What is reflexology?

Reflexology is a holistic healing art, based on the principle that there are reflexes in the feet (and hands) which correspond to every part of the body. In other words a map of the entire human body can be found on the feet, and by pressing or massaging certain points or areas on the feet, different parts, organs and limbs of the body can be stimulated and healed. This map in the feet is a two-way street, and the feet also reflect the status of one's body parts and spiritual well-being, even one's personality. Reflexology is therefore similarly used as a diagnostic tool. We could say that feet are the footing of a person.
Reflexology as a healing technique dates back to ancient times. Evidence of its use has been found in Egypt (in hieroglyphics found in an ancient tomb), China and India. It was rediscovered and further developed in Europe and the United States in the early 20th century. In 1913 at a Boston hospital Dr. William H. Fitzgerald started using reflexology, instead of administering medication, for pain relief (he called it zone therapy) . Soon he noticed that this method of applying pressure to certain "zones" on the feet, corresponding to various body parts and thus easing pain and pressure, not only relieved the pain, but in many cases treated the actual cause as well. In the early 1930's Eunice D. Ingham, a physical therapist, started to develop her own foot reflex theory, based on Dr. Fitzgerald's zone theory. She discovered that the reflexes on the feet were an exact mirror image of the organs and parts of the body, and she was the first one to actually map the feet. Today this map and the original Ingham method is used by reflexologists all around the world.