What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is more than just a hand or foot massage. Reflexology is an ancient therapeutic treatment that dates back thousands of years. Pictographs were found in a physician’s tomb in Saqqara , Egypt dating back to around 2300BC.

The modern version of reflexology was popularized by Doctor William Fitzgerald. He called it “zone therapy” because the feet and hands are divided into various zone for treatment.

Reflexology is a massage therapy. Similar to shiatsu, it is a physical act of applying pressure to the feet and hands using specific thumb, finger and hand techniques without the use of lotion, often a power is applied instead. It is based on a system of zones and reflex areas that reflect the human anatomy on both the feet and hands which in theory have significant effects on the entire body.

There is evidence to suggest that this therapy has been around for thousand years. It is believed to have originated in China over 5,000 years ago and  it was practiced by the ancient Egyptians as early as 2500BC.  The treatment can be dated back in Japan to 690BC. Western society found out about reflexology in the 19th century.

Although reflexology is usually applied to the feet and hands, there are those who also apply the same thing to the ear. This is a rarer form. This technique is considered to be a modified from auricular therapy which is an acupuncture technique.

If you are suffering from certain health issue, some points in the foot or hands can be very sore. If the therapist finds these areas, they will focus on them to reduce the pressure.

Most sessions being conducted by practitioners may last from 30 minutes to an hour. It is also a clothed session so the only thing you have to remove is your footwear. It will be up to your therapist whether you lie down or sit up.

At the end of each session, you should feel relaxed. Remember that you have to drink a fair amount of water to flush the poisons and toxins from your body.
Reflexology is another form of massage therapy you can try if you want to relieve tension and stress from the body. If you are interested in trying it, all you have to do is check if there is a therapist within your neighbourhood.

Read more at Health Through Healing Hands