Definition and Description of Reflexology

Reflexology is an ancient natural healing therapy based on the principle that there are reflex points in the hands and feet that correspond to every part, gland and organ of the body. Therefore pressure or palpation on a reflex affects the corresponding body part.

Reflexology stimulates the internal organs and relieves stress and tension. Circulation throughout the body is stimulated, digestion improved and blockages in nerve impulses are broken down. Reflexology assists the body in self healing and may be viewed as preventive medicine. The goal of reflexology treatment is to assist the body in achieving homeostasis – to bring the body into balance. .

Our feet support our whole body. We depend on them for movement and balance. Crystalline deposits, either acid or alkaline, form at the nerve endings in the feet creating congestion. When pressure is applied, it is these deposits that cause tenderness. Often the reflexologist can feel them. As the therapist gently massages the foot, the deposits begin to breakdown relieving the congestion and restoring balance.

Walking barefoot on different surfaces is a natural way to break down these deposits. A beach and grass provide comfortable outdoor surfaces and indoor flooring is varied.

History of Reflexology

Reflexology is as old as mankind has hands and feet. Walking barefoot and using the hands to perform manual labor are natural methods of stimulating the reflex points.

Throughout history many cultures and religions have worshipped the feet. The earliest known illustration of Reflexology is a relief carving dating back to the Egyptian 6th dynasty (2423-2263 B.C.E.). found on the wall at the entrance to the tomb of “Ankm’ahor” (the “Physician’s tomb”) this carving illustrates working on the hands and feet.

For over 5,000 years the Chinese have practiced reflexology by applying pressure to specific points along the meridians.

In biblical times, washing and massaging the feet was regarded as a sign of respect. Buddha’s followers stressed clearing the brain reflexes in the toes to bring about a productive mental attitude.

Reflexology, as we know it today, originated with a theory developed by Dr. William Fitzgerald, an Ear, Nose and Throat Physician who graduated from the University of Vermont in 1895. In the early 1900′s he realized that by pressing firmly over specific points on the toes and hands he could relieve pain and sometimes the actual cause. He divided the body into longitudinal zones to the site of injury and discovered a connection between each of the zones and the corresponding internal organs. Dr. Fitzgerald called this technique Zone Therapy.

Zone therapy was refined by and American massage therapist named Eunice Ingham. This is the basis of modern day reflexology.

Reflexology Training – Regulation

In Canada very few therapies are licensed or regulated. Reflexology is an unregulated or unlicensed health modality. However it is different in the USA. There are some states where it is regulated like Colorado and Florida.

Reflexology Training Course Requirements

Generally there are few things you need to know to enroll into a reflexology training course.
• Minimum 18 or 19 years old and a high school diploma or equivalent (mature student).
• Total cost for the Reflexology Certification Program is any where from $700 and up, which includes the reflexology manual of information & all exam fees.

Reflexology Training – Online or In Class

There are many reflexology training courses that you can do online; do your due diligence and find out if the course is recognized by a provincial or national association.

The range of training in Canada varies tremendously. Some certified Reflexologists are very well trained through internationally recognized and legitimate institutions.

On the other end of the scale, some “Reflexologists” may receive their “training” by simply reading a book, attending an evening class, spending a weekend at a class and receiving a certificate of attendance on Sunday before they go home, or simply purchasing a certificate from a clearing house on-line.

Check the practitioner’s credentials. Any legitimate instructor will belong to an association of some sort. Ask for references. It is your name, money and reputation on the line once you go through the process.

Reflexology Training: Course Subjects

A general course outline for reflexology training would include the following:
• Foot Conditions
• Reactions to Reflexology
• Skeletal System
• Nervous System
• Endocrine System
• Muscular System
• Circulatory System
• Respiratory System
• Digestive System
• Urinary System
• The Skin
• The Lymphatic System
• Head and hand Reflexology

On top of classroom instruction students generally need to complete full reflexology treatments on at least 60 pairs of feet. This may be higher depending on who and where you take the reflexology training program.

Reflexology does not diagnose, prescribe, treat a specific condition and use implements.

Reflexology Products

Here are a few reflexology books you may be interested in if you are looking to practice or become a reflexologist.