Among the elite and most well known alternative therapies that many people know about, to the point that is some UK public health programs also endorse it. Also a gateway therapy for many therapist who have stated their journey into alternative healing with Reflexology.  Its possible the ancient flare around this foot massage is responsible for this or the very (relative term) scientific approach to healing.

Ancient times

There is much discussion around the topic of the science and origins of this ancient art. Much can be read in ancient Chinese Literature and also in some of the Egyptian hieroglyphics.

recent History

In seeking the TRUTH it is best not to assume and look at more recent history  it was around the early 1900s that Dr Fitzgerald conducted research about zones in the body that had relationships with other parts of the body and he published a book called Zone Therapy this work focused on pain relive. Later in 1938 Eunice Ingram published her finding in a book called Stories the feet can tell. She was a physical therapist who arrived to her conclusions after many years of researching the different zones of the feet, by keeping a log of zones on the feet she was stimulating in relation to organ dysfunction.

The work that was started by Eunice is still practiced to this day. In this understanding reflexology has an understanding that the feet (or hands) are reflections or mirrors of the whole body. Example: reflex for the heart on the foot or hands. There are multiple ways in which this ‘reflex’ can serve.

the session experience

During an hour session a qualified reflexologist can read the feet and get an idea about the state of the body and where blockages might exist. Then once blockages have been located the therapist will use physical pressure with the thumbs (or wooden knob) and attempt to massage away little crystals or knobs (blockages).  In this modality there is a huge emphasis on working holistically (work with the whole in mind), as opposed to treating only the ‘problem’ areas.

With holism in mind the therapist will also usually make suggestions (not prescriptions) with regards to supplements and diet as well as exercise. If you feel drawn to Reflexlogy I do suggest to make reflexology a weekly experience and supplement it with a change of lifestyle and approach it as if it is an experiment and just look what happens, you just might benefit from it very much.

I believe and think that reflexology is a very recommendable modality that gives very tangible results and defiantly worth giving it a try.

Qualification levels

Levels of qualification are always a hot topic and this post is not the place for this. InSouth Africathere are a few schools that teach reflexology. There is a very ‘professional’ 2 year course that covers anatomy physiology and nutrition as well as counseling skills which in the end leads up to a Therapeutic Reflexologies Diploma. It is also possible to learn reflexology at a beautician school  and get an ITEC qualification. And then there are also courses that lead up to NHA (natural healers association) level. At the end of the day it is up to you to make the choice.

So I did my part and now you do your research and then make a choice

SA reflexology Society

Inge Dougens a South African who teaches internationally

Rei-flexology a variation of reflexology

Wikipedia with a spoon of salt