Patrice Dwyer

Reflexologist • Lymphedema Therapist • Reiki Practitioner

What is reflexology?

It is a healing art and science based on the principle that in your feet, hands, and ears there are points that reflect your entire body. The feet, hands and ears are seen as a microcosm of the entire body. So everything that exists on the body you can find a point for on your feet, hands, and ears. As reflexologists, we stimulate these points using pressure to bring about a therapeutic effect on the related areas of the body.

History of Reflexology

Reflexology dates back more than 3000 years ago to Egypt. Images were found at the tomb of Ankhm’hor, known as the “physician’s tomb” showing people working on hands and feet, believed to depict reflexology. The “father” of modern day reflexology was a physician by the name of William H. Fitzgerald who practiced what was called zone therapy. He was an ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon who realized that applying pressure to certain points on the feet and other parts of the body produced an analgesic effect, allowing him to perform minor ENT operations without using local anesthesia.

Dr. Fitzgerald produced a book called Zone Therapy, and both the doctor and the book found their way to the chiropractic school of Dr. Joseph Shelby Riley. Dr. Reilly had a student, a physical therapist by the name of Eunice Ingham, and she is known as the “mother” of reflexology and is responsible for coining the term reflexology; she also created the first map of the feet and the hands. Her nephew Dwight Byers who worked with her later formed a school in Florida which remains today, the International Institute of Reflexology using Ingham’s Method. Eunice Ingham wrote a book called Stories the Feet Can Tell which gives reflexology case studies.

Benefits of Reflexology

- Increases lymphatic circulation, which is extremely important for our immune defense, and blood flow. Many people have circulatory issues, sometimes as a result of living sedentary lifestyles.

- Improved circulation helps your body to transport all the nutrients received from food to other parts of the body more efficiently.

- Greater blood supply to muscles and nerves help to relieve stress and tension.

- Overall reflexology provides relief for a wide range of conditions. I have seen excellent results for pain relief, sinusitis, asthma, PMS, hypertension (it lowers blood pressure) and a wide range of other conditions. Reflexology also works well with conditions of the nervous system, persons with Parkinson’s disease, multiple, sclerosis, and stroke have shown marked improvement since receiving regular treatments.

What can a client expect during and after a session?

First, we take a health history of the client because we have to know how to apply the treatment. People with certain health conditions, children, or the elderly require different levels of pressure, treatment time etc. We also want to know what’s going on in their work life, home life, whether they exercise, drink water, etc. It’s the holistic approach.

Then, the client is placed in either a reflexology chair that elevates the feet or to lie on a massage table. We start with relaxation techniques and then right into the treatment. A session lasts on average 45 minutes to one hour.

At the end, I use aromatherapy oils on the client and do a foot massage at the end. Then I discuss what I found while working, and recommendations for further treatment and what they can do to improve their health.

Typical Clients

My typical clients are generally older women, although the men are picking up now. Usually my clients come with pain issues, but then I discover that there is a whole more than just the pain going on. A lot of times people don’t disclose everything, even while doing the health history. When I start working and I feel things and point it out, then it comes out.

As toxins pass through the body after treatment you might have certain reactions, we encourage people to drink a lot of water to flush it out. When toxins are released, some people experience skin reactions, have a funny taste in their mouth, sweat, go to the bathroom more often, pain might increase then decrease, or express tears.

How does reflexology differ around the world?

Some practice reflexology based on zone therapy, which is inspired by William Fitzgerald, others Meridians, which is based on the Chinese system. It’s basically stimulation of the same points, but just a different way of viewing the body. A lot of basic-trained practitioners around the world have begun to incorporate other therapies such as color reflexology, which uses color during treatment, chi reflexology using principles of Chinese medicine, and there is also vertical reflexology which is usually performed on clients while they are standing or placing pressure on the feet or hands and many more.

How do you see reflexology complementing Western medicine?

Here in Jamaica, many of the physicians are skeptical about reflexology; however, I have worked on and with a few of them. Those who do refer, mainly send their patients for stress related symptoms, pain, sinusitis, and high blood pressure. There are a few physicians who are moving towards more holistic medical practices now.

In some countries, for example Denmark, companies have employed reflexologists on staff, as employees who receive regular treatment are much more productive. There are less sick days taken, less repetitive stress injuries, or health complaints. Some countries have really embraced complementary medical therapies.

Remember, you are responsible for your health.