What is Foot Reflexology?

Foot Reflexology is the art of stress reduction based on the work of two American physicians, Dr. William Fitzgerald in the 1900’s and Dr. Joe Shelby Riley with his Physical Therapist Eunice D. Ingham in the 1920’s.Foot and Hand Reflexology is a scientific art based on the premise that there are reflex areas on the hands and feet which correspond to all body parts.The physical act of applying specific pressure using thumb, finger and hand techniques result in stress reduction, which causes a physiological change in the body

For more than a century, the results of Reflexology have been validated by an international array of documented scientific work, including:

• Reflexology is used in European hospitals for pain management in terminally ill patients, resulting in better quality of life with reduced pain.
• Reflexology enhances the performance of U.S. athletes, and reduces pain from injury and overwork. (C. Issel: Reflexology; Art, Science and History.)
• In Great Britain, Reflexology is part of the National Health Service.
• Of the 26% of Danes who have tried reflexology as a complementary therapy, 75% of these experienced benefits, including a gain in energy, improved mood and better sleep.
• Reflexology is a valuable tool for reducing the effect of Premenstrual syndrome, as reported in the Medical Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology in 1993.

Continuing research shows Reflexology is gaining more respect and acceptance by scientists and health care professionals as a valid complementary modality in the health field.

The Ingham Method of Reflexology is used primarily for relaxing tension. It promotes the body’s ability to adjust and balance during times of stress. Simply taking time out to relax can help you let go of tension and enjoy a feeling of restored balance in your mind and body.

No. It will not make any condition more acute. Instead, Reflexology helps to normalize body functions. A Reflexology series relaxes the stress that can affect your health. It is a safe, effective way to Better Health.

Your first session will likely begin with a brief introduction of Reflexology and my work. Only your socks and shoes are removed. You will then sit in a reclining chair or lie on a massage table, on your back, and I will use a light dusting of non-talcum powder on your feet before I begin to apply thumb or finger pressure to your feet. Responses to Reflexology vary widely. Certain areas on your feet may feel more sensitive or tender than others. As I work the reflexes in your feet and you begin to relax, the tenderness may begin to lessen. Because it is important to stimulate all the reflexes, I will not avoid the tender areas, but will work within your comfort level in ways that minimize pain. Always tell me if you feel any discomfort so I can adjust the pressure to your feet. After a session, you may feel calm and relaxed, or even sleepy. Or you may feel energized and rejuvenated. Some people initially experience fatigue after a session, but notice an increase of energy or a lessening of stress over the following hours or days.The more you receive reflexology, the more benefits you are likely to notice. We can discuss the best frequency of appointments to meet your specific needs.I will be happy to help you learn to work on your own reflexes, thus providing you with an excellent self-care tool. As you begin to experience feelings of well-being from your sessions, you may also become more aware of areas of tension in your body and how it feels to be truly relaxed.

In 1988 I was introduced to the world of Reflexology by the book Better Health Through Foot Reflexology, written by Dwight C. Byers, nephew of the late Eunice Ingham, president of the International Institute of Reflexology in St. Petersburg, Florida. Soon afterwards I met two of the Institute’s trainers in San Diego, Muff and Bobbi Warren. A year later, in 1989, I was certified by this mother-daughter team.My style has been mainly influenced by this early training, but was modified slightly by exposure to the Taiwan Reflexology trainer, Father Joseph, in 1998.In addition to this training, I also use the skills learned in Chinese Medicine school, Pacific College of Oriental Medicine of San Diego. Foot reflexes are not the same as nerve pathways or acupuncture pathways, although there is considerable overlap here and there.Foot Reflexology originally was studied by Dr. William Fitzgerald as Chinese zone therapy, which explains the Chinese connection between these schools of healing.