History of Foot Reflexology

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While some believe that the roots of foot reflexology can be traced back to the ancient Egyptians, the foot reflexology of today was developed in the 1920s by Dr. William Fitzgerald and Dr. Joe Shelby Riley. Eunice D. Ingham translated their research into an attainable theory in the 1930s and made it usable to the general public.

The start of the idea of foot reflexology began in the 1890s when Sir Henry Head made the initial connection between internal organs and related skin. Following, Sir Charles Sherrington found that when a stimulus is applied to parts of the body, the nervous system will react. Similarly, Dr. Alfons Cornelius figured out that when pressure is applied to specific spots, corresponding muscles will contract, blood pressure will rise and elements that affect someone's mental state will change.

Today, reflexology is used as a way to treat illness without relying on drugs. In the United States, those with chronic illnesses use reflexology to work alongside heavier medications. In China, reflexology is very popular and is encouraged by the government. In certain countries, including Japan and Denmark, reflexology is built into medical coverage plans.

Reflexology helps to elevate stress, which can worsen most illnesses. So while the actual reflexology may not be the cure to these illnesses, it lessens some of the factors and symptoms.

Sources:

www.arcb.net

www.reflexology-usa.net