A similar therapy was practiced in ancient egypt too. Reflexology history the most concrete evidence of the practice of reflexology in ancient culture was the discovery of this wall painting depicting the practice of hand and foot reflexology in the tomb of ankhmahor highest official after the pharaoh at saqqara, which is also known as the physicians tomb. Its approach is based on a theory of the interconnection between certain points on the foot and the rest of the body. The reflexology association of america raa began to take form when board members of the american reflexology certification board arcb recognized, through the new certification process, that most reflexologists across the country felt a need for a national membership association. The first evidence of reflexology was found in egypt in the tomb of a physician where images depicting men having their hands and feet worked on were discovered. The earliest evidence of hand and foot massage was discovered in the tomb of ankhmahor in egypt, the tomb dates back to approximately 2330bc. The origins of reflexology reach back to ancient egypt as evidenced by inscriptions found in the physicians tomb at saqqara in egypt. Workshop in hand reflexology are regularly delivered, see the hand reflexology course page for more information our hands are of the utmost importance when it comes to touching, sensing and communicating with others. Used throughout europe, zone therapy, a form of reflexology, was developed in the late 14th century. It provides you with possibility to compare, put together, collate and analyze any data. Doctor nogier is the father of auriculotherapy, the medical approach of diagnosing and treating illnesses with medical implements. Russian physicians of the early 1900s followed the reflex research of nobel prize winner ivan pavlov to create reflex therapy. Later on, modern western reflexology uses the theories and charts developed by her and called this the ingham method. There is evidence that a form of pressure massage was practiced in both china and egypt as far back as 4,000bc, when it was recognised for its therapeutic effects and as a means of helping to prevent diseases.
Her work was carried on by the international institute of reflexology. Reflexology, or zone therapy is an alternative medicine involving the physical act of applying pressure to the feet, hands, or ears with specific thumb, finger, and hand techniques without the use of oil or lotion. History of reflexology working the hands and feet is an ancient art that dates back to a variety of cultures. Reflexology dec 11, 2011 reflexology is a form of complementary therapy involving pressure being applied to specific areas of the feet to create a positive effect in the corresponding part of the body. China, india and egypt practiced reflexology thousands of years ago. If you are interested in the origins and history of reflexology, heres some great information. Using our service, you can open the history many times, see new causeandeffect relations and quickly understand the development process of a civilization or a state. Because reflexology is an ancient practice, its origin and history is difficult to track. Simply put reflexology believes the foot to be a microcosm of the entire physical body. N101 foot reflexology course history and theory of reflexology chapter 1 page 1 figure 11 history of reflexology t he oldest documentation of the use of reflexology is found in egypt. History of reflexology t he oldest documentation of the use of reflexology is found in egypt. For centuries it has been practised by americanindians, chinese and other asian countries and by african tribes.
In egypt, the same treatment was occurring during the same period. Reflexology history will be explained in this web page. This is done using specific thumb, finger, and hand massage techniques without the use of oil or lotion. The history of reflexology natural therapy pages uk. For studying the timeline demonstrates any processes of the worlds history. If you dont see the smartart tools design tab, make sure youve selected the. There have been references to working on the feet, hands and ears in many civilisations throughout history. On the smartart tools design tab, click change colors. The history of reflexology essex based pure harmony. In addition, wall paintings depicting early signs of reflexology were found in ancient egypt in the pyramid of ankmahor, known as the physicians tomb. The great florentine sculptor, cellini 15001571 ad exerted strong pressure on his.
The translation of the hieroglyphics are as follows. C homer wrote about an oily medium used for massage. History of reflexology irish reflexologists institute. Dissertations online dissertation proposal, phd dissertation. An early egyptian tomb drawing depicts what looks like a modern day reflexology session and the fact that it was found in the physicians tomb seems really relevant. Working the hands and feet is an ancient art that dates back to a variety of cultures. Scrivener lacks integration with reference management software though users have found ways to handle citations, it doesnt work seamlessly. However, reflexology is thought to have been passed down through an oral tradition, and possibly first recorded as a pictograph on the egyptian tomb of ankhamor in 2330 bc along with other medical procedures. From as far back as 2330bc man has known the ancient healing art of reflexology when a wall painting in egypt showed a person holding the foot of another person and applying pressure to the soles. The history of reflexology as an art of stress reduction is based on the work of two 20th century medical doctors and a physiotherapist from the united states. Reflexology is a holistic therapy that uses pressure techniques on the feet and hands to promote good health and aid the bodys natural healing process.
