Reflexology

Said to have been discovered 5000 years ago in China, this therapy treats disease by massaging the feet. Various areas of the feet are thought to link with the different organs of the body. The therapy was introduced into the West around 1913 by an American ENT specialist, Dr William Fitzgerald, who conceived the idea of dividing the body into ten zones, or links, which extend from the feet up to the head and into the hands. This addition to the original therapy is known as Zone Therapy. The practitioner can sense by touch which areas need healing and by firm massage will attempt to remove the blocks that are causing problems, by freeing up the vital channels of energy.

Notes: Used to treat back pain, digestive problems, migraine, menstrual difficulties, sinus problems and stress. More grave conditions such as heart disorders, multiple sclerosis and strokes have also responded to this therapy.

Professional Organisations:

• The Association of Reflexologists, 5 Fore Street, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 1HX. Telephone: 0870 5673320 / fax: (01823) 336646 / Email: info@aor.org.uk
• International Federation of Reflexologists, 76-78 Edridge Road, Croydon, Surrey CR0 1EF. Tel: 020 8667 9458 / Fax: 020 8649 9291

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