Chinese Reflexology


History

Chinese Traditional Medicine (CTM) has accumulated rich experiences through a history of thousands of years.  It has its own philosophy, a series of theories, as well as various branches.  Reflexology, or as Chinese ordinary people call it, foot massage, is a sub-division of CTM.

According to a famous historical book "Historical Records" written by Sima Qian during 2nd Centruy BC, in ancient times, there was a well known doctor names Yu Fu (in Chinese, Yu means healing, Fu means foot dorsum, hence Yu Fu implies foot healing).  This Dr Foot Healing treated patients with no medicine (herbs) nor acupuncture, but only massage, and "the illness responded to every stroke of his".

This vivid depiction gives us a clear image of a foot-massage therapist in ancient days.  More systematic theory was expounded in the oldest classic of Chinese Traditional Medicine "Huangdi Nei Jing" or, The Internal Classic of the Yellow Emperor".  The author of the book was reputed to be Huang-di (Yellow Emperor, 2698 - 2589 BC), but actually it was the product of unknown authors in the Warring States period (475-221BC).

In this book, 14 important channels within the human body were defined, 6 among which travel to or from the foot.  All these channels link internal organs with sensitive points spreading over the skin.  out of over 600 points in the whole body, 66 (about 10% ) are located in both feet.  While this book mainly deals with acupuncture, there are also several paragraphs referring to massage (but not foot-massage specifically).

There was another interesting book entitled "Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Pieces of Gold" written by Sun Simiao (581-682, during the Sui and Tang Dynasty).  This book introduced Lao-zi massage and Brahman massage from India.  Lao-zi who was a famous philosopher in Spring-Autumn Period (770-476 BC) is regarded as the originator of Daoism.  According to the book written by Sun Si-Miao, Lao-zi massage techniques include 49 items, 10 out of which may count as a kind of foot massage; while Brahman massage techniques include 18 items, among them 4 relating to the foot.

In China, there is a well known story of the Monk of Tang Dynasty going to the West (i.e. India) to bring back Buddhist Classics.  near Xian, then capital of the Tang Dynasty, a stone carving of the Buddha's foot print was preserved in a Buddhist temple. It is interesting to note that this foot print is identical to a stone carving in India and another in Japan.

From the above historical materials, we may conclude that while China has its own traditional foot massage techniques (such as the Lao-zi techniques), the Indian foot massage techniques were also introduced to China along with Buddhism.  Later Buddhism and foot massage further spread to Japan through China.

According to the book "Reflexology Art, Science and History" written by Christine Issel, the earliest evidence of the practice of reflexology was found in Egypt.

There is an ancient Egyptian Papyrus scene depicting medical practitioners treating the hands and feet of their patients in 2500 BC..

It is possible that over the centuries the practice of reflexology migrated slowly from Egypt to Greece, Arabia and then on to Europe through the Roman Empire. 

In Europe, a form of reflexology called zone therapy was practiced.  Pressure therapy was well known in the middle countries of Europe during the Middle Age or Dark Ages (400-1400 AD).

German physiologist Johann August Unzer was the first to use the term "reflex" with reference to motor reactions in 1771.  In 1833 the concept and term "reflex action" were introduced by Marshall Hall, an English physiologist.

The scientific basis of reflexology has its roots in early neurological studies conducted in the 1890's by Sir Henry Head of England.  He established "Head zones" and conclusively proved the neurological relationship existing between the skin and the internal organs.

American doctor William Fitzgerald is credited with being the founder of modern reflexology.  In his book "Zone Therapy" published in 1910's the human body was divided into ten zones.

Later another American doctor Joe Shelby Riley was the first one who illustrated a chart for foot reflex zones as well as ear reflexes.

In September 1990, the International Council of Reflexologists (ICR) was inaugurated at a conference held in Toronto.  The ICR charter was drawn up using the United Nations charter as a guideline.

The purpose of ICR is to meet the needs of the profession by providing a forum for the exchange of ideas and information, promoting and convening international conferences and supporting the development of local, regional and national associations.  The principles of ICR include:

Set an example of inclusiveness, respectful consideration, and tolerance for any reflexology theory, technique and practitioner.

All members shall have equal rights.  The organisation will not discriminate on the basis of nationality, language, religion, sex, colour, ethnic origin, or age.

The organisation will not interfere with the actions of members, associations or educational institutions within its membership so long as their actions do not harm individual members, other associations or the public.

Even though foot massage was practiced in China long ago, later on under the dominance of feudalistic ideas, women's feet were bound and became untouchable.  To touch another man's feet was also regarded as somewhat impolite.  Thus on the whole, foot-massage wasn't well developed in the past.  In the early 1980's when China adopted the policy of opening to the outside world, reflexology was introduced to China as "foot reflex zone massage".

In 1990, a Preparatory Committee was founded to pave the ground for a national organisation.  Training courses are organised on a regular (monthly) basis.  A lecturing group is formed to provide speakers to teach reflexology in Beijing and the provinces.  The influence of reflexology expanded rapidly.

In January 1991, the Chinese Ministry of Health issued a document in approval of the setting up of the China Reflexology Association confirming the role of reflexology in "preventing and curing diseases, and preserving health".  On 2 July 1991, the China Reflexology Association registered at the Ministry of Civil Affairs as a national organisation.  Now the CRA has 2800 members and dozens of branches in the provinces and big cities.

The CRA held a national symposium in July 1993.  There are over 600 participants representing 26 provinces, 72 theses were presented.  In October 1993, the Chairman of the CRA, Prof Hang Xiongwen attended the International Council of Reflexologists Conference held in Melbourne, Australia.  A Special Recognition Award was presented by the ICR in recognition of the continuing efforts made by the CRA in promoting reflexology in China.

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