Egyptian documented history goes back
                            around 2300 BC, to the discovery of reflex
                          appearing hieroglyphics that were noted in a
                         physician’s (pharaoh) tomb. Seemingly all
                        cultures around the world have some version
       of reflexology practices. Some significantly
         current current and historical research has
        come from reflexology leaders in both Great Britain
   and Australia. Even a popular authored Japanese approach is to promote the effective practice of using long, deep, pressured reflex strokes. And a Nurse Practitioner at the American Nurses Association Convention in Philadelphia, PA shared in a holistic presentation, about how the Amish commonly use reflexology on their young to promote wellness. Some form of reflexology practice is often discovered throughout numerous and diverse worldwide sources.

Considered an energy work, reflexology is based on scientific principles of the human body. With over 7,200 nerve ending in each foot, reflexing the appendage by applying specific techniques in acupressure is believed to facilitate a body’s ability to maintain “homeostasis” (balance). Each hand, foot and ear is considered to be a “microcosm” of the entire body system to which these nerve endings connect. By specifically applying acupressure to relative reflex areas, innervation via stimulation occurs to awaken and reinforce balance within that area.

It is a very relaxing and stress-reducing experience that is believed to facilitate increased circulation and the body’s own ability to achieve balance. Often and diversely during sessions, reflex areas are discovered that have crystals or crunchies that can be noted during common thumb-walking techniques. These reflex areas of palpable intensity, tenderness, skin and/or structural changes can be worked with reflexology and found to relieve congestion from characteristically reported client ailments.

The National Institute of Health, Maryland University, and numerous holistic complementary practices acknowledge reflexology as a beneficial practice worthy of further study and research projects. Informational resources often mention reflexology practices for support of pain management, stress reduction, energy and sleep issues.

Reflexology is an ancient multi-cultured practice that has slowly evolved in the western world during the early 1900’s. But current noteworthy studies and practices are now endorsing the merit of reflexology as a worthy modern day practice towards wellness.