It is known that the history of Reflexology stretches far into antiquity
because illustrations, texts, and artifacts show that, in at least some
form, manipulation of feet for positive purposes was practised in the
ancient cultures of China, Egypt, India, Japan and Russia. Unfortunately,
however, relatively little is known about the attitudes, theories, or
even the names given to such practises during those times.
There are various accounts of the practise of massage/manipulation
of the feet being performed across Europe during the Middle Ages. Harry
Bond Bressler argued that a form of Reflexology was practised across
the European social classes during the 14th Century. It is also claimed
that the Florentine Sculptor Cellini (1500 - 1571) used pressure on
hands and feet to relieve pain.
A book about this was published in 1582.
Modern Reflexology emerged in the United States during the early years
of the twentieth century and was initially known as "Zone Therapy":
In 1913 the American surgeon William Fitzgerald (1872 - 1942) described
a system of zones on the hands, feet and tongue that he argued were
related to other parts of the body.
Medical journalist Dr. Edwin Bowers recommended that Fitzgerald's method
be termed "Zone Therapy". Subsequently, other American medical
doctors, incl. George Starr White and Joe and Elizabeth Riley also wrote
books on the subject. Fitzgerald extended this work and publicised it
by teaching courses and seminars on the subject.
Eunice Ingham was an American Massage Therapist/Physiotherapist who
studied zone therapy under the supervision of Dr. Joe Riley. She went
on to become the main pioneer of modern reflexology (though zone theory
remains the basis of foot reflexology and is usually incorporated into
treatments). During the 1930s Eunice Ingham refined 'Zone Theory' into
'Foot Reflexology'. She published two books, "Stories the Feet
can Tell" in 1938, and "Stories the Feet have told" in
1963.
In 1966 Doreen Bailey, a former student of Eunice Ingham, returned to
England from America and became the pioneer of Reflexology in England.
There are also many modern contributors to the field of Reflexology.
These include Ann Gillanders [7]
.
Chris Stormer's analysis of how to interpret aspects of different parts
of the feet [8]
is now well-known, and a standard text used by many Reflexology Tutors.
Inge Dougans is also known for her work concerning the interrelationship
between Reflexology (specifically the reflex points/zones) and the Meridian
Lines usually associated with Chinese Medicine [9].
Most authors of Reflexology books include descriptions of routines
they personally have developed during their own experience of giving
reflexology treatments.
A Reflexology Treatment usually begins with a consultation during which
the practitioner asks the client a series of questions about how she
is feeling and about her medical history and any medical conditions
she has. This is an opportunity for the reflexologist to ensure that
there are no reasons why it would not be adviseable for her client to
receive a reflexology treatment that day (e.g. if feeling unwell, perhaps
due to onset of flu/measles/mumps/ etc.). It is also an opportunity
for the client to ask any questions he/she may have about Reflexology
and what to expect of the treatment.
Assuming all is well, the reflexologist will then invite the client
to make him/herself comfortable, usually on a therapeutic couch or 'Reflexology
Chair". The practitioner will then check the client's feet for
any injuries or infections before proceeding.
If any reason is found why either or both feet cannot be treated with
reflexology (such as broken skin/bones or contagious skin conditions,
for example) then the reflexologist may offer to treat the corresponding
hand instead - the effect being the same.
The actual treatment often consists of a short relaxation of each foot,
followed by a more thorough reflexology treatment of each foot, followed
by a short completion routine on both feet simultaneously. Many people
fall asleep, or at least enjoy a period of deep relaxation during their
reflexology treatment.
Timing varies but a standard treatment may have a duration of about
an hour, though shorter treatments for children, the elderly, and in
corporate environments are not uncommon.
Following the treatment itself, the reflexologist may invite the client
to get up slowly when he/she feels ready to do so. It is good practice
to check that the client is well and awake enough to drive home or otherwise
move onto their next task. It is also usual for reflexologists to invite
feedback about the treatment, answer any questions, and encourage the
client to drink a glass of water immediately afterwards.
