Zone therapy is an introductory treatment to reflexology
and is performed on the feet. A pressure point massage technique
is used to apply pressure to the foot, working within the ten zones
dividing the foot, running vertically from each toe down to the
heel area.
History
Zone therapy is believed to be the beginning or basis of reflexology
and originally evolved many years ago. Therapeutic treatment
involving the touching of feet has been in existence in many
cultures worldwide since ancient times.
Native Americans also used what is thought to be the beginning
of zone therapy. The medicine men used techniques to manipulate
and stimulate the feet as part of their healing process. They believed
and acknowledged the link between the foot and the whole body.
But it was Dr William Fitzgerald (an ear, nose and throat specialist)
who advanced and developed the initial techniques into what we
know as zone therapy in Europe today. It is thought that the Native
tribes in his area influenced his findings.
Fitzgerald discovered that when applying pressure to one area
of the body it relieved another area of pain and he went on to
develop this technique and used it as a form of anaesthetic when
performing minor operations.
DR Fitzgerald’s theory dissected the
body into ten equal longitudinal zones running from the top of
the head, down to the very tip of the toes. He believed that
all of the body parts within a given zone where linked, therefore
if pressure was placed in any area of that zone it would have
an affect on every body part lying in the same zone. This was
the basis of zone therapy. Dr and Mrs Riley identified the ten
zones of the body with the corresponding number of toes and fingers.
Dr Riley also added four horizontal zones and practised the hand
and foot treatment on his own patients.
What are the benefits associated with Zone therapy?
- Promotes total relaxation.
- Improves circulation
- Assists in reducing stress and anxiety levels.
- Promotes a sense of well being
- Nourishes the skin and assists with the removal of dead skin cells.
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