​What Is Reflexology?

Reflexology follows the principle that parts of the body known as microsystems (such as the feet, hands, ears and face) reflect the whole body including all of its glands and organs.  Application of appropriate touch techniques to each part of a microsystem serves to reduce stress and tension within the body.  By reducing stress and facilitating more efficient functioning Reflexology encourages and supports the body's self-healing capabilities.

Reflexology is a one-on-one, non-invasive, hands-on technique using gentle to moderate finger pressure to stimulate reflex points on the feet, hands, face and/or ears.  The reflex points correspond to organs, glands and various parts of the body.  Techniques include finger walking, thumb walking, sliding, and rotating and pivoting on reflex points.   Stimulation of the reflex points is said to help self-regulate the body and encourage the body to move towards balance and better function.

A Reflexology session assists individuals of any age to experience greater relaxation throughout their entire body. When the body is in a relaxed state, the natural healing processes can function more efficiently, which can facilitate a return to greater health.

Benefits

Reflexology is an effective way of dealing with a variety of ailments for all age groups. It is used in conjunction with chiropractic and therapeutic massage treatments and physiotherapy programs. Many people use Reflexology as a complement to enhance the benefits of traditional Chinese medicine and conventional, naturopathic and homeopathic health care. The Reflexologist does not diagnose or prescribe. Commonly reported benefits developing soon after a treatment are:

• Stress relief
• An increase in mental and physical well being
• Reduction in pain and discomfort
• Improved circulation​

• Improved digestion
• Lymphatic activation & drainage
• Detoxification of wastes
• Hormone balancing

A History Of Reflexology

The practice of modern Reflexology stems from knowledge that was known in the ancient societies of Egypt, India and China. Reflexology has been practiced all over the world for over 5,000 years.

​In 1913 ‘Zone Therapy' was introduced to North America through the research on pressure point therapies by Dr. William FitzGerald, an ear, nose and throat specialist. Modern Reflexology was born from continued research by Eunice Ingham, a Physiotherapist.

Denmark, Germany, the United Kingdom and China excel in their research on the benefits of Reflexology as a health care modality. Each of these countries recognizes Reflexology as a safe and beneficial therapy that can be integrated into an existing and established health care system.

​Canada and Europe continue to expand their areas of research in over 100 illnesses and health conditions including Cancer. Denmark follows next in clinical research, where Reflexology is the most common complementary treatment used by the public. In the United Kingdom, clinical studies are conducted on the benefits of Reflexology with qualified Reflexologists and mainstream health care practitioners working together.​

​In North America, Reflexologists and conventional western medical practitioners are continuing to explore the possibilities and benefits of collaborative research on Reflexology.