Dr. Joseph Riley, M.D., N.D.
Dr. Joe Riley, M.D., N.D., was the owner of Riley School of Chiropractic. He invited Dr. Fitzgerald to teach Zone Therapy at the school. Dr. Riley practiced this method extensively, building upon the foundations and theories of Zone Therapy. He discovered that the zones mapped by Dr. Fitzgerald extended to the bottoms of the feet. He also developed a hooking technique.
Eunice D. Ingham
Eunice D. Ingham, a therapist in Dr. Riley’s office, worked with Dr. Riley to map the points on the bottom of the feet and their correlating body part. They called these points “reflexes”. Eunice Ingham named the modality Reflexology, wrote books on the modality, and traveled around the country teaching Reflexology.
Ingham’s book, Stories the Feet Can Tell, became popular in Switzerland and from there entered German speaking countries. Reflexology became known internationally through the efforts and writings of Hanne Marquardt (Germany) and Doreen Bayly (England) two students of Eunice Inghams who traveled to America to study with her and then took her teachings back to their respective countries. In Germany, the modality was known as Reflex Zone Therapy.
Dr. Charles Ersdal, M.D., M.A.
In the 1960`s a Norwegian named Dr. Charles Ersdal, M.D., M.A., was cured of paralysis after receiving Reflexology treatments from Einar Svendsen for two years. This experience led to 26 years of intense research. He determined that the body contains its own innate healing intelligence which is stimulated or triggered through specific and intricate Foot Zone Therapy. This method utilizes the feet’s natural “signal” system to establish balance, elevate your life energy, and renew cells in the body.
Importantly, he discovered that the body would consistently respond as an interrelated whole rather than as separate symptomatic parts. During this time of research, Dr. Ersdal was able to chart the human anatomy as it relates to these “points” on the foot. He charted the entire physiology including the brain, blood and lymph circulation, and musculature.
Zone Therapy has been found to be a “signal”, or electro-magnetic system, rather than a reflex system and treats the body holistically rather than symptomatically. By squeezing, pressing, rubbing and manipulating the surface and deep tissue fascia of the foot in specific areas, the trapped energy is released and the energy pathways flow freely again. Painless, unobstructed flowing energy represents a healthy body.
It is extremely important that your Foot Zone Therapy treatment be administered by a Certified Foot Zone Practitioner. Much more occurs during a session than meets the eye, and practitioner experience is essential to achieving the full physical, mental and emotional benefit. A session typically lasts for 60-90 minutes. Multiple and consistent sessions over a two month period are recommended to detoxify and establish the body’s restorative process. After this period, you and your Practitioner will determine a schedule based on your individual needs and condition. You will find that your body will tell you when it’s time for a Foot Zone.
Learn More About Reflexology & Foot Zone Therapy