Certain cultures including those in india, japan, china and europe have left traces of foot treatment. Sole work how a swiss priest popularized reflexology throughout asia and beyond by kathryn treece in 1977 father josef eugster, a swiss missionary to taiwan, was suffering from severe rheumatoid arthritis in his knees. Zone theory and then zone therapy that reflexology was originally based on, hypothesises that the body can be divided into 10 longitudinal zones, five on each side. Reflexology symbols are thought to be recorded on the feet of statues of buddha in india and later china. Reflexology is an ancient eastern technique, which addresses our life force energy. Its intent is to balance the entire body mind, body and emotion. The history of reflexology talks about ancient therapies used for healing our body without medicines. Reflexology is the application of specific pressure by the practitioners hands, thumbs, and fingers to reflex points in the clients hands, feet, or ears. In addition, wall paintings depicting early signs of reflexology were found in ancient egypt in the pyramid of ankmahor, known as the physician.
A brief history of reflexology west coast reflexology. An exploratory conference was held on may 21 and 22, 1994, with arcb hosting. History of reflexology ametrine reflexology bovingdon. It can actually be traced back to the ancient civilisations of egypt, india and china.
Hand reflexology is an effective and deeply relaxing therapy. The history of reflexology modern reflexology is based on an ancient form of therapy. It is actually a very ancient therapy and has been around in varying forms as far back as the ancient egyptians. Reflexology is a therapy that dates back for thousands of years. Reflexology, also known as zone therapy, is an alternative medical practice involving the application of pressure to specific points on the feet and hands. Reflexology was one such form of treatment in india and china, which was practiced over 5000 years ago. In this video, amber peterson goes over the history of reflexology and the difference between a footzone and a reflexology session. In europe pressure therapy was practiced in the 14th century. Like reiki, reflexology is a holistic form of massage therapy. Harvey lampell, who practises in san francisco, recommends that one start on the foot or hand that corresponds to the side of the body with the least symptoms. Jan 29, 20 in this video, amber peterson goes over the history of reflexology and the difference between a footzone and a reflexology session.
The history of reflexology reflexology was developed as a therapy by eunice ingham in the mid to late twentieth century. Foot work practices have existed throughout the history of humankind. History of reflexology the origins of reflexology evidently reach back to ancient egypt as evidenced by inscriptions found in the physicians tomb at saqqara in egypt. A brief history of the origins of reflexology and where it is. A brief history of reflexology west coast reflexology victoria. There is evidence of some form of foot and hand therapy being practised in china as long ago as 2330 b.
Early egyptian artists observed and recorded scenes of daily life, which included the medical practices of the times. Ingham traveled for 30 years around america to teach her method of reflexology to medical staff first and then to nonmedical practitioners. Below is a very succinct timeline of the development of reflexology. Additionally, the book dancing barefoot by star trek. Native american oral histories dates back several centuries. An early egyptian tomb drawing depicts what looks like a modern day reflexology session and the fact that it was found in. Reflexology helps to create a healthy harmonious state within the body and triggers the bodys natural powers.
Although she is thought to be the mother of reflexology, the art of massaging and touching the feet to help the wellbeing of the body has been around for thousands of years. A brief history of the origins of reflexology and where it. Douglas grahamdescribed lomi lomi and wrote a history of massage. Physicians became skeptical of claims made by massage therapist and accused practitioners of stealing patients.
The authors have labeled this pattern as a form of archetype or archestructure. N201 hand reflexology course history and theory of hand reflexology chapter 1 page 2 figure dr. Sole work reflexology association of america reflexology. Practitioners access these points on the feet and hands bottom, sides, and top and the ear both inside as far as the finger can reach and outside to affect organs and systems throughout the entire body. The connection to childhood and innocence, as well as the simple joys of country life, are embodied in the poem the barefoot boy by john greenleaf whittier, published in 1855. The circular shapes are designed to contain pictures. History reflexology is a natural, scientific healing art involving the physical act of applying pressure to the feet that can be dated back to the egyptians. It is believed that this practice was performed for the benefit of the person receiving the treatment, as the translated hieroglyphics suggest that the. Jun 21, 2017 the best sleeping position for back pain, neck pain, and sciatica tips from a physical therapist duration. An exploratory conference was held on may 21 and 22, 1994, with arcb hosting the exploring a dream conference in.
