Introduction

Reflexology is an ancient therapy, involving the gentle manipulation of the feet or hands to stimulate the body's own healing and balancing processes. Reflexologists believe that applying pressure to a specific point on the foot energises the corresponding zone or function of the body, getting rid of toxins and enabling the body to heal itself. Reflexology also improves blood circulation and reduces stress.

Most primitive societies practised some form of reflexology. Records show the practise being used in 2500 BC in Egypt. The principle of "zone therapy", used for 4000 years in China, contributed to the development of modern reflexology. India, China, Egypt, etc, practised reflexology thousands of years ago.

Evidence can even now be seen at Saqqara, in Egypt, in the tomb of Ankhmahor, physician to the Pharaoh over four thousand years ago.

There can be found a scene depicting the practice of reflexology where the hieroglyphic translates "Do not hurt me" with the practitioner's reply "I  shall act so you praise me".

In 1913 reflexology was brought to the Western world. Dr. Wm. Fitzgerald, a M.D. in Connecticut, was using "Zone Therapy" to deaden pain in some parts of the body. Edwin Bowers, M.D., of New York, and George Starr White, M.D. used reflexology but the medical world did not accept it then.