Its origins reach back into ancient Egypt as evidenced by inscriptions found in a physicians tomb (Mastaba).

There could be a link to the ancient art of oriental pressure therapy, but this is unknown.

Dr William H Fitzgerald in 1917 who published a book titled "Zone Therapy", or "releaving pain at home" describes his success with relieving pain through the use of various devices on the hands and fingers

But it was Eunice Ingham who began to develop her foot reflexology theory in the early 1930's and who brought reflexology from America to England. She sadly passed away in December 1974. Her nephew Dwight C Byers formed the International Institute of Reflexology dedicated to teaching the original Ingham method throughout the world.