By Kelly Roberts

 What is Reflexology?  History of Reflexology  How Reflexology works  Benefits of Reflexology  What Reflexology cannot do

 Foot massage technique  Applying pressure to reflex points on the feet  Induces relaxation & stimulates the body’s own healing processes

 Early Chinese, Japanese, Indians, Greeks, American Indians, and Egyptians practiced foot massage to promote good health

 In 1913 Dr William Fitzgerald introduced Zone Therapy  10 vertical zones in the body  Stimulating any zone in the foot affects the entire zone throughout the body

 All parts of the body are mapped out on the feet  Working on the reflex points of the feet can relax, and relieve pain from the corresponding part of the body

 Induces relaxation & relieves stress  Improves nerve stimulation  Relieves pain  Increases circulation  Clears body of toxins  Improves immune system  Encourages body to heal any disorders

Studies have shown reflexology to have positive effects on a variety of health conditions  Headaches/migraines  Influenza  Colds/Coughs  Constipation  Heartburn  Asthma  Arthritis  Epilepsy  Acne  Dermatitis

 Relieves symptoms of stress, depression, anxiety, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) & menopause  During pregnancy, reflexology can alleviate tiredness & lower back pain  In children, reflexology can treat poor appetite, croup & hyperactivity

Reflexology should be used in addition to other medical treatments, not as a replacement  Diagnose medical conditions  Prescribe, adjust or replace medication  Treat a specific condition  Claim a cure

 Gillanders, A 2007, The Complete Reflexology Tutor, Octopus Publishing Group Ltd, London.  Keet, L 2008, The Reflexology Bible, Octopus Publishing Group Ltd, London.  Schaefer, M 2008, Reflexology Massage, Sterling Publishing Co. Inc, New York.  Norman, L & Cowan, T 1989, The Reflexology Handbook, Piatkus Books Ltd, London.