Marlow Reflexology

Reflexology can be traced back as far as 5000 BC. Specific evidence of the therapy was observed in Ancient Egypt, China and India, each practicing their own method of reflexology.

Significant developments occurred in the early 1900's. Dr William Fitzgerald, an American Doctor, introduced a therapy to the West called 'Zone Therapy'. In 1917, he developed the idea that the body was divided into ten, longitudinal 'zones', where pressure in one area of the zone affected the rest of that zone which ran from head to foot. Eunice Ingham, a medical assistant working alongside an advocate of Dr Fitzgerald's work developed her treatments based on this idea, focusing on the hands and feet. She felt that these areas were more sensitive areas and responded more effectively. She coined the term Reflexology and mapped out the reflexes on a foot chart, linking them in with the organs and systems in the body. Known as the 'Mother of Reflexology', Eunice also discovered the considerable benefits of alternating pressure as opposed to direct pressure, and incorporated this into her treatments. Eunice's research developments form the basis for many of the modern treatments used today