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Reflexology is a natural healing art based on the principle that there are zones and reflex areas in the feet, hands, and ears which correspond to all glands, organs, parts and systems of the body.
By applying thumb, finger and hand techniques on these reflexes areas, reflexology relieves tension, improves circulation and promotes the natural function of the related areas, restoring the body to better health.
Previous to modern times our reflexes were naturally stimulated by walking barefoot over rocks, stones and rough ground, or by using our hands in a more complete way, such as to climb, build or work. In our present lives we don't integrate much of nature's way of maintaining a balanced and healthy equilibrium. Reflexology helps us to restore this balance and to promote natural health and vitality.
As the writings of their ancient texts can attest to, reflexology has been practiced for thousands of years in India, China and Egypt. An ancient Egyptian wall painting of the 6th Dynasty (approx.2400 B.C.) found at Saqqara in the tomb of Ankhmahor, who was an ancient Egyptian physician (the highest official after the king), depicts two men working on the feet and hands of two other men. Much later (approx. 1300 AD) Marco Polo as well as Dominican and Franciscan missionaries brought this work to Europe and other areas of the world.
The North American native peoples made use of "foot doctors" for generations, whose knowledge was thought to have been passed down by the Inca civilization.
In the early 1900's, a Dr. Fitzgerald in Vienna rediscovered these theories. Dr. Joe Riley, an American physician joined Dr. Fitzgerald in his work where they mapped out zones on the body and used pressure on certain points to create numbness in target areas of the body. Eunice Ingham, a physiotherapist and nurse working for Dr. Riley discovered techniques that promoted faster self healing. It is largely due to Eunice Ingham's work and travels promoting reflexology, that we have reflexology today.
Today recent research studies have been conducted around the world, including in the US, which are validating the effectiveness of Reflexology on a wide variety of conditions. Chronic conditions seem to respond especially well to Reflexology. In China, where reflexology is accepted by the central government as a means of preventing and curing diseases and preserving health, over 300 research studies have shown reflexology provided some improvement to 95% of the over 18,000 cases covering 64 illnesses studied. In Japan and Denmark, reflexology has been incorporated into the employee health programs of several large corporations saving each company thousands of dollars annually in paid out sick leave benefits.
Many of our health problems can be linked to stress. It is an acknowledged fact by the medical community that a body trying to function while under the influence of prolonged stress is less capable of organizing its defenses against illnesses and repair damage caused by injury. Stress can be either mentally, emotionally, physically, or environmentally induced. Reflexology is primarily a relaxation technique. Reflexology can negate the effects of stress while it helps the body relax. Through the relaxation process the body is more capable of dealing with the stresses placed on it by daily living and those associated with illness. Reflexology gently nudges the body towards better functioning by improving lymphatic drainage and venous circulation, simulation to the nerve pathways, and muscle relaxation.
The Laura Norman Method of Reflexology, which is what I practice, is about contacting, nurturing and enhancing the whole person. When we hold someone's feet in our hands, we also hold the unique and valuable "beingness" of that person with all their concerns, dreams and possibilities. To touch someone in a healing way involves a secure foundation of knowledge and skill in technique blended with compassion and awareness. We recognize the interrelatedness of body, emotions, mind and spirit and include these in our approach to reflexology.
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