Reflexology has been practiced in one form or another for thousands of years. More recently, studies regarding the scientific basis behind reflexology began in the early 1900s in both Russia and Europe. Ivan Pavlov won a Nobel Prize for his research related to reflex therapy. He asserted that the stimulation of one body part could affect the health of another body part, and discovered a link between brain-organ dynamics. From his work came the theory that mixed messages from the brain to certain body parts could result in malfunction or deterioration of health in those body parts.
Reflexology massage evolved as a recognized scientific practice from these roots. In 1917, Vladimir Bekterev came up with the term "reflexology" to describe the practice that was evolving from experimentation with reflex responses. The reflexology massage therapist opens up the flow of energy or information from the brain to the organs by stimulating the specific points on the hands and feet correlating to those body systems.
Reflexology gained popularity in the United States thanks to Eunice Ingham, an American physiotherapist, in the 1950s. Because there was no formal schooling or licensing available for the practice of this health care method, it caused quite a stir among those who questioned whether reflexology was an accepted and legitimate medical practice or not. In the 1970s, a revolutionary book titled "Helping Yourself with Foot Reflexology" was published and became the center of a legal skirmish about practicing reflexology without a medical license. The legal battle failed to stop the growth of the practice, and many more books describing how to perform reflexology flooded the markets.
Today you can find reflexology massage therapists in most spas, massage therapy centers, health centers and cancer support centers. You can also find books, DVDs, instructional videos and community classes to learn how to perform reflexology on yourself or your friends and family.
 | Reflexology massage is the practice of applying pressure to specific areas of the hands and feet believed to correspond to other parts of the body in order to relieve stress and tension and increase the flow of endorphins. |
 | A general reflexology massage will benefit your entire body much like a full body massage. |
When many people are in some type of physical pain, he/she often pays a visit to the doctor's office or even a trip to the hospital. But what if this pain is taking place in the feet? Are there any procedures for feet problems? The answer is yes. |
A regular massage session is known to benefit the body and mind in revitalizing the energy flow of our bodies. From time to time, you may find certain parts and functions of your body requiring specific attention that may not necessary be related to muscles and joints and in this case, you may want to consider a reflexology massage to target that particular area. |
With so many reflexology techniques at your disposal, it may seem daunting to choose one that is best for you. Self-reflexology is a therapy that has grown in popularity during the last several years. |
