Reflexology

The earliest evidence of reflexology dates back to around 2000 BC in Egypt. The first known record of reflexology was found in the tomb of a pharaoh physician (Ankhmahor).

Indeed, his sarcophagus depicts various scenes such as childbirth, embalming, and reflexology. On the depictions of foot and hand reflexology, the hieroglyphs read: "Please ease the pain." However, Egyptian civilization was not the only one to practice reflexology; traces or references are found in many other cultures as well. For example, in Chinese, the ideogram for "foot" means "part of the body that preserves health." In Asia, Buddha's footprint is often illustrated with small boxes representing different parts of the body. In India, Vishnu's feet are always richly adorned with symbols.

Later, in the 20th century, an American physician, Dr. Fitzgerald, also studied reflexology. He proposed dividing the body into several (ten) longitudinal and vertical zones. This became known as zone therapy. He observed that applying pressure to a specific toe or finger had a pain-relieving effect on one of the ten body zones, and he used this technique notably in ENT surgeries.

It was only several years later, in the 1930s, that Dr. Fitzgerald’s collaborator, Eunice Ingham, refined the mapping of zones and developed a chart representing the entire body on the hands or feet. She wrote the first book on reflexology and opened the first school.

Reflexology can help relieve a wide range of conditions or situations, such as: digestive issues, headaches, back pain, insomnia, respiratory problems, and allergies. It also helps alleviate side effects from treatments, supports women during pregnancy, and reduces stress and anxiety.

For chronic or long-standing issues, it is best to plan 4 to 8 sessions spaced one week apart.
For acute symptoms, a minimum of 3 to 4 sessions spaced about a week apart will help your body regain balance. We will evaluate together the number of sessions you need.
Depending on the condition and reason for consultation, the most suitable plan will be determined with the individual. Some people may require more or fewer sessions depending on their body’s responsiveness.

After the session, you may feel tired, relaxed, but you might also experience symptoms such as more frequent urination, heightened emotions, or signs of tension and toxin release. Listen to your body and feel free to share your sensations with me.

Most health insurance plans offer an annual allowance with a limit, which can reimburse you up to around €300 per year. Each insurance plan has its own terms.

Many health insurance providers reimburse reflexology sessions. More and more are offering intermediate and premium plans with a dedicated annual allowance for reflexology and alternative therapies. Here is a non-exhaustive list:

• Alptis
• Assurema
• Axa
• Ipselia
• Maaf
• Mutuelle de France
• Mutuelle Verte
• Myriade Mutuelle …