22/09/2026
World reflexology week! 🦶 🦶
🌍👣 WORLD REFLEXOLOGY WEEK — CELEBRATING REFLEXOLOGY 👣🌍
To celebrate World Reflexology Week, here is a brief look at the history of this popular complementary therapy and how it has developed around the world.
👣 From ancient traditions to modern practice
Foot and hand massage have been used in many cultures for centuries. However, modern Western Reflexology began developing in the early 20th century.
American physician Dr William H. Fitzgerald introduced ZONE Therapy, based on ten longitudinal zones of the body. His work was later developed by Dr Joe Shelby Riley.
Physiotherapist Eunice Ingham then focused particularly on the feet. During the 1930s, she developed detailed foot maps and published Stories the Feet Can Tell in 1938. Her teaching helped shape the reflexology practised by many practitioners today.
🌎 A global complementary therapy
Through books, teaching and professional training, Reflexology spread internationally. Today, it is practised in private clinics, wellness centres and spas, and is also used in some supportive healthcare settings.
🔬 Research continues
Research has explored reflexology’s possible role in relaxation, stress, anxiety, pain, fatigue, sleep and quality of life.
Reflexology is a complementary therapy that supports relaxation and wellbeing and is not intended to diagnose or treat disease or replace medical care.
World Reflexology Week is an opportunity to celebrate the profession, share responsible information and recognise the importance of therapeutic touch, relaxation and wellbeing.
Happy World Reflexology Week! 🌍 👣 💙
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please note: Historical portraits in this graphic are AI-generated illustrations used for visual representation.
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