Welcome to reflexology Guide
Reflexology Article
. For a permanent link to this article, or to bookmark it for further reading, click here.
Reflexology Foot Chart: What to do about Tender Tootsies
from:Forms of reflexology have been practiced for centuries in the east, dating back to ancient China, where the peoples of the past upheld the significance of applying pressure to various zones or areas in the feet. The ancients who cultivated a therapy called acupressure (later to advance to acupuncture in China) realized early on that putting pressure on the feet released “the life force”, chi, or energy which was blocked within the human body. They also saw how different body organs and systems benefited from massaging these pressure points. Much of their focus was on the foot, where they believed massage could benefit the rest of the body.
Some modern day historians maintain that it was the ancient pharaohs of Egypt circa 2300 BC who actually practiced hand and foot massage. A diagram of the earliest rudimentary reflexology foot chart has been located on the tomb of Ankhmahor the “overseer of the great house”, vizier, and physician to the Pharaoh. There are several expert opinions of what these ancient carvings actually represented. Much attention was paid to the foot during this time in Egyptian history.
To the modern day reflexologist though the Pharaoh and other dignitaries of the society may have been transported about, the common slave or laborer walked far and wide and was constantly on his feet. These poor tender feet needed care. The tired sojourner or visitor to the society may very well have sought help from the country’s physicians. Therefore it is conceivable to say that physicians of the time were interested in foot therapy. Since hieroglyphics was the language of communication at the time, it makes sense that findings of the physicians on basic foot care would be represented in a reflexology foot chart. Some Egyptologists confirm that these ancient drawings do depict a reflexology foot chart of sorts. They have seen from the Egyptian court culture the drawings of servants massaging the legs of their Pharaohs on Ptah-hotep’s tomb. There are also carvings of foot soldiers having their feet attended to during the time of Ramesses II.
We find evidence of the use of a reflexology foot chart in modern day North American culture dating back to 1913, when an ears, nose and throat physician and surgeon by the name of Dr. Fitzgerald, noticed that when he applied pressure to certain areas on the feet, different parts of the body seemed to response well to the touch. These findings lead him to develop the concept of zone therapy now known as reflexology and to develop a reflexology foot chart to aid in the explanation and teaching of this new founded discipline. The first reflexology foot chart that the good doctor designed was divided into 10 vertical areas which he called zones, each zone corresponded to a different area of the body which he had observed through his practice.
Since then reflexology foot charts have been in wide use as training tools for practitioners and laypeople alike.
Reflexology Specific links
Reflexology News
Sweets For Feet Launches Luscious Line of Healing Foot Creams - MarketWatch (press release)
Sweets For Feet Launches Luscious Line of Healing Foot Creams MarketWatch (press release) Made for enriching reflexology treatments, the foot creams promote good health and quench thirsty skin without leaving behind a greasy residue. Featuring a whipped blend of Aloe Vera, Shea Butter, Vitamins C and E, and eight nourishing fruit extracts, ... |
New feel for PCC massage program - Pueblo Chieftain
New feel for PCC massage program Pueblo Chieftain Students enrolled in the massage therapy program will have to take two new one credit-hour classes, in reflexology and aromatherapy. Jeanette McWilliams, coordinator of the program and one of its earliest graduates herself, said the additions are part ... |
Foot reflexology massage: A healing touchup - Daily News & Analysis
 Daily News & Analysis | Foot reflexology massage: A healing touchup Daily News & Analysis By Shruti IL Treating yourself to a foot reflexology is by far the easiest way to transport yourself to 'Cloud 9' finds Shruti IL. That the foot is a mirror image of the body is something that you will agree with after experiencing therapeutic foot ... |
Panacea to host reflexology for charity June 8 - Foothills Media Group
Panacea to host reflexology for charity June 8 Foothills Media Group Attendees can enjoy a free 25-minute reflexology session, appointments required. Donations are not required but are appreciated, and 100 percent of the donations received will be forwarded to the featured nonprofit organization, Animal Welfare ... |
Therapists bring healing arts practices to town - Wilton Bulletin
Therapists bring healing arts practices to town Wilton Bulletin Soothing both the body and spirit are the goals of Kevin Barrett, a massage therapist, and his wife, Maryann Barrett, an energy practitioner who does foot reflexology and acupressure, among other specialties. The two recently opened separate practices ... |