Is a natural therapy primarily using alternating thumb and finger techniques applied to reflex areas found on the hands, feet, face and ears that correlate to the organs and body parts. This results in deep relaxation, stress reduction, immune booster and return to homeostasis. This is also based on the concept of energy pathways, via the zones and reflex areas.

Interactive hand chart:

http://www.dorlingkindersley-uk.co.uk/static/cs/uk/11/features/reflexology/handchart.html

Interactive foot chart:

http://www.dorlingkindersley-uk.co.uk/static/cs/uk/11/features/reflexology/footchart.html

Is an ancient modality that goes back to almost all cultures. There is evidence in ancient Egypt on papyrus with images of hands and feet being worked on found in a physicians tomb. The translation of the hieroglyphics: “Don’t hurt me.” The practitioners response is, “ I shall act so you praise me.” It cannot be determined exactly what correlation between the practitioner and modern Reflexology is, but many ancient cultures use the feet, hands and ears to affect the entire body. China, Japan, India, Thailand,Russia, Europe, the Americas (Cherokee, Mayan) all have a history of some form of Reflexology. Modern Reflexology is attributed to Dr. William Fitzgerald who is attributed with the theory of “Zone Therapy.” The theory states that the body can be divided into 10 longitudinal zones and that there is a link between specific organs that lie in these zones. In other words, putting a clamp on the thumb which lies in zone one, would have an analgesic affect on a toothache which also lies in zone one.

Dr. Joe Riley was an American chiropractor, who expanded the theory with adding horizontal lines to the vertical lines, making more specific correlations with the organs and body parts. Eunice Ingham is considered the “Goddess” of Reflexology and created the foot chart known today, which maps the entire body on the feet. She also developed the technique of alternating thumb and finger walking which had a stimulating affect on the entire body. She traveled around the US and Canada teaching and offering Reflexology to the public. Her nephew Dwight Byers continues teaching and spreading the knowledge of Reflexology. Thanks to her student Mildred Carter, we have self-help books today.

There are many forms of Reflexology today. Using crystals, aromatherapy, meridian therapy are some of the different approaches to Reflexology. One thing is for certain, all these approaches maintain that there are “energy pathways.” Half of the Traditional Chinese Meridians begin or end in the hands, feet or face.  It is interesting to find parallels with the organ reflexes and the meridians, for example the path of the Kidney meridian passes through the Kidney Reflex as well as the Bladder reflex.

Studied with Wendy Coad at the Open Center in NYC, foot, hand, face and ear. I also did a teacher certification with Wendy and have combined over 500 hours of training. I also studied Lilian Morten, reflexology & meridian therapy; as well as Dr, Manzanares from Spain.

Reflexology Training for Certification with Debra.

Click here for Reflexology training info..