Reflexology Background
Healing by touch is as old as mankind. Massage comes from the Arabic word ‘mass’ meaning to touch or palpate.
There is evidence that reflexology is more than 4000 years old. Both the Egyptian and Chinese Civilisations have a history of healing using reflexology techniques.
Paintings have been discovered in Egypt dating back to 2300 BC showing reflexology treatments. Drawings in the tomb of Physician Ankhamahor at Saggara, Egypt depict both hand and foot treatments.
As far back as 2nd Century BC the book “Historical Records”, written by Sima Qian described a Dr Yu Fu as treating people with no herbs or acupuncture but solely massage of the feet. Chinese Reflexology involves a firmer more stimulating massage than its Western stimulating and relaxing counterpart.
There is also evidence that reflexology was used alongside acupuncture in China in the 4th Century BC.
Reflexology in the West originated in the study of Zone Therapy which uses the longitudinal lines of energy running up through the body from the feet to the brain. Dr W Fitzgerald in the early part of the 19th Century brought his research into ancient Chinese healing techniques and his own experiments of the effects of applying pressure on key points to the West.
In 1917 Dr Fitzgerald’s and his assistant Dr Edwin Bowers produced a book of Zone Therapy and Dr Fitzgerald started running courses.
A course attendee Dr Joseph Shelley Riley worked with Dr Fitzgerald on producing further books. His Assistant Physical Assistant Eunice Ingham devised basic foot maps and pioneered the Ingham method which is still widely used today. She published “Stories the Feet Can Tell” (1938) and “Stories The Feet Have Told” (1951) and established the “National Institute of Reflexology”
Modern life means people have to walk less on bare feet, and have soft carpeting and softer footwear. This means our feet do not necessarily require the heavy massage and a more gentle approach can achieve brilliant results.
Gentle Touch™ Reflexology is a more subtle form of reflexology that uses a light and soothing touch. It is designed to enhance the body's own healing ability. This therapy can help people physically, emotionally and also help improve energy levels. It is a very relaxing and approachable method. It involves a softer flow of energy which is more relaxing to receive with positive results.
What can it do and not do?
Reflexology can do many things but it cannot realign broken bones or re-grow amputated body parts. It may by gentle pressure stimulate the body’s healing process which allows for emotional and physical well being. There is no limit to its potential and what it can possibly achieve. A therapist must always keep an open mind and a positive sense of energy when working with a client, whilst ensuring their own protection both physically and mentally. Always keep an open mind of what is achievable without making claims or promises.
Reflexology works on our mind body and spiritually on many levels and to varying individual degrees.
It is a holistic and non-invasive treatment. Focus of energy should be on the individual and not on their condition. The individual is treated as a whole and not as a list of conditions. The body does not function as individual parts but as an interaction between many structures and systems.
Our immune system has the ability to help promote the cellular replacement that is required for replacement, repair etc and reflexology has the potential to promote this process.
A Reflexologist cannot make a diagnosis other than a Reflexology diagnosis which is the quality of the reflex point. A Reflexologist must always refer a client to their Doctor as necessary.
The three main contra indications are
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT),
- Gangrene
- Internal Bleeding.
Caution needs to be shown with the following conditions:
- Acute cases pre surgery
- Broken Bones
- Cancers/tumours
- Cardio Vascular disorders
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Implants such as Pacemakers
- Infectious diseases
- Other complimentary Therapies within the last 24 hours
- Phlebitis
- Pregnancy (Do not treat as a student and not during the first trimester)
- Psychosis/severe mental health issues
- Fever
- Shingles
When and where can it be done
Reflexology particularly hand reflexology can in theory be done anywhere. Creating the right ambience will add to the treatment and aid the overall therapeutic effect as it helps to relax the client etc. A comfortable chair for the client and practitioner to relax and work, for example the Lafuma Recliner will aid the treatment as both the client and Reflexologist are comfortable. Providing quiet tranquil environment with soft music and lightening will also add to the treatment.
However, Hand Reflexology requires little preparation or tools as all you need is your hands. For a quick treatment you do not even need oil. For full treatment oil, towel and possibly a pillow is all that is required. Hand reflexology is non intrusive and is a powerful treatment and can prove to be a nice introduction into the world of reflexology.
Foot Reflexology requires more preparation and even though it is still possibly feasible to do it just about anywhere it’s easier with the right chair, oil, towels and pillows etc .The practitioner needs to be comfortable whilst maintaining the correct posture and that the client is in the correct position without shoes and socks on. These limitations are not conducive to an ‘adhoc’ treatment.
Gentle Touch™ Reflexology differs to some other Reflexology treatments as it involves a very light touch and the incorporation of massage into the treatment. Both feet are treated in unison, not in isolation of each other. The treatment uses the skills of the practitioner to pick up information and not a reliance on the client expressing or showing pain or discomfort. The practitioner then assesses where the problem lies. The condition is constant but the levels of pain and discomfort vary. Also the client may not voice or show signs of the level of pain discomfort they are actually experiencing.
The possible benefits of Reflexology include
- Balancing the body's systems and organs
- Revitalizes energy
- Cleanses the body of toxins and impurities
- Aids elimination
- Relaxation and de-stressing
- Boosts circulations
- Brings relief to acute inflammation
- Hormone imbalance
- IBS Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Sinusitis
- Insomnia
- Migraines
- Sciatica
- PMS/PMT
- Anxiety/depression
- Arthritis
- M.E. and Fibromyalgia
- Multi Sclerosis
- Neck, shoulder and back pain