What is Reflexology?
The official definition according to the Reflexology Registration Council of Ontario:
Reflexology is a non-invasive therapeutic treatment applied to the feet and hands using finger and thumb techniques thus
relieving stress and tension and improving circulation.
Where Does it Come From?
The earliest known reference to Reflexology is more than 4000 years old. Illustrations found on the wall of the Physicians Tomb at Saqqara, Egypt dating to around 2,330BC shows the therapeutic benefits of manipulating specific points on the hand and feet. According to the Papyrus Institute in Cairo, the hieroglyphic writing above the scene reads "Do not let it be painful" says one of the patients. "I do as you please" is the reply.
Numerous forms of reflexology are known to exist in many cultures in various eras.
Dr. Wm. Fitzgerald, Otolaryngologist, (ear, nose and throat specialist), developed Zone Therapy (1917) which later became the foundation for modern reflexology. Dr. Shelby Riley, M.D., devoped the theory further.
Eunice D. Ingham, a Physical Therapist, worked closely with Dr. Riley and was fascinated by the concept of Zone Therapy and started developing her foot reflex theory in the early 1930's. She had the opportunity to treat hundreds of patients where each reflex point of contact had been carefully and thoughtfully checked and rechecked until with all confidence she was able to determine that the reflexes on the feet were an exact mirror image of the organs of the body. Dr. Riley encouraged her to write her first book entitled "Stories The Feet Can Tell" where she documented her cases and carefully mapped out the reflexes on the feet as we know them today.
How does it Work?
There are three main theories. The reflexologist's application of pressure to feet, hands, or ears sends a calming message from the peripheral nerves in these extremities to the central nervous system, which in turn signals the body to adjust the tension level. This enhances overall relaxation, brings internal organs and their systems into a state of optimum functioning, and increases blood supply (which brings additional oxygen and nutrients to cells and enhances waste removal). It positively affects the circulatory, respiratory, endocrine, immune, and neuropeptide systems in the body.
Another theory that may also explain how reflexology can produce pain relief is the gate control theory, or, more recently, the neuromatrix theory of pain. This theory suggests that pain is a subjective experience created by your brain. The brain does this in response to the sensory experience of pain, but it can also work independently of sensory input and create pain in response to emotional or cognitive factors. Thus things that influence the brain, such as your mood or external factors like stress can also affect your experience of pain. According to this theory, reflexology may reduce pain by reducing stress and improving mood.
Yet another theory holds that there is a "vital energy" in the human body. If stress is not addressed, it leads to congestion of energy, which in turn causes bodily inefficiencies, which can lead to illness. According to this theory, reflexology helps keep the energy flowing.
This video will give you a good idea what reflexology looks like. Schooling, techniques and experience may vary from one reflexologist to another, be discriminate in choosing your reflexologist. Make sure they are registered.