Reflexology is a holistic therapy that encourages the body to heal itself from within.

It is thought that the feet depict the body and therefore certain areas on the foot correspond to certain areas of the body. Pressure is applied to the foot using a pressure point massage which encourages the corresponding organ or system of the body to re-balance its self.

History

Eunice Ingham was employed as a physiotherapist by Dr and Mrs Riley (see Zone Therapy) and went on to become the founder of reflexology.

By the early 1930s Eunice Ingham had pioneered reflex techniques and made the transition between zone therapy and reflexology. She considered the feet to be the most sensitive and responsive part of the body; therefore she mostly worked on the feet and ignored other areas of the body. Ingham also identified that when the feet were placed together they reflected the shape of the body. She went on to develop a complex theory, identifying certain areas of the feet with certain organs in the body. This lead to an anatomical map of the body being placed onto the feet.

Eunice used her fingers and thumb to apply pressure to certain areas on the feet. She moved smoothly and carefully over the skin, identifying imbalances in the corresponding area of the body through tenderness, sensitivity or pain at the point of pressure. She referred to her technique as ‘compression massage’ and this developed into what we know today as the caterpillar technique.

What are the benefits associated with reflexology?

• Assists in reducing stress and anxiety levels
• Promotes total relaxation
• Relieves pain
• Improves circulation (blood and lymph)
• Promotes a sense of well being and
  re-balance
• Strengthens the immune system
  Increases energy levels