Reflexology

Reflexology refers to the health therapy in which pressure is applied by fingers or thumbs to ‘reflexes’ or specific places in the feet or hands which correlate to other areas of the body or to internal organs.  Reflexology is not massage where body tissue and muscle are directly manipulated.  Reflexology stimulates the nerve paths.  One area is worked on to promote a response in another area via the nervous system.  The treatment increases blood circulation, promotes relaxation which in turn allows the body to begin to re-balance and repair.  Typically reflexology involves the feet or hands but can also be done on the ears. 

Modern reflexology has its roots in the early 1900’s when Dr. William Fitzgerald, an American Ear, Nose and Throat specialist observed that when pressure was applied to one area of the body, the pain could be relieved or anesthetized in another corresponding area.  He called this “Zone Therapy” and divided up the body into ten zones.  In the 1930’s Eunice Ingham, a nurse and physical therapist, continued this body mapping process but focused  her attention on the feet.  She divided the foot into 12 pressure zones.  In 1938 she put these findings into a book entitled “Stories the Feet Can Tell”.  Reflexology began to gain acceptance in North America in the 60’s and 70’s.  The Reflexology Association of Canada was formed in 1976.

Reflexology is reported to have many benefits:  stress reduction, anxiety relief, circulation improvement, waste product elimination, balance and wellness.  A typical session will last 30 minutes to 1 hour.  Individuals with the following conditions should avoid or limit reflexology:  gout, burns, wounds, infection, vascular issues, recent wart removal, cancer, certain surgeries, and late stage pregnancy.