Reflexology Foot Chart: What to do about Tender Tootsies
Forms of reflexology have been practiced for centuries in the east, dating back to ancient China, where the peoples of the past upheld the significance of applying pressure to various zones or areas in the feet. The ancients who cultivated a therapy called acupressure (later to advance to acupuncture in China) realized early on that putting pressure on the feet released “the life force”, chi, or energy which was blocked within the human body. They also saw how different body organs and systems benefited from massaging these pressure points. Much of their focus was on the foot, where they believed massage could benefit the rest of the body.
Some modern day historians maintain that it was the ancient pharaohs of Egypt circa 2300 BC who actually practiced hand and foot massage. A diagram of the earliest rudimentary reflexology foot chart has been located on the tomb of Ankhmahor the “overseer of the great house”, vizier, and physician to the Pharaoh. There are several expert opinions of what these ancient carvings actually represented. Much attention was paid to the foot during this time in Egyptian history.
To the modern day reflexologist though the Pharaoh and other dignitaries of the society may have been transported about, the common slave or laborer walked far and wide and was constantly on his feet. These poor tender feet needed care. The tired sojourner or visitor to the society may very well have sought help from the country’s physicians. Therefore it is conceivable to say that physicians of the time were interested in foot therapy. Since hieroglyphics was the language of communication at the time, it makes sense that findings of the physicians on basic foot care would be represented in a reflexology foot chart. Some Egyptologists confirm that these ancient drawings do depict a reflexology foot chart of sorts. They have seen from the Egyptian court culture the drawings of servants massaging the legs of their Pharaohs on Ptah-hotep’s tomb. There are also carvings of foot soldiers having their feet attended to during the time of Ramesses II.
We find evidence of the use of a reflexology foot chart in modern day North American culture dating back to 1913, when an ears, nose and throat physician and surgeon by the name of Dr. Fitzgerald, noticed that when he applied pressure to certain areas on the feet, different parts of the body seemed to response well to the touch. These findings lead him to develop the concept of zone therapy now known as reflexology and to develop a reflexology foot chart to aid in the explanation and teaching of this new founded discipline. The first reflexology foot chart that the good doctor designed was divided into 10 vertical areas which he called zones, each zone corresponded to a different area of the body which he had observed through his practice.
Since then reflexology foot charts have been in wide use as training tools for practitioners and laypeople alike.
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Reflexology Charts: Mapping out Your Path to Better Health
The philosophy behind the art of reflexology is the premise that there are certain reflex sites found on the hand and feet which actually correspond with different organ and systems of the body. By producing pressure on these sites, through pressure/touch, message, or squeezing, the corresponding organs and body systems can benefit from the procedure. Reflexology charts are useful for mapping out the exact reflex site aligned with the corresponding body part. Evidence of ancients reflexology charts are found on Egyptian tombs.
Modern reflexology charts generally show the diagram of a hand, foot or ear with the zones mapped out. Reflexology charts are very colorful with a different color or shade representing different organs or systems of the body. The reflexology charts can be numbered and labeled to assist in ease of location for the practitioner to effectively locate the zone for treatment.
Reflexology charts can come in all shapes and sizes from a small book diagram to a large wall size chart effective for classroom instruction. There are some wonderful new tools for home use available as well such as:
Reflexology gloves come with the chart imprinted on them to massage the hands. These colorful reflexology charts are printed on both sides of the gloves so the person doing the application will remember to massage both the front and back of the hand. It is important to note that the reflexology charts on the right and left hand are not identical and not to confuse one with the other while doing the pressure therapy.
Reflexology mats are designed to facilitate exercise and meditation. Reflexology mats have raised bumps along the surface. These bumps will apply pressure to the feet when the individual walks upon them. Thus the individual will not only have a good physical workout but reap the benefit of their healing properties as well. The mats are made out of a soft rubber and are effective in releasing body toxins, stress and fatigue.
Reflexology socks also have the chart imprinted on them. They are stretchable - one size fit all. Generally speaking the recipient will engage another individual to effectively message the feet by following the therapeutic guide. Not only can the socks produce physical holistic health results but can add a psychological bonding or intimacy between couples.
Stimulating these pressure points can improve circulation, relieve stress detoxify the body, release energy trapped within the body and more. Reflexology charts will guide you to the right pressure point to stimulate the organ or body system that you want to concentrate upon.
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