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The Ancient Healing Art of
Reflexology
Author: Alister Bredee
Reflexology like so many of the complementary therapies is not new. It has
been around for a long time and was known in ancient Indian, Chinese and
Egyptian civilizations. Wall paintings dating from 2330 BC were found in
the tomb of Ankhmahor in Egypt. Murals depicted the practical use of
aromatherapy, acupuncture and herbalism as well as reflexology; surely if
these healing techniques were ineffective they would have been discarded a
long time ago!
Linda Anderson, member of the
British School of Reflexology, is based in Saffron Walden in the U.K. She
tells us that modern Reflexology started with an American physiotherapist,
Eunice Ingham who, the 1930s, was shown a series of "foot maps" by a
visiting team of Chinese doctors. The doctors used the charts for
diagnostic purposes. The material sparked Eunice's interest and she soon
started investigations of her own. She experimented with sensitivities in
the feet to see where such sensations led her. To her astonishment she
discovered that massaging the points depicted on the feet in the Chinese
diagrams could alleviate many bodily ailments. Soon, "the foot lady" as
she came to be known, was able to draw up her own map and went on to found
"The International Institute of Reflexology" in the early years of the
Second World War.
Linda is quick to point out that in spite of the fact the Chinese doctors
were using the reflexes to determine a diagnosis, reflexology is not used
as a diagnostic tool today. However, it is wonderfully relaxing,
producing an overall feeling of well-being which acts as a very effective
counter-point to the stress that is all pervasive in the modern busy
world! She says that all organs and parts of the body have specific reflex
points which can be found on the hands and the feet. Congestion, an
infallible pointer to "dis-ease", makes itself known by sensitivity in the
reflex points. Often the blockage is due to a build up of toxins. Very
occasionally, when pressure is applied to a reflex point, the client will
yelp in pain. This is a sure sign that something is amiss. A good
reflexologist is considerate and gentle and will avoid causing unnecessary
discomfort whilst using the feedback to delicately massage the client's
feet and restore the free flow of energy. In the process, toxins are
released and congestion dispersed, leaving the client feeling relaxed and
re-vitalised.
Linda explains that the average "Reflexology Session" lasts from 45
minutes to one hour. The Therapist works on the hands and feet by
massaging with the thumb in short creeping movements. The idea is to cover
all the reflex points in the time available. Special attention is given to
any sensitive areas, which are massaged gently until the sensitivity
diminishes. Thus energy blockages are cleared and "chi", the Chinese word
for "life-energy," is able to circulate freely once more, allowing the
body's own healing energies to come into play and restoring its natural
equilibrium. Interested in this subject?
Try this link more of the same.
About the Author.
Alister Bredee is a freelance writer, author, lecturer and trainer and
Natural Health Practitioner. See also www.pagerankarticles.com. He lives
in Thailand and can be contacted at: alisterbredee@gmail.com.
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