Is Reflexology something new?

Over 400 years ago reflexology was already practiced by Egyptian Physicians. Reflexology was also used in ancient India, Europe, North America, and Native Oriental folklore healing practiced.

Dr.William H. Fitzgerald (an American ear, nose and throat surgeon) commonly referred to as the founder of zone therapy introduced this concept in 1915. He had noticed that by applying pressure on certain parts of the body it had an effect on other parts of the body. Dr. Fitzgerald established 10 equal longitudinal zones running the length of the body from the top of the head to the tips of the toes.

The number correspondents to the number of fingers and toes and therefore provides a simple numbering system. Each finger and toe falls into one zone. These zones are of equal width and extend right through the body front to back. This research was further developed by Eunice Ingham (1889-1947) in the 30’s; separating the work on the reflexes of the feet should be specific targets for therapy because of their highly sensitive nature.

Reflexology

I am a Reflexology Student at a Private college. It’s a two year course, of which I have already completed my first year. So let me tell you a little about Reflexology.

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is a therapy in which the nerve endings are primarily stimulated in the feet. Reflexology was already practiced in ancient Egyptian times.

Reflexology is a science. The reflex points on the feet correspond to each and every gland, organ and part of the body. Reflexology is a unique method by which the thumb and fingers are used to stimulate the specific reflex points of the feet. By working on specific areas of the feet stress and pain in the body are reduced. This therapeutic relaxation serves to normalize the body’s functioning thereby facilitating the healing process and enhancing your total health and well being. Noted benefits include but are not limited to:

Relieving stress and tension

Improving blood supply and promoting the unblocking of nerve impulses

Helping nature achieve homeostasis

Helps in the detoxification process of the body

To encourage the body’s natural healing process

How and why Reflexology works?

The underlying theory about Reflexology is that are ‘reflex’ points situated on the feet and hands that correspond to specific areas in the body. Reflexology is sometimes also known as Zone Therapy, as the body is divided into different zones represented by a point in the foot or the hand. There are nerve endings in both your feet and hands which travel to the spinal cord and to various parts of the body.

With proper manipulation of the reflex points, a reflex action is produced through the nerve endings. These “cord like structures” comprised of a collection nerve fibres convey impulses between a part of the central nervous system and other regions of the body. They are the wiring system of the house you call your body. As with any complex wiring system, a short circuit can mean trouble…. AS tension is eased, pressure on the nerves and vessels is relaxed, thus improving the flow of blood and its oxygen rich nutrients to all parts of the body.

Reflexology can treat all health problems. Although all reflex areas will be massaged the therapist will pay special attention to the actual problem areas. So for migraines, strokes, multiple sclerosis; pressure will be applied to the reflex point in the foot that relates to the head and the connecting areas. In this same manner a Reflexologist will treat all disorders according to where in the body they are located. Reflexology can’t repair or fix broken bones but it can facilitate a speedier recovery of such ailments.

My Mauritius Holiday

In February of 2007 we had the most wonderful vacation in Mauritius. We spend one week at the Le Coco Beach Resort Hotel which is located on the eastern side of the island.

Philippe’s family originates from Mauritius, and with him having been there before, he knew all the beautiful places to show me. We traveled the island from west to east and north to south, which was actually quite exhausting as the days were very hot. Our daily dress code consisted of costumes and shorts, so we could take quick dips in the sea or the nearest pool to cool off.

In the evenings a shower was always welcome, after which we would relax on the hotel patio and enjoy a delicious spread of island cuisine.

We visited the volcano which is no longer active, thank goodness, and I was quite surprised at the amount of vegetation in this volcano.

People in Mauritius are very laid back and friendly. One certainly feels very welcome.

A holiday destination I would recommend to anyone.