Reflexology is based on the principle that there are different areas located on the feet, hands and ears, which correspond to different areas of the body. According to reflexologists, there are different reflex zones in the feet and hands that form a body map; a body image. Reflexologists manipulate these areas through pressure on the premise and believe that this pressure will physically affect different areas of the body. While there is no concrete medical evidence to support this theory, doctors insist that they can improve health and well-being through pressure points in these areas, and despite a lack of support from the medical community, many people have found solace and recovery through this alternative practice. .
Reflexologists claim that they can influence “vital energy” (known as Qi), open energy pathways, and restore energy balance through this treatment. While facing its fair share of criticism from the scientific community, reflexology still has a certain reputation, especially in professional alternative medicine circles. So, we know that reflexology has come under fire in recent years, but where did this treatment originate? Can that help substantiate reflexologists’ claims, debunk whether this alternative treatment has historical substance or was just formulated by a guy who was looking to make a quick buck and made a fortune instead.
Interestingly, the practices and principles of reflexology date back to the ancient Chinese and Egyptian civilizations. A practice began in the United States in 1913 when a physician named William H. Fitzgerald claimed that by applying pressure to specific areas he could anesthetize other areas of the body. This idea was developed in the 1930s by Eunice Ingham, a physical therapist who claimed that the hands and feet mapped the body through various reflexes. It was then that what was known as “zone therapy” was renamed reflexology. Ingham’s findings were later developed by a woman then named Laura Norman, who shaped and transformed the practice of reflexology into the practice it is today.
Now that we know the history of this alternative treatment, how does it work? We know that reflexologists claim that different areas of the feet and hands affect different areas of the body, but let’s dig a little deeper. For example, according to reflexologists, the tips of the feet affect the heart and chest area, the tips of the fingers affect the head; the bow activates the pancreas and liver, and the heel; lower back and intestines. That’s just the tip of the iceberg, but by applying pressure to these areas, reflexologists believe they can promote organ health in the corresponding areas. One explanation for the treatment is that these pressure points send impulses to the brain, releasing chemicals and producing endorphins that fight pain and de-stress the body.
While reflexology provides stress and pain relief, it is also an extremely relaxing treatment. In fact, reflexologists apply firm pressure during treatment, but with that said, a reflexology session should never be painful. If you experience pain during treatment, be sure to tell your reflexologists. Your therapist may continue to apply pressure to these sensitive areas and the discomfort should subside.
So while there is limited evidence to support this alternative treatment and the potential for pain during treatment, then why would anyone try reflexology? For the results! Despite substantial opposition from the scientific community, reflexology has helped many people with headaches, arthritis, hormonal imbalances, insomnia, stress, digestive disorders, and other conditions. The fact of the matter is; If you’re not finding respite from any of these conditions, why not give it a try? Each and every person is different, and while reflexology may not work for your neighbor, it can work wonders for you!
This treatment is for anyone and everyone. You can’t say a treatment is ineffective until you’ve tried it, and while there’s a lot of division around the issue, it could be your saving grace. Try a reflexology session and worst case scenario you’ll just relax and feel great afterwards. And if you’re ticklish, don’t worry. Reflexologists apply a fair amount of pressure, so even if you laugh when someone touches your feet, you’ll soon get over it and relax.