Reflexology is an approximately 5,000 year old healing art that focuses pressure on the feet, hand or ears to improve organ and body functions in corresponding points. The theory is that the feet contain mirrored maps of the body and by stimulating reflex points on those maps the body is encouraged back to balance.
It is a deeply relaxing therapy but is not to be confused with an ordinary foot rub or the standard foot massage. Reflexology is a science art and its technicians are trained to apply this pressure therapy using specific techniques and skills.
Historically foot therapies were used by Marc Antony and Cleopatra, the Native Americans and many other cultures.
Reflexology’s Celebrity Followers
In an interview with the Houston Chronicle on November 18, 2008, James Hetfield, lead singer and guitarist for the band Metallica, cites the use of reflexology and acupuncture as his newest addictions “instead of the booze and pills it’s the health stuff; we’re addicted to that.”
Jackie Chan purchased a property in Singapore where his property agent plans to develop “a foot reflexology business” or offices for the second and third floors.
Early in 2008 the Travel Channel’s television show “No Reservations” found the show’s host, Anthony Bourdain, visiting Master Soon, a Reflexologist in Singapore for his first Reflexology session.
According to multiple sources Princess Diana received regular Reflexology sessions. Newsweek magazine is cited as saying “In the end Diana looked less like a royal and more like a sleek Manhattan socialite. For one thing she was well groomed. She got manicures and pedicures, had foot reflexology three times a week.”
Dr. Mehmet Oz, author and professor of surgery at Columbia University demonstrated Reflexology techniques on Oprah Winfrey’s show in May 2007.
Regis Philbin, then co-host of Live with Regis and Kathie Lee is quoted in Laura Norman’s book as saying “Laura Norman's reflexology spared me from a kidney stone operation and saved my life. What she does is the second best thing in the world.”
Ann Romney, wife to former Massachusetts Governor and U.S. Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney, shared in an interview with National Public Radio that Reflexology is part of her regular routine. “‘It's a lot of effort, but it's very, very important that I eat healthy,’ Romney said. Her therapies also include acupuncture treatments and reflexology.” Mrs. Romney was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1998.
References:
- Metallica goes back to their metal roots by Andrew Dansby, Houston Chronicle, November 18, 2008.
- Jackie Chan pays $11m for Jinriksha Station at 1 Neil Road by Joyce Teo, The Straits Times, Wed, Dec 12, 2007.
- The Queen of Style Newsweek’s Commemorative Issue 1997.
- Ann Romney: See the Man, Not the Mormon, All Things Considered, October 17, 2007.
Amy Kreydin - Amy Kreydin, NBCRT, CCAP, BD is a Board Certified Reflexologist and Clinical Aromatherapist.
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