Reflexology is not a new idea. There is evidence of the practice of reflexology as early as 2500 BC.
In spite of its long history the exact process of reflexology is still not clearly understood, but there are 3 logical theories as to how it works.
Zone Therapy
Discovered by Dr. William Fitzgerald in the early 1900s, it is based on the idea that the body is divided in 10 longitudinal zones, each finger and toe falling into a zone. By applying pressure to a reflex in a zone, any body part within that zone can be stimulated.
Neural Pathways
The nervous system of the body is like a complex electrical system that sends messages from cell to cell reaching every cell, tissue and organ. Each foot has had over 7000 nerve endings and 100,000 to 200,000 external sensory receptors. Stimulating these reflexes in the feet sends electrical impulses throughout the body, allowing it to regulate itself.
Meridians
Meridians are specific energy pathways running throughout the body that carry vital energy for every body function. Acupuncture and acupressure therapies are based on these meridians. There are 6 meridians that run through all the major organs and have their endpoints in the feet. Working on these helps release energy blockages throughout the body.