Mar 10, 2014 explain the history of reflexology and compare the key theories of reflexology and their influences on modern day complementary therapies after researching reflexology extensively i have discovered many possible places of origin as far back as 2330bc. The modern history of reflexology research started in europe 125 years ago. Foot reflexology has been a welcomed complementary therapy for many people since the 1930s as the feet are easily accessible and there is no need to undress. There are a couple of downsides for scientific writing, however. In reflexology theory, points and areas on the feet, hands, and ears correspond to specific organs, bones and body systems. Reflexology associations formed all over the world decades ago grow in strenght and number, influencing government legislation, promoting and educating the community about reflexology. Found on the walls of a sixth dynasty egyptian tomb c. You can see drawings demonstrating reflexology techniques on the tomb of ankmahor. Reflexology is a noninvasive complementary practice involving the use of alternating pressure applied to the reflexes within the reflex maps of the body located on the feet and hands. A brief history of reflexology massage, reflexology. Medicine was of no help, and his physicians piously told him, a young man of 37, that the disease was the cross you have to carry.
Using our service, you can open the history many times, see new causeandeffect relations and quickly understand the development process of a civilization or a. The oldest documentation is that of an egyptian papyrus depicting medical practitioners treating feet and hands in 2,500 bc. The oldest known documentation of reflexology is a pictograph that was found in the tomb of an egyptian physician at saqqara, near cairo, which depicts patients having treatments done on their. The best sleeping position for back pain, neck pain, and sciatica tips from a physical therapist duration. Reflexology symbols are thought to be recorded on the feet of statues of buddha. Barefoot is the most common term for the state of not wearing any footwear wearing footwear is an exclusively human characteristic, however some animals held by humans are also issued with footwear, such as horses and, more rarely, dogs and cats.
History of reflexology ametrine reflexology bovingdon, herts. To create a timeline with pictures or photos, click continuous picture list. It is based on what reflexologists claim to be a system of zones and reflex areas that they say reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands, with the. The ancient chinese worked the hands and feet to help maintain good health. Around the world and throughout history reflexology has been rediscovered and reinstated as a health practice repeatedly by peoples around the globe seeking to deal with health concerns. Paintings on the walls of the tomb of ankhmahor, an egyptian physician. The history of reflexology whilst it is hard to pinpoint an exact start date for reflexology, there is clear evidence to support a form of hand and foot therapy as far back as 4,000 b. Reflexology history from over 5000 years ago to today. It is based on a pseudoscientific system of zones and reflex areas that purportedly reflect an image of the. Reflexology is a complementary therapy that involves applying pressure to certain areas of the feet in order to create a positive effect in the corresponding part of the body. Actually, it is a very ancient therapy and has been around in various forms which could go back to the ancient. History of reflexology the origins of reflexology can be traced back to ancient egypt. Teresa rich, atl, micht, explains its history, benefits and uses. Based on the principle that there are reflexes in the feet that correspond to every part, gland, and organ of ones body, reflexology can result in a positive physiological change in.
Bare feet have come to symbolize innocence or childhood in a glorifying perception of freedom from reallife requirements. Zone 1 would be the section from the big toe straight up the body into the head. Evidence shows that the locals practiced foot and hand therapy to relieve certain conditions. C ayurveda art of life a sacred book of the hindus that includes massage treatments. Remnants of foot work practices span time and place from the physicians tomb in egypt of 2300 b. Whilst it is hard to pinpoint an exact start date for reflexology, there is clear evidence to support a form of hand and foot therapy as far back as 4,000 b. Their basic idea, to influence reflexes and thus brainorgan dynamics.
1464 859 1309 765 811 968 1633 1058 1272 1536 268 551 1525 1443 1272 920 1020 393 217 363 809 102 386 1052 319 1437 1527 626 213 1145 252 366 483 119 1240 1144 941 501 544 1012 711 734 986 22 206 1380 1177 1486