| According to Licensed Massage Therapist C.G. | | | | Fitzgerald, M.D. in the United States in the early |
| Funk, Vice President of Industry Relations and | | | | 1900s, and of which he wrote in his book |
| Product Development for Massage Envy, | | | | "Relieving Pain At Home" in 1917. Dr. Fitzgerald |
| reflexology massage therapy encourages overall | | | | was the first person in the West to map out the |
| healing. Since reflexology massage therapy is | | | | longitudinal body zones. He applied continuous |
| available in massage clinics and massage spas in | | | | pressure on points in the hands and feet, as well |
| Venice and Sarasota FL, residents should lose no | | | | as the tongue, palate and the back of the |
| time in trying out this massage modality. | | | | pharynx wall to relieve pain in other corresponding |
| According to Funk, “Reflexology is a type of | | | | body parts. He discovered then that as pain was |
| bodywork where the therapist primarily works on | | | | being relieved, the underlying cause of the pain |
| the feet and/or hands. The theory behind | | | | was being treated, too. |
| reflexology is that there are ‘reflex | | | | The Zone Theory was further developed by Dr. |
| points’ on the feet and hands that relate to | | | | Shelby Riley, M.D. who added the concept of |
| structures throughout the body, including muscles, | | | | horizontal zones in the hands and feet. Physical |
| bones, organs and glands. The premise of | | | | therapist Eunice D. Ingham applied the principles to |
| reflexology is that by stimulating those reflex | | | | hundreds of patients and meticulously documented |
| points, through massage techniques, the benefits | | | | her cases. Based on these, she identified the |
| will be felt throughout the body.” | | | | reflexology points on the feet in a book published |
| The Winter 2007 online issue of Massage Envy | | | | in 1938. This has been translated into seven other |
| Magazine says reflexology balances the nervous | | | | languages around the world, and is the basis of |
| system. It cites the Associated Bodywork & | | | | reflexology points used today. Ingham began |
| Massage Professionals as saying that reflexology | | | | holding workshops teaching reflexology. Dwight |
| works on the energy flow of the body using the | | | | Byers began assisting her in 1961 and in 1968 set |
| same principles as acupressure. | | | | up The National Institute of Reflexology in the US. |
| Funk says “reflexology is a popular alternative | | | | By the mid-Seventies, he established The |
| therapy that promotes relaxation, improves | | | | International Institute of Reflexology. |
| circulation, reduces pain, soothes tired feet” | | | | Funk reminds massage clients that reflexology |
| and that “receiving reflexology on a regular | | | | should not be painful. “If you feel discomfort, |
| basis can produce many benefits, such as | | | | be sure to tell the therapist so he or she can |
| decreasing stress and stress-related conditions; | | | | reduce pressure and work within your comfort |
| alleviating tension headaches; calming digestive | | | | zone. Some areas on your feet and/or hands |
| disorders; relieving back and neck pain; promoting | | | | may be tender, and the reflexologist may spend |
| restful sleep; speeding recovery from injuries; and | | | | extra time on these points. The soreness should |
| decreasing pain from menstrual disorders.” | | | | decrease with pressure.” He recommends |
| Massage Envy Magazine adds that reflexology can | | | | that reflexology be enjoyed by itself or as part |
| likewise relieve symptoms of arthritis as well as | | | | of full body massage. |
| emotional disorders. Stress is reduced and the | | | | Aside from reflexology, other therapeutic |
| body’s equilibrium is restored with the release | | | | massage modalities include Swedish massage |
| of endorphins in the body. | | | | therapy, deep tissue massage therapy, sports |
| Although there are many traditional practices | | | | massage therapy and pregnancy massage |
| around the world that manipulate areas in the | | | | therapy. Ask for these from reputable massage |
| feet and hands for health benefits, reflexology as | | | | clinics and massage spas in Venice and Sarasota |
| it is known today can be directly traced to the | | | | FL. |
| Zone Theory first developed by Dr. William H. | | | | |