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Foot Eze
Reflexology has been around since ancient civilizations. Archaeologist Ed Case discovered pictographs dating back to early egyptian times which documented foot treatments.
The actual origin of reflexology, however, remains a mystery.
It seems almost every culture uses some form of foot treatment as part of their hygiene and health practices.
Modern reflexology can be traced to Europe during the late 1500s under the name "zone therapy."
Several books were written on the topic, but it did not catch on in the United States until an American physician, who mapped out the 10 "zones" of the body. He discovered that by putting pressure on certain areas of the body he could perform minor surgeries without anesthesia. He published several books and articles based on his research of zone therapy during his career, and taught others this practice.
Others actually mapped out the reflex points of the feet. Then the trouble began.
In 1968, the state of New York sued a doctor -- and won -- for illegally practicing medicine. A student was sued for mail fraud when she released her book, Helping Yourself with Foot Reflexology, in 1969. This "witch hunt" continued right into the 1980s. Several states outlawed the practice of reflexology and deemed it "quackery."
Today, reflexology has gained recognition as a form of bodywork. It is being practiced in hospitals, complementary health centers and private offices. Many organizations have been developed to network, educate and accommodate the growing number of practitioners.
There is worldwide research going on in the field of reflexology, including government-funded programs in Denmark and Switzerland, and there are reflexology schools to prepare students for certification exams. It truly has become accepted as a healing art.
Reflexology is the art and science of enervating over 7000 nerves on the feet, believed by reflexology practitioners to correspond to every muscle system or organ in the body. The procedure is non-invasive and focuses on the body's natural ability to heal itself.
It differs from massage in that it pushes on pressure points to elicit an autonomic nervous system response or reflex. This response from the nervous system helps create balance throughout the entire body. The body can then begin to heal. Reflexology induces an optimal state of relaxation, conducive to healing. It can be more relaxing than a massage.
The cost of a reflexology session can vary from $30 to $65 (US) per hour. In general, you can expect to be in a comfortable recliner or on a massage table. The practitioner may massage your feet initially to warm them up. Then he will begin to work your reflexes by alternately holding pressure points for five seconds on and five seconds off, moving from foot to foot. It is extremely relaxing, and generally does not tickle. You may even fall asleep. Some of your reflex points may be tender, and it's important to communicate any discomfort to your reflexologist.
Reflexology can be used for a variety of conditions -- it helps reduce stress, assists in pain control, balances hormones and can enhance a person's mental state. It provides comfort for the terminally ill, and it can increase functioning in patients with neurological damage. It may also be effective in regulating blood pressure, boosting the immune system, increasing circulation, and removing toxins. (Due to the nature of the procedure, caution should be taken if you have diabetes or a history of blood clots. Please speak with a practitioner for details if you have any medical problems.)
Reflexology has become an accepted form of bodywork. It can be used as part of a holistic plan to promote health and well-being in an individual. As with all forms of healing, a person must take responsibility for his own healing process, which includes a balance of body, mind and spirit.
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