Reflexology Treatment, A Brief History

Reflexology has been used as a form of healing for many thousands of years by different cultures such as the Chinese, Ancient Egyptians and Indians. It is not possible to be precise as to when and where reflexology originated, but we do know that modern reflexology (as we know it today), has evolved through ‘zone therapy’.

The Reflexology Treatment

Reflexology is a holistic therapy that involves the application of pressure to specific points, known as reflexes, on the feet to encourage the body to heal from within. The therapy is based on the principle that the feet contain ‘mini-maps’ of the whole body and that by applying pressure using the fingers or thumbs a reflexologist can have a positive effect on the corresponding parts of the body. The treatment usually lasts 60 minutes.

One thing is clear, reflexology is so much more than a simple foot massage. It is a powerful therapy which has been shown to have a very positive effect on health and well being. When a part of the body is not working at its best, a sensitive area may present itself in the corresponding part of the foot when pressure is applied to it. By working over sensitive reflexes through a number of reflexology treatments the tenderness will usually reduce as the body begins to function properly again as it reaches homeostasis.

Benefits of reflexology include

• Reduces stress, relaxes and revitalises
• Eases tension, anxiety and depression
• Improves circulation
• Aids elimination of waste products
• Eases muscular tension, aches & pains
• Alleviates digestive problems, constipation and irritable bowel syndrome
• Relieves sinus problems, migraines and headaches
• Helps with premenstrual syndrome and menopausal problems
• Improves quality of sleep
• Helps couples who are trying to conceive

The feet are usually treated in a reflexology session. However, the treatment can also be carried out on the hands.

Hand reflexology is often advised as a self-help tool for between treatments.

Reflexology helps to restore and maintain the body’s natural equilibrium. It also encourages the body to work naturally to heal itself from within.