History of Reflexology
Egypt
The oldest documentation of the use of reflexology was found in Egypt at approximately 2500 BC, discovered in the tomb of the Egyptian physician, Ankhmahor. Early Egyptian artists observed and recorded scenes from daily lives which included medical practices of the times.
Cherokee Native Americans
Another theory is that the Native Americans learned a form of reflex therapy from the Incas. Reflex pressure applied to the feet as healing therapy has been practiced by the Native Americans for generations.
Jenny Wallace, a Cherokee from the Bear clan, practices as a reflexologist today. In her tribe she is known as a "moon maiden". This is a title bestowed on a woman who, as a young girl, exhibits natural intuitive healing talents.
As seen below, medicine wheels are a part of Native culture. The four colors represent the four colours of man. They are arranged differently by each tribe, based on beliefs and traditions.
The medicine wheel is representative of Native spirituality, which represents the harmony and connection of a peaceful existence between all living beings on earth. The spiral hand is a symbol of healing in many cultures including Native Americans.
China
References to reflexology are vague at best. There are some references during the Han Dynasty, and reflexology is said to have flourished during the Tang Dynasty.
China, as well of large parts of Asia, have cobblestone foot paths. The Chinese tradition of stone stepping is catching on around the world. This has also been tested and proven to help the elderly.
Japan
In Japan you can find footprints etched on the upraised foot of the seated Buddha figure. The exact meaning of these prints has been lost in history. The interest relating to the feet in relation to health has always been widespread in Japan. Reflexology is widely used in Japan today.
The American Influence
Dr. William Fitzgerald is credited as the father of modern reflexology. He discovered zone therapy and brought about the development and practice of reflexology in the United States. He divided the body into zones which he used for anesthetic effect.
Fitzgerald, Bowers, and Riley developed and refined zone therapy. It would be Riley's assistant, Eunice Ingham, who would forever change reflexology.
Eunice Ingham would later be called the Mother of Modern Reflexology. She used zone therapy, but was the first person to map the feet in detail as we know it today. Her nephew, Dwight Byers, has also written a lot of books on reflexology. He was used as a guinea pig by his aunt as part of her research. Today her legacy lives on under the direction of her nephew, Dwight Byers. He runs the International Institute of Reflexology.
In Memory of Eunice Ingham
February 1889- December 1974
