History of Reflexology
Reflexology is believed to have originated approximately 2,000 - 4,000 years ago in Egypt, India, and China. A few hundred years ago reflexology spread to Europe and the Americas, and has since been adopted to many countries.
Modern reflexology was established in 1913 by Dr. William Fitzgerald (1872 - 1942) after noting that different areas of the body have anesthetic effects on other areas of the body. He concluded that the body was divided into ten vertical zones which terminated at the fingertips and toes. He hypothesized that applying pressure to certain terminal zones would have an effect on everything else in that zone.
Our health center is named after Father Wu (Father Josef Eugster), born in Switzerland. Over two decades ago, Father Wu rediscovered the ancient therapy of reflexology and promoted its use all over Asia.
In Canada, Reflexology Association of British Columbia was formed in 1969 to promote the benefits of reflexology in British Columbia and to unite professionals in this area. The Reflexology Association of Canada was established in 1976 to unify reflexologists in professional programs and services.
Since its discovery, reflexology has proven itself to be a blessing for all of mankind as an all-natural method of healing.
How It Works
Each foot contains over 7,200 nerve endings, which have extensive interconnections with other areas of the body through the spinal cord. By stimulating these nerves reflexology can help to establish homeostasis in the body. Homeostasis is the scientific term for balance and equilibrium, which is vital to overall health. As pictured on the right, each area of the foot is interconnected with an organ or gland in the body.
Reflexology is known to help relaxation. This is because reflexology stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, and causes the body to enter into a "calming" mode. The parasympathetic nervous system promotes self-repair, reduce tension, and overall well-being.
In addition, reflexology helps to breakdown blockages that impinge on nerves and muscles. The blockages may be the result of toxins, scar tissue, pooling of lymph fluid, corns, and callus, which impede on the body's ability to run smoothly.
Reflexology offered at Fr. Wu Reflexology & TCM Center uses an integration of western and oriental techniques to provide a unique reflexology experience. We practice "Meridian Acupressure", which stimulates meridian points in conjunction with reflexology to improve results. Meridian points are areas of the body that when stimulated, cause a physiological change in the body and aid in establishing homeostasis.
The chart on the right shows the ten vertical zones of the body, as described by Dr. William Fitzgerald. As the nerves in a certain region are stimulated, the entire region will reap the same effects.
Benefits of Reflexology
The benefits of reflexology are numerous and will vary depending on the individual. Common benefits include:
- Relaxation and stress reduction
- Improved blood circulation
- Enhanced energy and vitality
- Normalization the body's natural functions
In addition, reflexology is known to help alleviate the follow conditions:
- Allergies
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Back/Muscle pain
- High blood pressure
- Insomnia
- Muscle tension
- Respiratory problems
Furthermore, reflexology has very few known side effects and is 100% natural! No harmful drugs are used in the process.
