Modern Reflexology

Reflexology is a form of complementary health care that is practiced all throughout the world. Reflexology has been defined as, “a method of treatment whereby reflex points in the feet are massaged in a way to bring about an effect in areas of the body quite distant from the feet and hands but the feet have the reflex response” (Hall, 2013, p. 1). One could look at it as an internal massage without actually cutting a person open and massaging their intestines. As with any form of alternative medicine, the basic principle focuses on the mind, body and spirit as a whole trying to create homeostasis within the body. The specifics of Reflexology will be later discussed in this paper, but to become familiar with the basics first. To start off with

Finally, there are so many benefits that have been discovered regarding the use of Reflexology. This paper is designed to give a further look into what exactly this method of treatment was in history, is in present times, and can do for the individual. First, it is important to get the background of this technique because this is how the modern practice started. Experts say that forms of modern Reflexology can date back to 3000 BC in the Egyptian culture and 5000 years in Chinese medicine. In these cultures the idea of what is now thought of as Reflexology was pressure therapy more similar to massage as the technique is today. The North American Indians and early African tribes were also seen in history with doing varying techniques that all had a similar basic technique, the technique of creating pressure on the hands and feet to try and relax other organs in the body. As the history of Reflexology progressed so did the population practicing it. In 1582 the first book about Reflexology was created by two European physicians, Dr. Adamus and Dr. A’tatis. A lot of the

For the head area it can cure, headaches and migraines, stroke (cerebral hemorrhage), Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Sinusitis, Hay fever, and toothache. Proceeding to the musculoskeletal area which can help neck and shoulder problems, tennis or golfer’s elbow, lower back problems, hip problems, Sciatica, and arthritis. Pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal gland, and pancreas disorders of the endocrine system can also be helped with the use of Reflexology. Respiratory illnesses, which common in children and adults today can be helped, problems such as asthma, bronchitis and emphysema. People with angina, hypertension and circulation problem relating to the heart and circulatory system can use Reflexology as relief. Shingles and breast lumps included in this list as well. Reflexology helps a lot of problems in the digestive system like heartburn, indigestion, ulcers, constipation, hemorrhoids, and gallstones. Finally the urinary tract can have relief kidney and bladder disorders. (Hall, 2013, p. 84-102). Many people around the world everyday suffer from one of these problems, if not multiple. All of the disorders or problems just listed are not comfortable to live with nor are they pleasant to deal with, some of them are actually quite painful. So instead of having to go through surgeries or