Reflexology is more than just a massage, its a form massage therapy. It’s believed by our ancient ancestors that different parts of our body can trigger and relieve pain. Its used as a form of massage therapy based on a system of reflex points that effect a physical change throughout the body. It can reduce stress, headaches, digestive disorders, arthritis, insomnia, hormonal imbalance, menstrual disorders and digestive problems
The History behind Reflexology
The earliest reference of reflexology can be traced back on paintings left by ancient Egyptians back in 2400 BC. All paintings showcasing this therapy demonstrate ways to achieve better health through reflexology. When they found Ankmahor’s tomb they also found a series of hieroglyphs depicting reflexology and other trades.
In one of the hieroglyphs the following text was written that displayed reflexology:
“Make these give strength”
“I will do thy pleasure”
”Do not cause pain to these”
The second earliest reference comes back from ancient China. The Chinese believed our body had trigger points that relieved pain. They believed reflexology helped assist with balancing the yin and the yang in order to achieve health and vitality.
In the late 1800’s Sir Henry Head discovered that relationships exist between the skin and internal organs. In such cases proved that internal problems could be reflected to the outer body. Years later William FitzGerald took these finding and wrote about his study:
“Six years ago I accidentally discovered that pressure with a cotton tipped probe on the muco-cutinous margin (where the skin joins the mucous membrane) of the nose gave an anaesthetic result as though a cocaine solution had been applied. I further found that there were many spots in the nose, mouth, throat and on both surfaces of the tongue, which, when pressed firmly, deadened definite areas of sensation. Also, that pressure exerted over any bony eminence of the hands, feet or over the joints, produces the same characteristic results in pain relief. I found also that when pain was relieved, the condition that produced the pain was most generally relieved. This led to my ‘mapping out’ these various areas and their associated connections and also to noting the conditions influenced through them. This science I have named ‘Zone Therapy’”.
The work of FitzGerald proved how reflexology was and effective form of massage therapy that is now used world wide.
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The History of Massage Therapy
Learn more about history behind massage by reading our blog post called The History of Massage Therapy