Reflexology is not a new concept - it has been used for generations in healing.  It is the application of appropriate pressure to specific points and areas on the feet, hands, or ears. The main focus of reflexology is on the reflex points in the feet andd hands. 

Reflexologists believe that these reflex points correspond to different body organs and systems, and if you stimulate these pressure points, you can actually boost the performance of those parts to achieve a healthy body.

Reflexologists use foot maps to guide their work.  The left foot corresponds to the organs found on the left side of the body and the right foot to the organs on the right side.

Some Important Reflex Points:

Some of the important reflex points along with the areas they stimulate are mentioned below. These reflex points are found on the feet.

The tips of the toes are related to the head.

The reflex points on the ball of the foot are connected to the chest and the heart.

You will find the reflex points of the intestines and lower back on, the heel of the foot.

The reflex points of the pancreas, liver and kidney are found on the arch of the foot.

By massaging these points, one can enjoy improvement and healing in all the organs mentioned.

Benefits of Reflexology

Promotes Better Sleep 

Reflexology can help realign your different body systems, relieving a lot of stress and allowing you to get more REM sleep .  It has cured the problem of Insomnia

Quiets the mind

Working on an emotional level as well as a physical level, reflexology gives you the time and space to de-stress and quiets any racing thoughts.

Helps You Relax 

Feeling similar to a massage and usually done in calming surroundings, many people try reflexology purely for its relaxation benefits.

Improves Your Mood & Helps Manage Stress

With the release of tension, reduction of pain and a balancing of your body’s energy systems, you can expect to feel much better in both body and mind. Many people who use reflexology treatments claim that their mood has been elevated with a more positive outlook.  It allows you to truly switch off so can help to reduce stress levels

Helps Fight Depression 

In addition to helping encourage relaxation and stress release, it is also believed to provide consolation so can help fight depression.

Improves Your Wellbeing

As it is considered a holistic therapy it therefore aims to balance and restore the body as a whole.

Helps your Immune System

Reflexology can help you to get your system back in balance; allowing your immune system to do its job more effectively.

Detoxes the body 

The practice encourages the body to gently detoxify, so drink plenty of water after your session to help flush out toxins

Improves Your Circulation

Reflexology can help clear the pathways ofyour body's natural energy flow, helping to regulate your circulation.

Increases Your Energy Levels

When you don’t feel uncomfortable and are well rested, your energy levels are bound to increase. It is believed that adding pressure to certain points in the feet, hands, and ears can open proper energy pathways

Lowers Your Blood Pressure 

The use of Reflexology as a companion therapy has shown that it is useful in bringing down blood pressure.

It Relieves Aches and Pains 

Reflexology can help to reduce the tension that makes the pain worse. Reflexology works by uniting the body’s natural energies with the nervous system. By massaging or putting pressure on certain points, you can get some relief from different kinds of pain.

Eases PMS and Menopause Symptoms 

It can help with female related aches, pains and cramps, as well as bloating and other symptoms.

Helps Your Digestive System

Digestive disorders are said to be cured by the use of reflexology and can provide relief from digestive problems like constipation

Reduces Migraines

Reflexology can relieve migraine headaches and tensions

Makes Your Feet Healthier 

It will also make healthier feet which helps you be healthier all over.

Reduces Edema/Swelling 

Can help with swelling due to pregnancy, a job standing on your feet all day or other reasons.

Reduces Restless Leg Syndrome Symptoms

If RLS is keeping you or your partner awake at night, consider reflexology.

Reflexology is definitely a popular alternative therapy. It promotes relaxation in the body, improves blood circulation, reduces pains and aches, soothes tired feet, and promotes overall healing. It is a recommended therapy but should not replace any kind of medical treatment.

History Of Reflexology

It is thought reflexology originated from China around five thousand years ago.

It is also believed to have originated from Ancient Egypt as well as in India and Japan.

The oldest documentation of reflexology was shown in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics with two men working on the feet and hands of two other men. This dates back to around 2,330BC. 

In India, 5,000 years ago the feet were thought to symbolise the unity of the entire universe.

The art of foot reflex therapy was not introduced to the Western World until the twentieth century when the Americans began to develop zone therapy, which had been practised by the Europeans as far back as the fourteenth century, into reflexology as we know it today.

It was first pioneered by an ear, nose and throat surgeon by the name of Dr William Fitzgerald (1872-1942). Dr Fitzgerald was the founder of Zone Therapy, which was an earlier form of reflexology.

However, reflexology as we know it today was pioneered by a woman called Eunice Ingham (1889 – 1974) She was a physiotherapist and spent 30 years travelling around America teaching her reflexology first to medical staff, and then to non-medical practitioners.

Modern Western reflexology uses the charts and theories developed by her and now called the Ingham Method