Assessmen t 1: Developme nt of Reflexolog y

Kelly Hull
26.10.2011

Task: Explain the history of reflexology and compare the key theories of reflexology and their influences on modern day complimentary therapies.

Task: Explain the history of reflexology and compare the key theories of reflexology and their influences on modern day complimentary therapies. By researching the history and development of reflexology, understanding its importance and gaining knowledge of its benefits across cultures and time periods, one can begin to understand it as a modern day therapy. Reflexology has been developing for thousands of years and is becoming more widely available as a medical practice in health care. Firstly it is important to define reflexology, Reflexology is a complementary therapy that involves the application of pressure to specific points, known as reflexes, on the feet and hands to encourage the body to heal from within. www.whatisreflexology.com) Gordon et al (1998) believe that by applying pressure to the reflex points, energy will be sent through the reflex zone, to the corresponding body part. They suggest that by helping the bodys energy to circulate effectively without blockages, the bodys healing processes will be stimulated, encouraging health and well-being. Reflexology is considered to be relatively modern complimentary therapy; this statement cant be far from the truth. It actually links back to the years before Christ and it has only been in the last century that it has become recognised by the modern world. The feet have been considered throughout history as a sacred and healing part of the body, Egyptians, Babylonians and other ancient civilisations such as Chinese, Indian and Japanese cultures practiced forms of this. This can be evidenced from drawings (Shaw, 1987). Modern day reflexology grew from what was known as 'zone therapy'. Zone therapy was founded by Dr William Fitzgerald (1872-1942) who was an American Ear, Nose and Throat specialist. Fitzgerald discovered that if he applied firm pressure to parts of the hands or feet that an anaesthetising effect could be felt elsewhere. Through his work, Fitzgerald identified 10 longitudinal zones running through the body from the head down to the fingers and toes. Dr Joe Shelby Riley developed Fitzgerald's work further and it was through Dr Riley that Eunice Ingham, known as the 'mother of reflexology', was first introduced to Zone Therapy in the 1930's. Ingham was a physiotherapist and devised the term 'reflexology'. She observed that congestion

or tension in any part of the foot is mirrored in the corresponding part of the body and was the first to identify the feet as the key area to apply pressure to. Reflexology was introduced to the UK in the 1960's by Doreen Bayly. Bayly met Ingham in the USA and studied with her before coming to Britain to practice and teach reflexology. Since then reflexology has continued to develop in popularity and is now widely accepted as a safe and effective form of therapy. Today, many practitioners continue to develop Inghams work and new techniques. Some prefer using firm pressure, as practised in the Bayly school; others may find light touch or circular movements work best. (Pitman, 2002). Feet are sensitive to pressure. The skin contains several types of sensory nerve receptors, each with different anatomical and physiological properties. Pressure stimulates sensory nerve endings attached to these receptors, so varying degrees of pressure may result in different physiological effects from the treatment. (Tiran and Chummun, 2005). The technique chosen is individual to the practitioner and client. Summary It is clear that modern Reflexology, stems back to Ancient times; every stage plays a vial role in its practice. Although there are limited recordings of its use in ancient cultures, such as in China and India 5000 years ago, there is evidence that foot and hand work were used as a form of therapy. It was apparent that philosophies were spreading, evident when writings on Zone Therapy were published in 1582 by European physicians, Adamus and Atatis. It was Fitzgerald who developed the theory of zone therapy in America in the early 20th Century. Ingham helped spread the ideology, despite many seeing it as controversial. Bayly brought her philosophy to the UK, establishing reflexology as a treatment to support health and well-being as it is practised today.

Reference List Websites http://www.whatisreflexology.co.uk/ accessed on the 18.09.2011 http://www.ehow.com/about_5100526_theory-behind-reflexology.html accessed on the 18.09.2011 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reflexology accessed on 02.10.2011 http://www.footsmarts-reflexology.com/id61.html accessed on 21.10.2011 Books Beckmann, H. and Le Quesne, S. (eds.) (2005) The Essential Guide to Holistic and Complementary Therapy. London: Thomson Learning. Gordon, R. J., Nienstedt, B. C. and Gesler, W. M. (1998) Alternative Therapies: Expanding in Health Care. New York: Springer Publishing Company, Inc. Shaw, J. (1987) Reflexology, in Health Visitor, 60, 11, p. 367