For the last decade REFLEXOLOGY has found its place in the world of holistic therapies. It is a noninvasive therapy consisting in the specific work of a thumb and fingers on reflexes that are primarily in feet, but also in pinna (ear), face and hands. There is evidence in the form of drawings that the massage on feet was already performed in the Ancient Egypt. However, the roots of the therapy applied today go back to Chinese theory of acupuncture and the theory of zones introduced by Dr. William Fitzgerald (1872-1942). Fitzgerald’s theory was further extended and propagated by Eunice Ingam (1889-1974), who devoted her whole life to exploring the mystery of feet therapy. Her valuable work experience resulted in two books: “Stories the feet can tell” and “Stories the feet have told me”. She passed her whole knowledge and skills to her nephew Dwight C. Bayers, who in 1973 formed the International Institute of Reflexology which he manages up to date.
The beginnings of reflexology in Poland is the year 1995 when Wanda Budzanowska- Bratko, residing permanently and practicing in Canada, came to Poland to share her knowledge, to proliferate the skills that helped herself to recover. In 1998 the Polish Institute of Reflexology was established. In 2000 the Polish Institute of Reflexology /PIR/ was affiliated to the international organization Reflexology in Europe Network as the 17th member. Owing to PIR as well as the passion and engagement of Wanda Budzanowska- Bratko, who has been recognized as the mother of Polish reflexology, in 2005 the profession of a reflexologist was introduced in Poland.
According to the theory of zones, internal organs and body parts are “reflected” on feet. By distinguishing and stimulating the respective zones on feet the natural balance is recovered, the disturbance of which leads to stress, maladies and impairment. Reflexology restores natural balance of a body, stimulates its process of self-healing and accurate functioning of all glands, organs and tissues in the body. Through manipulation the following results are achieved: muscle tensions are relaxed, hyperactivity of glands is reduced and regular metabolism is restored. Reflexology can not only deal with the effects of stress such as muscle cramp, problems with concentration and loss of memory but also challenge much more serious diseases such as hypertension, diabetes or malfunctions of thyroid gland…
Another important aspect of reflexology is stimulation of organism to detoxification. Toxins, which gather in various parts of our body, cause numerous ailments and sometimes even serious malfunctions. Stimulation of, inter alia, reflexes of a digestive system and a urinary system is the impetus for a body to start purification.
Reflexology is also an excellent pain killer. It boosts the production of endorphins, i.e. a natural analgesic blocking the transmission of pain stimuli.
Remember! Reflexologist at work never touches an afflicted place, usually strongly painful. The work on feet and hands is a safe therapy in every case if the manipulations are performed by well-educated reflexologist (there are no limits in afflictions).
How does reflexology work?
As the supplement to physician’s services reflexology is recommended in all cases of indisposition of human body operations, and at the same time as preventive measures aimed at keeping good health both physical and mental.
Remember! – Reflexology is the therapy for everyone and in all ages.
I invite you to take advantage of that uniquely efficient of therapy.
Bibliography:
Dwight C. Byers: "Better Health with Foot Reflexology” translated by Wanda Budzanowska- Bratko; Saint Petersburg Florida USA 1983
Inge Dougans: “Reflexology” translated by Joanna Grabik; Dom Wydawniczy Rebis 2006
Beryl Crane: “Reflexology. An illustrated guide”; translated by Małgorzata Dobrogojska; Konemann 2011.