It’s Widely used for the prevention of illness, to encourage healing and to cure symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression.
At YOU Massage Therapy, we utilise these ancient techniques to treat symptoms of IBS, PMS, Endometriosis, Migraines, Sciatic Pain, Sinusitis, Chronic Coughs and low immunity….
YOU Massage Therapists: Amy, Naomi, Nikki and Lynn are qualified and experienced Reflexology practitioners; our other Therapists Pete, Melissa, Elise and Caz have been trained in Reflex Massage, to enhance their foot treatments with zone therapy. In this blog Lynn talks a little about the history of this great therapy, and her experiences in learning Thai Foot Reflexology. Lynn spent time in Thailand learning their ways of applying Massage and other Holistic Techniques…
The History of Reflexology.
Reflexology as a foot massage dates back to the reign of Chinese Emperor Wendi but began to flourish in the Tang Dynasty (618-907 A.D.). Later, it spread into Japan and was also brought to the Western countries when more and more Westerners started to work with the Chinese around the late Manchu Dynasty (1643-1912 A.D.).
Then in 1913, Dr. William Fitzgerald, an American doctor, wrote an article about Reflexology foot massage developing a systematised chart of longitudinal zones in the body. There were 10 zones, ending in the toes where Fitzgerald discovered that pressure on an area could affect other parts of the body within that zone! That’s how this ancient modality was restored in the Western countries and further practised; it was V. M. Bechterev, a Russian physiologist who coined the term “Reflexology” and further research was conducted….
Fitzgerald’s zone theory was developed further by Dr. Shelly Riley who added horizontal zones across the hands and feet to determine individual reflexes. Eunice Ingham, a physical therapist and associate of Riley, refined the zone therapy into therapeutic foot reflexology through full scale researches with hundreds of clients. She made an anatomical model in which the organs of the body were mapped out on the feet. Her findings were published in 1938, resulting in more precise identification of reflex points and gave us the framework of foot reflexology as it is known and practised today!
History of Foot Massage in Thailand.
A La Loubere’s Chronicle, written in the reign of King Narai (1656-1689) mentioned the popular use of massage in ancient Siam: “In Siam, when one fell ill, his or her cousins would have him or her massaged.” It was said that King Chulalongkorn (Rama V, 1868-1910) was so fond of this method of rejuvenating that whenever he went out to visit his subjects in remote areas; at least one masseur was included in his entourage. The art of massage has been practised and developed for centuries inThailand. And Thai foot reflexology massage has been enhanced by comparison with other varieties such as Chinese massage, Korean massage and Japanese massage to bring out the supreme benefits.
By using a wooden stick, it is easier to focus directly onto pressure points. It is also said that each wooden stick has been made from the wood of trees that have been struck by lightning. Whether or not this is true Thai Foot reflexology is deeper than your typical western reflexology treatment. The treatment lasts for an hour and comes with many benefits…
The Benefits of Thai Foot Reflexology massage.
It stimulates the organs of the body as well as stimulating blood flow and the lymphatic system in the body. It also stimulates the nervous system, helps promote deeper relaxation, releasing stress and many illnesses.
It is not advisable to have this treatment if you suffer with high blood pressure, heart disease, are pregnant, menstruating, have a fever or suffering with any injury to the feet, ankles, calf, knees or any open wounds or infections.
YOU Massage Therapy provides various treatments that are tailored to suit everyone’s needs. Why not enhance a treatment with reflexology or for more information on Thai massage give us a call today.
Thanks for reading, Lynn
