Reflexology explained

Reflexology is a Holistic, non-invasive therapy that has a documented history dating back 5000 years. It was known about in ancient China and there are paintings on the walls of the tomb of Ankhamor (a physician to the Pharaoh) in Saqquara depicting its use in around 2500 B.C.
The term "Reflexology" is a relatively recent one, as the therapy was "re-discovered" in the western world in the USA in early twentieth century. It was brought to prominence by a physical therapist called Eunice Ingham, who worked with patient who had polio.
There are approximately 7200 nerve endings on the feet, and these relate to various organs and glands within the body. A mirror image of the body has been mapped on the feet and pressure applied on specific reflex points on the feet can affect the corresponding part of the body.

The energy flow or Chi which flows through the body, if disrupted can cause illness or disease and Reflexology aims to restore and maintain balance.

The body has its own powerful healing response and Reflexology aims to stimulate this into normal functioning. Once achieved it helps to maintain Homeostasis or balance.
Initially Reflexology speeds up the circulation it also induces a feeling deep relaxation. Reflexology aims to stimulate the body's own organs and systems to work at their optimum levels and to maintain Homeostasis.

In a report on reflexology research published by Kevin kunz a Chinese study demonstrated how reflexology efficiently alleviated the effects of extreme stress. Twenty patients being treated for neurasthenia? a condition of extreme emotional stress-- were given a course of reflexology at the hospital’s department of physiotherapy. The treatments focused on areas of the feet relating to the adrenal glands, kidneys, bladder, sinus, brain and heart organs that are compromised by the effects of stress.

The treatments were given daily for a week with the following results presented at the China reflexology symposium in July, 1993: 40 percent experienced a complete cure; 35 percent were greatly improved; 15 percent mildly improved; and 10 percent reporting no change at all.