If you’ve ever had different reflexology treatments from different practitioners, you know that one treatment can vary to the next. Due to the ancient origins of reflexology there is no surprise that it’s developed, changed and with time, research and practice has evolved. As with all complementary therapies, there are a number of techniques that differ from therapist to therapist and place to place. So what are they?

Rwo Shur Method hot stone reflexology
Using an extremely firm pressure, with sometimes knuckles and even small sticks involved, the therapist uses a special cream called “Fuss Balsam” to inhibit any friction with the feet. This is to create a quick, flowing motion with the hands. The method is focussed more on stimulation rather than relaxation, and lasts for around 30 minutes. This was developed in Taiwan, and is widely used in different parts of Asia.

The Ingham Method / Universal Method
The “Mother” of Reflexology, Eunice Ingham developed the method that is the most widely used in the western world. It uses talc rather than cream, and the focus is more on relaxation and balancing the body systems. Using “Thumbwalking” pressure is applied to the different reflexes of the feet. All reflexes are worked over, some being focussed on more than others, depending on where on the foot the client needs the pressure.

Hot Stones Reflexology
This method is very similar to the Ingham method, however rather than using thumbwalking and pressure using the practitioner’s hands, hot and cold stones are used to improve the blood flow to reflex points.

Zone Reflexology
This pre-dates universal reflexology, and uses 5 zones in the hands and feet. These zones are 5 invisible lines on each foot and divide the body up into different sections. This was developed in the 1900s by Dr William Fitzgerald and is the basis that Eunice Ingham developed the “Universal” Method.

New Approaches
Due to reflexology being offered in so many different places and by lots of different practitioners, there are many things that are being discovered and experimented with, including acupressure points, crystals, special oils and even magnets! Here at Three Shires, we practise the universal method.

There are various things however that our principles Martyn and Wendy Finke have decided to incorporate into their reflexology teachings after over 25 years of experience in the field, creating an extremely relaxing yet effective reflexology treatment.