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The History of Reflexology
by D.S. Braun
It is important to be aware of the great archetypal history manifested
by the practitioners which dates back over 6,000 years.
Our study of the ancient Egyptian doctors starts 4,500 years ago. They
were among the first to study the human body scientifically. They
became masters at setting bones, caring for wounds and successfully
treating many illnesses. Egyptian artists preserved the history of
surgery, anatomical observation and medical treatments through their
meticulous record keeping.
Ed and Ellen Case of Los Angeles, while on tour of Egypt in l979,
discovered a pictograph on the wall of the tomb of Ankhmahar which is
located in Saqqara. This is known as the tomb of the physician and has
been dated by Egyptologists at 2330 B.C.
This is the third oldest recorded history of pedis/manus-cure
reflexology to date and gives the modern day practitioner a
consciousness of its roots and a sense of connection with one of the
oldest health care professions in the world. In the artist's painted
illustration of the original pictograph, the physicians are pressuring
the Great toe (spleen/pancreas and liver meridians) and thumb (lung
meridian) of their respective patients; while the patients themselves
are putting pressure on a gallbladder meridian point under their arm.
Pain was an indicator of a problem according to the hieroglyphic
translation made by the Papyrus Institute in Cairo. The patient says
to the physician: “Don’t let it be painful.” The modern reflexologist
has some patients with the same request; while others embrace the
pain; knowing that the best results are due to a strong 'current of
injury'.
The reply of the physician shows consideration of the patient; working
within his pain tolerance level: “I do as you please.” A patient must
be educated to the benefits of the pain created by pressure on a
point.
As we consider the early origins of reflexology, I wish to present
some modern day considerations that must be adopted into the practice
of this ancient healing art. It is of interest to me that the medical
specialist had a practical trade as well as his therapy practice
(stone carver/foot reflexologist) in ancient Egypt.
Many modern Reflexologists combine their practice with another
occupation (auto mechanic/foot reflexologist). Don't put off living
your life until you are 'better.' ('I'll do it when I've learned more
..... when I'm older .....when I have more money .....when I have more
time.')
Look for all the positive things taking place in and around you right
now. As you find them, naturally you'll feel more joyful. In life we
have either results or try to justify our failure. If we don't have
what we want (results), we usually have a long list of reasons why we
haven't had success.
Reflexology offers you an incredibly effective method of affecting the
health of yourself and your family in a positive manner as well as a
positive way to express your life.
The Author:
Dee is a Certified Aromatherapist, Certified Reflexologist, and
Reiki Master. Her site is
AkobiAromas.com - a source of quality aromatherapy, herbal and
reflexology information and products.
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