William H. Fitzgerald, MD, was a
forward thinking medical doctor of the early 1900’s who is frequently referred
to in the United States as the father of reflexology. He wrote in 1917, about ten vertical zones
that extended the length of the body.
In his research he found that the
application of pressure to a zone that corresponded to the location of an
injury could serve as relief of pain during minor surgeries.
Dr. Shelby Riley, further expanded Dr
Fitzgerald’s work, and developed a map of horizontal zones going across the
body and a detailed map of reflex points on the feet and hands. At the same
time Dr. Riley suggested additional pressure points on the outer ear.
Dr. Riley also came up with apercussion system to help send the messages to the brain giving a quicker body
response. This percussion machine is
used today by Full Spectrum Reflexologists trained at the Modern Institute of Reflexology founded by Zachery Brinkerhoff, who trained under Eunice Ingham. This is where I trained.
Eunice Ingham-Stopfel, a
physiotherapist who worked for Dr. Riley, is a very prominent figure in the
development of reflexology here in the United States. In her research with zone
therapy's pressure points, she found the feet to be the most sensitive and
responsive. She developed the foot maps that are still in use today and
introduced reflexology practices to the non-medical community in the 1930s. Ms.
Ingham-Stopfel, DR, also designed one of the most commonly used reflexology
charts.
Today I carry on this practice in Oregon, Full
Spectrum Reflexology. Get to know your
body better and help it come to better health naturally. Appointments Available. Let's work up a plan to help you realize your highest potential.
