approximately 7,000 nerve endings in the feet which feedback information to the spinal cord and brain. Stimulating these nerve endings brings about the relaxation response via the parasympathetic nervous system. This provides the right environment for change to take place. It enables a positive change in the body, reducing stress and tension, improving blood supply and unblocking nerve impulses. It helps eliminate harmful toxins from the body, balances the body and calms the mind.
Following illness, stress, injury or disease, the body is in a state of “imbalance”, and vital energy pathways are blocked, preventing the body from functioning effectively. The application and the benefit of the therapy is specific to each individual. The reflexologist will detect imbalances in the feet and by working these areas can help relieve stress and tension, release blockages and restore the free flow of energy to the whole body.
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