Reflexology is an ancient healing practice that traces its roots back to early civilizations such as Egypt, China, and India. Evidence from Egyptian tomb paintings dating to around 2330 BC shows people massaging feet and hands, while similar techniques were recorded in Chinese and Ayurvedic traditions, where stimulating pressure points was believed to restore the body’s energy flow and promote balance.

Modern reflexology emerged in the early 20th century through the work of American physician Dr. William H. Fitzgerald, who developed zone therapy, and Eunice D. Ingham, a physiotherapist who later mapped the entire body onto the feet and hands. Ingham’s work laid the foundation for contemporary reflexology, which is now practiced globally as a complementary therapy aimed at reducing stress, improving circulation, and supporting overall well-being.