Reflexology

History

With its roots in ancient Egypt, India, and China, it was only in the early 1900s that Reflexology (as we now know it), was introduced to the West by Dr William Fitzgerald, an American ear, nose, and throat specialist. Fitzgerald divided the body into ten longitudinal zones (five on either side of the body). His findings suggested that the organs situated along the same zones share the same energetic pathways and by applying pressure to different parts of the face, hands, and feet he could induce numbness and hence remove pain sensation in the corresponding zone.  Fitzgerald used ‘zone therapy’ to provide specific pain relief for minor surgery, instead of using anesthesia.

In the 1930s, Eunice Ingham, a Physiotherapist expanded and developed Dr Fitzgeralds' work further. Her years of research revealed tender spots in the feet correspond to certain parts of the body's anatomy. This led to her intricately mapping the organs and body systems onto the feet.  It is these maps that we still use today and this is why she is referred to as the 'Mother of Reflexology'.

What is Reflexology

Reflexology is a non-invasive complementary therapy. It is said that all organs, glands, and body systems are mirrored or reflected onto the feet. There are over 7000 nerve endings in each foot, which are all stimulated throughout a Reflexology treatment. Specialist techniques for precise areas are said to activate a response in the corresponding area of the body. (This can be seen by clicking on the interactive maps.)
Reflexology is not just accessed by the feet. The hands, face, and ears can also be worked, with each having their own unique benefits.

Benefits

Every treatment session is unique as it is bespoke to you, however, Reflexology has been shown to;

• promote better sleep

• release tension

• aid sleep

• improve mood

• encourage relaxation

  and with regular sessions, provide overall improved well-being.