Though the roots of reflexology are part of ancient history, it is not ancient China that is credited with this accomplishment. There are no ancient records that show evidence of reflexology in ancient China. However, the ancient Egyptian and Babylonian cultures do have historical evidence in pictographs dated around 2400 BC. An ancient Egyptian physician, Ankmahor had evidence of reflexology practice found in documents in his tomb.
Other theories claim that the American Indians practiced reflexology after they learned the art from the Incas. For centuries the Indians of North America have touted the importance of foot massage in maintaining physical, mental and spiritual balance. The Cherokee Indians continue to maintain this practice today. The study and development in 19th and early 20th century European and American pioneers has elevated the art of reflexology to prominence today.
The European Influences on Reflexology Theory
Pressure therapy applied to the feet was practiced in European culture as far back as the 14th century. In 1582, a book by Dr. Adamus was written on zone and pressure therapy. In 1890, Sir Henry Head further developed zone therapy based on years of neurological studies. From these studies Russian physiologist developed theories based on the reflexes of the brain and spinal cord. Ivan Pavlov continued these studies in conditioned reflexes and furthered Russian reflex study. His theoretical base is why Russians continue today to see reflexology as a natural and effective complement to traditional medicine today.
Massage was not applied to pressure point theory until 1902 by a German, Dr. Alfons Cornelius. Application of massage to areas that appeared to be more painful produced complete recovery of an aliment. He later wrote a book on this discovery called Pressure Points, the Origin and Significance.
The American Influences on Reflexology Theory
In 1872, Dr. William Fitzgerald of Connecticut mapped out the zones of the body while practicing in hospitals in Vienna and London. Fitzgerald is credited with development of the zone therapy as practiced by most reflexologist in the US today. It is Fitzgerald who mapped out the zones of equal length and size which ran longitudinal from the head to the feet and hands. He explains his theory of zones in Mystery of Zone Therapy Explained published in 1934.
Though Fitzgerald's theories were not accepted by the medical community, a few physicians joined him and developed and refined "Zone Therapy." One of these collaborating physicians, Joseph Riley, had an assistant Eunice Ingham. Ingham is responsible for the development of foot maps and the practice of reflexology as we know it today. Her nephew continues her work in St. Petersburg, FL today.
How Chinese Meridian Theory Has Combined With Reflexology Today
Today, reflexology has been taken a step further with the work of Dr. Inge Dougans. In her well known clinic in Africa, Dougans has developed Meridian Reflexology. By combining ancient Chinese meridian theory with the work of Eunice Ingham, Dougans has given the therapist a framework for explanation and application of reflexology theory.
The positive charges produced by stimulating the applicable meridian in a foot reflexology treatment increase the bodies healing potential. This fascinating science has come full circle. Though its origins are from Western medicine, it has embraced Eastern medicine in the best of both worlds.
Resources:
Dougans, Inge. The Art of Reflexology. Element, 1992.
Bressler, Harry. Zone Therapy. Health Research, 1971.
Jo-Ann Daniel-Lemoine - NFPT certified personal trainer and author of two books . My main interest since the age of 25 has been longevity medicine. Raised to ...
