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Reflexology is a bodywork technique that involves the stimulation of nerves in the feet and hands by applying pressure to them with the thumbs, fingers, and knuckles. The feet are the primary focus of reflexology but the ears and hands may also be  used when there are contraindications such a fracture.  Foot reflexology is based on the theory that our organs, glands and body parts have corresponding reflex points located on the feet. The application of pressure to these points can release energy blocks that can help bring balance to the body. The release of these energy blocks may relieve tension, help circulation and promote specific bodily and muscular functions.

The exact origin of reflexology is difficult to track but it is believed that the earliest form of this therapy originated in China around 5000 years ago. However, its origins are more evident from ancient Egypt in hieroglyphics found in the physician’s tomb of Ankmahor at Sappora which are estimated to date back to around 2330 B.C. with the writings showing a detailed foot treatment. In the early 1900’s, a physician by the name of Dr. William Fitzgerald started writing articles on “zone therapy” which has come to be the foundation of modern reflexology today. In the 1930’s, Eunice Ingram further developed foot reflexology through her research and discovery that  pressure applied to specific reflex points on the feet can assist in the reduction of pain and help alleviate conditions in the body. She claimed that these points in the hands and feet were sensitive to pressure and she also mapped the body into reflex points on the feet. This is when zone therapy came to be known as reflexology.

According to Eastern principles, Chi is the life force with all living things inmeshed within it. Chi presents itself as a specific and vital energy force within the body. In foot reflexology there is a mapping system called zones. Within these zones are the reflex points that are reflections of the body. It is believed that there are ten zones or energy pathways that are present in the body in which  Chi travels. Actually, Chi flows freely when the body is in a state of health but when there is disease present, there will be a disturbance in the flow. This represents an imbalance in the life force. These zones run vertically from the toes up to the head.  Five zones begin at each foot, with all ten zones coming together at the head. These zones go through every part of the body and all the organs, glands, and body parts fall within one of these zones.

In reflexology, sensitivity in a specific zone or reflex point may indicate that something is happening in a corresponding body part. By using reflexology techniques and applying direct pressure to any part of the zone, there will be an affect throughout the entire zone by directing Chi along its natural pathways. This will release energy knots caused by physical or emotional stress and will assist the body to a state of health. When applied properly reflexology can alleviate allergy symptoms ranging from allergy symptoms to back pain to sleep disorders as well as many other ailments throughout the body.

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