History of Reflexology
Reflexology is often considered an Eastern form of Massage Therapy. It claims to have predecessors in the wall paintings of Egypt and in Chinese Acupuncture. Yet, its founders are both Americans. In the 19th century, Dr, William Fitzgerald developed a theory on the interconnection between specific points on the feet, pressure and the impact on the body organs. He referred to 10 zones on the feet that would influence health if pressed upon properly. This is very similar to the Chinese concepts of meridians or channels and acupressure.
Mrs. Eunice D. Ingham, an American masseuse, adopted Fitzgerald’s ideas in the 1930s. She wrote a book The Stories the Feet Can Tell published in 1938. This spawned the massage now known as Reflexology. The intent is to restore physical health through pressing the points of the foot. Each foot (or hand) has specific ties to an organ or other significant part of the body. Direct pressure releases the pain and helps the healing process. Reflexology naturally finds itself in combination with other forms of Western and Eastern Massage Therapy. Aromatherapy, Shiatsu, Sports Massage, Chinese Massage Therapy and Yoga other practices may include Reflexology as a technique. In some ways, Reflexology provides the ideal example of West meeting East.
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