The History of reflexology

There is evidence to show that reflexology was practised more than 4,000 years ago. Paintings showing a reflexology treatment being carried out were unearthed in the Physician's Tomb in Egypt and date back to 2,300 BC.
Further evidence in the tomb shows that the physician, called Ankmahor, was a very important person, second only to the King.  The Papyrus Institute in Cairo states that the hieroglyphics above the painting reads "Do not let it be painful" and the practitioner replies "I do as you please."


It is also known that the Chinese used reflexology in conjunction with acupuncture. Dr Wang-Wei, a Chinese doctor from the 4th century B.C. used to apply very firm pressure with his thumbs to the soles of his patients feet following the positioning of the acupuncture needles.  The pressure was maintained for several minutes while the therapeutic affects resulted. He stated that as the pressure was being applied, healing energy was released into the body of the patient.
We also know that the use of reflexology has been practised by the North American Indians for generations, with the Cherokee Indians firmly stating the importance of feet in maintaining physical, mental and spiritual balance.