About Reflexology

Reflexology is based on the principle that there are reflex areas in the feet (hands and face) that correspond to all of the organs, glands and parts of the body. By applying gentle (or sometimes firmer) pressure to those reflex areas, reflexology can stimulate the body to work more effectively and heal itself. The philosophy behind this is to support the body’s own capacities for healing.

The main tools of Reflexology are the reflexologist’s fingers and thumbs; sometimes your Reflexologist may use a stone, or massage tool to work a reflex area.

Reflexology is an holistic therapy. We treat the whole person—the physical body, and the emotional and psychological dimensions of health. Reflexologists do not treat for a specific condition, diagnose or prescribe.

Reflexology is particularly helpful in treating stress and anxiety, and conditions that are caused or exacerbated by stress.

Reflexology and other therapies

Reflexology is a complementary and integrative health treatment. It stands alone as a form of self-care, and works well alongside other health modalities, including naturopathy, acupuncture, osteopathy to name a few; and in conjunction with western medical practice. Reflexology is an established modality, for instance, in the care of patients undergoing cancer treatment.

Origins of Reflexology

There is archaeological and other evidence that many cultures—from the Native American Indians, the Ancient Egyptians, the Ancient Indians, and most notably, the Chinese—have practised forms of foot therapy for centuries, and have understood the healing benefits of applying pressure to reflex points in the feet. The modern history of reflexology began with Zone Therapy in the early 1900s, a concept developed by American, Dr William Fitzgerald. Zone therapy involved applying pressure to points on the hand to relieve pain.

Fitzgerald’s protégé, Eunice Ingham, is acknowledged as the creator of modern reflexology as practised in the West. In the 1930s, Eunice Ingham applied zone theory to the feet, and developed detailed charts mapping the body reflexes on the feet, leading to publication of her first book Stories the Feet Can Tell (1938).

Anita is trained primarily in the Ingham method and is continually building her expertise to provide the best treatments for her clients.