What is Reflexology? (Part 1)

​By Amanda Coleman


We're very pleased to announce that we've added a new member to the team here at Oasis Massage and we're very excited to now be able to offer Reflexology to our clients. Annie Francis, a Certified Practitioner of Reflexology and Master Level Reiki Practitioner, will be starting with us this June. I've put together a two part blog to share with you a little bit about what reflexology is, how it can help your body, and what to expect at your first session. Annie will be available on Tuesday for appointments, so be sure to book yours now!

Reflexology is a style of alternative medicine that is predicated on the thought that the feet, hands, and ears have corresponding points to the rest of the body. Using various hand techniques to stimulate these points promotes health and energy flow in these areas, which then encourages the body's own balance and healing. The potential benefits of reflexology include:

• reduce stress
• reduce pain
• stimulate nerve function
• improve energy levels
• improve circulation
• reduce severity of migraines and headaches

Though there are many similar concepts to reflexology found throughout parts of history, reflexology as it's practiced today was developed in 1917 from the work of William H. Fitzgerald, M.D. His book, Zone Therapy, began the theory of the body being broken into 10 vertical zones running the length of the body. Joe Shelby Riley, M.D. then expanded this theory to include horizontal zones and was the first to draw maps of the reflex points on the hands and feet. In 1938, Eunice Ingham, a physical therapist working in the office of Dr. Riley, published the first book on foot reflexology, “Stories the Feet Can Tell” and made foot reflexology classes popular throughout the country.

In our next segment we'll talk about how to prepare for and what to expect from your first reflexology session. Don't forget to schedule your appointment with Annie, available by appointment on Tuesdays! Call 508-280-4242 or book your appointment online!



Sources:

• https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/other/benefits-of-reflexology.html
  
• http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART00546/Reflexology-Dr-Weil-Wellness-Therapies.html
  
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reflexology​
  
• http://www.americanacademyofreflexology.com/historyof/