|
|
Modern reflexology, also known as reflex zone therapy, was
developed by American ear, nose and throat specialist Dr W.
Fitzgerald in
the early twentieth century. In a system known as zone therapy he
divided
the body into 10 vertical zones through which he believed vital
energy
flowed. He found that when he applied pressure to a point in the
hand or
foot of one zone, an analgesic response occurred in other body parts
that
lay within that same zone.
Fitzgerald's work was developed further
by E.
Ingham, and American masseur, who devised the Ingham reflex method
of
compression massage, in which points on the feet are massaged, using
an
alternating pressure, with the aim of stimulating the related organ
or
body system (for example, massaging the toes helps to clear the
sinuses). What does reflexology do? Reflexology massage
aims to stimulate nerve endings and energy
flow while also breaking up lactic acid, uric acid and calcium
crystals
accumulated beneath the skin's surface. A particularly tender point
on the
foot is believed to be an indication that the organ related is in
some
kind of difficulty. Reflexologists believed that their system
increases
body's overall state of relaxation and helps improve circulation; it
may
also be used in the treatment of minor pain and stress-related
disorders.
|
|