General Information

Reflexology involves the specialised treatment of the feet, hands and ears to promote wellbeing in a client. The basic principle involves the application of pressure to specific locations or zones as illustrated in the chart below. These locations are mapped to various regions and functions of the body, and are used to restore energy (Qi) flow and balance that may have been disrupted in these areas by stimulating the body's natural healing processes.

What is the History of Reflexology?

Despite the parallels between Reflexology and Eastern treatments such as Acupuncture and Shiatsu, Reflexology as practiced today was refined in the United States in the early 1900s by Dr. William Fitzgerald (1872-1942). The task of mapping the zones in the feet to other aspects of the body was progressed by Eunice D. Ingham (1899-1974) in the 1930s and 1940s, resulting in anatomical charts such as the example below. Essentially, however, the use of the feet as a healing medium is not unique to the modern world. The Chinese, for example, have been applying similar acupressure techniques to the feet for centuries as incorporated into other Eastern therapies.

What are the benefits of Reflexology?

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General Benefits

• Stress reduction
• Increased circulatory flow
• Enhanced immune response
• Increased energy levels
• Nerve pathway stimulation

Specific Treatments

• Fatigue and lack of sleep
• Digestive disorders
• Specific pain (i.e headache, toothache, back/neck pain, sciatica)
• Allergies, Asthma, Eczema, Sinusitis
• Hormonal problems

What are the Qualifications for Reflexology

Reflexology may be studied in a variety of ways, resulting in a range of qualifications. The most widely recognized are the following:

• Certificate IV in Remedial Therapy (Reflexology)
• Diploma of Reflexology

Many reflexologists have undertaken side-studies or workshops in reflexology to complement their existing qualifications (such as Massage Therapy, Remedial Therapy, Aromatherapy, Shiatsu e.t.c). As such, it is common for these therapists not to have one of the above qualifications however they should ideally be trained to Certificate IV or Diploma level in their primary field and be members of a recognized association.

For Further Information...

For more information about Reflexology please visit:

• The Reflexology Association of Australia.

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