Reflexology 

            In the tomb of the Egyptian priest Ankhmahor in about 2200 BCE, a picture was found of two men receiving reflexology. The modern day reflexology was primarily developed by Eunice Ingham and Joseph Riley. “Ingham is credited with taking the theory of Zone Therapy and combining it with compression of the soft tissues of the feet to develop the prototype for the systems of reflexology practiced today.”  (Benjamin & Tappan, p. 281)  This is what Ingham had to say about practicing reflexology.

(Ingham, 2004)   Now when you proceed with this Chinese method of Zone Therapy and begin with the firm pressure of the thumb to examine the reflexes of the feet, you will soon determine the location of the trouble that is sending out the danger signal. (p. 6)  Katy Dreyfuss put together a easy to read deck of cards that  she explains the effects of reflexology in The Reflexology Deck,    

Press points on your hands, feet, and ears and you’ll feel the effects from head to toe, from skin to bone.  It may sound like magic, but it’s ancient wisdom used in the practice of reflexology, the application of pressure on specific points that provide a healing effect on corresponding organs, glands, muscles, and bones.  People have applied face- and eye-reading theories and reflexology techniques for thousands of years. (Introduction Card)  

Ingham took this ancient wisdom and made a map of the feet and hands and showed how these zones are found in the feet and hands and through precise pressure the organs of the body that can be affected and encouraged to heal through blood and nerve stimulation.  In the 50’s and 60’s Eunice Ingham, traveled across training and teaching foot reflexology as well as hand reflexology and it soon spread across the world. The foot reflexology is more widely used and seems to get better results. Many massage therapist are also trained in foot reflexology. 

Benjamin,  P. J., & Tappan, F.M. (2005).  Handbook of Healing Massage  Techniques, (pp. 4, 42, 43, 58, 281, 313). 

Dreyfuss, K. (2004).  The Reflexology Deck,  Introduction Card.   

Ingham, E. D. (2004). Stories the Feet Can Tell Thru Reflexology,  p. 6.