What Is Reflexology?

Reflexology Chart - Click to EnlargeIn very simple terms, reflexology is based on the principle that the feet and hands contain "maps" which correspond to all the organs, systems and parts of the body.  Contained within these maps are the end points of the meridian pathways recognised by Chinese Medicine.  By stimulating these points, or reflexes, the subtle energies of the body are re-balanced and harmonised, leading to health and well-being.  This gentle therapy encourages the body to work naturally to restore its own healthy balance.


How Can Reflexology Help?

Studies have shown that 70% of illness is caused by conditions giving rise to feelings of stress.  These conditions can be complex and varied, and may be part of the ongoing nature of everyday events and pressures, or due to a particular trauma or challenge in someone's life.  During illness, stress, injury or disease, the body has moved into a state of "imbalance", and vital energy pathways have become blocked, preventing the body from functioning effectively.  Reflexology can be used to clear these blockages and help restore and maintain the body's natural equilibrium.  Tension is eased, nerve and blood supply is increased and the body's own healing potential is activated.  

Reflexology has anecdotally been shown to be effective for:Foot Massage

  • Stress-related conditions
  • Migraine
  • Fertility
  • Sleep disorders
  • Hormonal Imbalances

Who Can It Benefit?

Reflexology is suitable for all ages and can help to bring relief from a wide range of acute and chronic conditions.  After having completed a course of reflexology treatments for a specific condition, many people find it beneficial to continue with reflexolgy in order to maintain health and well-being.

Many people use reflexology as a way of relaxing the mind and body and counteracting stress.  Some doctors, consultants and other health care professionals recognise reflexology as a well-established, respected and effective therapy and it is often part of those complementary therapies offered alongside conventional treatment for cancer and other degenerative disease such as multiple sclerosis.

Reflexology enables people to take more responsibility for their own health care needs.  Reflexology helps us to cope on a physical mental and emotional level thereby encouraging us to heal and maintain in all areas of our lives.

Please Note: Reflexology should not be used as an alternative to seeking medical advice.  Reflexologists do not claim to cure, diagnose or prescribe.


A Brief History of Reflexology

Whilst the art of reflexology dates back to Ancient Egypt, India and China, it wasn't until 1913 that Dr William Fitzgerald introduced this therapy to the West as 'zone therapy'. He noted that reflex areas on the feet and hands were linked to other areas and organs of the body within the same zone.Egyptian Reflexology

In the 1930's Eunice Ingham further developed this zone theory into what is now known as reflexology. She observed that congestion or tension in any part of the foot is mirrored in the corresponding part of the body.

Reflexology is complementary therapy, which works on the feet to help heal the whole person not just the prevailing symptoms.