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What is Reflexology?
 

Reflexology is a science that deals with the principle that there are reflex areas in the hands and feet which correspond to all the glands, organs and parts of the body. Reflexology is a unique method of massaging these areas to relieve stress and tension, improve the blood supply and keep the body systems operating at peak efficiency.
These reflex areas are arranged in such a way as to form a map of the body, a mirror image in effect with the right foot corresponding to the right side of the body and the left foot corresponding to the left side.

Although the roots of reflexology go as far back as 2330B.C., in the early 1900's an American ear nose and throat specialist Dr. William Fitzgerald, studied the relationship of the body with the hands and feet. He noted that pressure on specific parts of the body could have an anaesthetising effect elsewhere. 

Developing this theory, he divided the body into ten equal and vertical zones, ending in the fingers and toes. He concluded that pressure in one part of a zone could affect everything else within that zone. Thus, reflex areas on the feet and hands are linked to some other areas and organs of the body within the same zone. 

Eunice Ingham further developed and refined the zone theory into what we know as foot reflexology. She observed that congestion or tension in any part of the foot mirrors congestion or tension in a corresponding part of the body. Thus, when you treat the big toes there is a related effect in the head, and treating the whole foot can have a relaxing and healing effect on the whole body. 

The Eunice Ingham Reflexology Method pioneered, researched and developed in the early 1930's is the leading method of Reflexology in use today throughout the world.

It's worth noting that there are thousands of nerve endings in each foot and perhaps this contributes to why we feel so much better when our feet are treated. Nerve endings in the feet have extensive interconnections through the spinal cord and brain and lead to all areas of the body.

Reflexology is well established in the complementary health field and is effective in stimulating the body’s natural healing ability to overcome many adverse reactions to stress and to enhance the quality of life.