Many of us have been in a spa where Reflexology equals to a relaxing foot massage. That is
exactly what I thought it would be before having my first treatment.
Although Reflexology is extremely relaxing treatment, it has potential for so much more.
Reflexology has been around for thousands of years. There is evidence of some form of foot therapy being practiced in China and Egypt 2300 B.C. Reflexology arrived to the Western world in the early 1900s when Dr William Fitzgerald developed a Zone Therapy.
He noticed that pain can be reduced in the different areas of the body by applying pressure on the points of the hands and feet.
Modern Reflexology, treatment as we know it today originates from the 1930s when Physiotherapist Eunice Ingham developed Dr Fitzgerald's zone theory even further.
Today Reflexology is a popular complementary therapy which can bring relief to many ailments. It can help with hormonal issues and stress, but also reduce pain. As a recent study at the University of Portsmouth suggests, people felt about 40% less pain after receiving a treatment compared to those having no treatment at all.
If you are not into Meridians and energy pathways, there is also more down to earth explanation of how Reflexology works. We know that there are over 70 000 nerve endings in the feet. By stimulating these nerve endings, signals can be sent to different areas and organs of the body to promote body's ability to heal.
Still not convinced? Try it yourself!