|
History of Reflexology
 The history of Reflexology is elusive and difficult to trace. There is evidence that some form of reflexology was practiced by the ancient Chinese, Incas, North American Indians, and in Asia. Pictographs found on walls of the ancient Egyptians depict the possible use of reflexology. There are some who believe that the practice of anointing the feet with oil was a form of foot reflexology.
Dr. William H. Fitzgerald brought the first form of reflexology to our western culture, it is thought for the purpose of pain and tension relief. Dr. Fitzgerald studied medicine at the University of Vermont graduating in 1895. He practiced in Boston, England and in Vienna. Again, there is uncertainly but it is believed that he discovered the ideas for Zone Therapy in Europe and brought them back to the United States. He along with Dr. Edwin Bowers wrote the book Zone Therapy, the forerunner to modern day reflexology.
Several members of the medical community objected to the word "therapy" and in 1961 the name was changed to reflexology.
Eunice Ingham, a physical therapist, worked closely with several doctors and is the person credited with documenting the foot reflexes onto a chart. She astounded the doctors by assisting them in diagnosis using foot reflexology. Today diagnosis is limited to physicians and veterinarians.
 In 1990 Christine Issel of California created the International Council for Reflexologists in Toronto. This is an international organization that exchanges information on reflexology throughout the world and maintains information of research throughout the world.
There have been ongoing studies in other countries that show a relationship between reflexology and improved health.
Health care facilities in China, The United Kingdom and Denmark have included reflexology in their healing modalities.
We truly do not know how or why it works only that for many people and dogs it does.
|
