A Brief History Of Reflexology
Findings show that reflexology was practiced as early as 2330 BC by the ancient Egyptian culture. It is here that the origins of reflexology were developed. This is evidenced by the famous pictograph found on a physician’s tomb in Sarrara, Egypt.
From Egypt it is believe that reflexology spread into India and from there in 100 AD, reflexology had spread to China via Buddhist monks. China developed its own techniques in reflexology and out of this comes the modern day acupuncture.
As trade between regions and continents grew, reflexology spread. It finally made its way to Europe and in 1582 the first book of reflexology was produced by two doctors. It was believed at this time many middle Europeans were using some form of reflexology.
The actual word “Reflexology” comes from a Russian psychiatrist. He discovered in the 1800s that reflexology had psychological benefits.
In the early 1900s reflexology came to the USA from Vienna, Austria. Dr. William Fitzgerald is acknowledged for his contributions to the zone therapy. He discovered that the application of pressure on “zones” not only relieved pain but in the majority of cases relieved the underlying cause.
A pioneering woman in the field of reflexology, Eunice Ingham, worked with a colleague of Dr. Fitzgerald. Eunice developed the modern mapping of the foot and hands for specific organs, glands and other body parts making the Ingham Method of Reflexology so successful.
The Ingham Method of Reflexology is the combined work and study of the late Eunice Ingham and her nephew, Dwight Byers. The Ingham Method of Reflexology is used primarily for relaxing tension that has been stored within muscles thereby affecting organs, glands and other body parts.
Since 1942 reflexology training and practice has become more recognized in the health care community, benefitting all ages and all stages of health and well-being.
DISCLAIMER
The Ingham Method of Reflexology is not intended to replace conventional medical treatment. Reflexology is a unique modality in its field. Its purpose is not to treat or diagnose any specific medical disorder but to promote better health and well-being. Its practice should not be compared to massage or any other kind of manipulative procedures.