What is Reflexology Anyway?
Rooted in ancient traditions all over the world, Reflexology as it’s currently known, entered the realm of evidence-based modern medicine in the early 20th century. Earlier research into pressure therapies had already outlined the nerve connection between the outside of the body and the internal organs. Over time, problems inside the body were mapped to the body’s peripheral and surface nerves. The hands and feet were shown to be very effective maps of the body thanks to the extremely high density of nerves and specifically nerve-endings. This research grew into the theory of “zone therapy”, a term coined by Dr. William FitzGerald.
FitzGerald divided the body into ten longitudinal zones, five on each side of the body separated by the midline, each zone terminating in a finger or toe. As an ENT physician, he used this knowledge to perform surgery by exploiting the nerve connection between the hands/feet and the ears/throat. Crude tools such as rubber bands and clothespins were applied to the fingers to reduce and even eliminate pain during surgery. Using zone therapy in this way capitalized solely on the analgesic effect, the wonderful ability to ease or eliminate pain. FitzGerald's student, Eunice Ingham is credited with taking zone therapy and honing it into the techniques and practice of foot reflexology. Ingham changed the treatment from a constant, sometimes painful pressure, to a gentle, intermittent signal sent to the nerves of the feet. Ingham believed crystalline deposits of naturally occurring minerals were responsible for poor nerve function in the body. The treatment was to “work out” these deposits and restore nerve function, which then restores the function of the gland or organ affected. Many of her students are still working to understand the mechanisms that make reflexology so effective.
Reflexology is thought to work by applying pressure at specific points in the feet, hands, and ears. Using these “reflex points”, a reflexologist can affect every organ and system in the body. There have been studies proving reflexology is effective at promoting healing, improving moods, alleviating stress, improving quality of life for people with chronic pain or illness, alleviating symptoms of cancer treatment, reversing lymphedema, easing musculoskeletal pain, and easing the symptoms of neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and neuropathy. The remarkable effects of reflexology are still actively being researched worldwide.
Over the past 60 years, reflexology has grown to be one of the world's most widely used manual therapies. It is considered a complementary therapy and is not meant to replace the care of a certified physician. At Southpaw Reflexology, I consider myself a part of my client’s health and wellness team. I use the Ingham method of reflexology to help people lower their stress, improve their mobility, and increase vitality.
Thank you for your curiosity! Take care and be well,
—Olivia