Reflexology is an ancient practice, although it has changed significantly over the centuries. Its predominant use is to alleviate pain from injury or disease. This is done by applying pressure to various pressure points that correlate to different organs.

The predecessor to modern Reflexology is called Zone Theory and was established by Dr. William Fitzgerald and Dr. Edwin Bowers. These two gentlemen discovered that applying pressure to these pressure points alleviated not only pain but also the underlying cause of the pain.

Dr. Fitzgerald divided the body up into zones. He believed that the pressure point for any given organ could reside within the same zone. His colleague, Dr. Bowers, went to some extreme lengths to get others to buy into their ideas on zone therapy. He would apply pressure to a pressure point and then stick a pin in the corresponding numbed area. This kind of shock and awe display proved to be very convincing, and people began to accept their theory.

Modern Reflexology

Another doctor by the name of Shelby Riley worked closely with Dr. Fitzgerald, and he continued to develop the zone theory. However, the individual who established the foot reflexology was a therapist who worked in Dr. Riley’s office named Eunice Ingham. She took an interest in Zone Theory, and in the 1930s, she began to develop the concept of foot reflexology as we know it today.

It was she who determined that the reflexes in the feet were an exact mirror image of the different organs and glands in the body. She called the specific pressure points that correlated different organs “reflexes.” So, she renamed Zone Therapy and called it Reflexology.

Thanks to Eunice Ingham, reflexology focuses explicitly on the hands and feet, which are most receptive to these applied pressures. Modern reflexologists use Ingham’s methods for treating patients.

Book Your Hand, Ear, or Foot Reflexology Appointment at Emerge Medical & Well Spa!

At Emerge Medical & Well Spa, we believe in the power and efficacy of hand, ear, or foot reflexology to help promote relaxation and improve circulation in the body. If you book an appointment with us, your therapist will use thumb pressure on specific reflex points to help achieve maximum results. The aim of an ear, hand, or foot reflexology session is to have you leave our medical well spa feeling rejuvenated. At our spa, we offer both 30 and 60-minute sessions with our ear, hand, and foot reflexology therapists. If you are in need of relaxation, make sure to contact us at Emerge Medical & Well Spa to book your appointment!