History of Gentle Touch™ Reflexology

The Gentle Touch™ Technique is a gentle, subtle and refined adaptation of an age-old practice of Reflexology. The whole approach of the Technique is designed to enhance the client's own healing ability by using a very soothing massage. Gentle Touch™ Reflexology is slightly different to "standard Reflexology" as it uses a unique and specifically applied lightness of touch with all the benefits of reflexology and more.

Reflexology treatment in ancient Egypt

Reflexology, in its traditional form, dates back to the times of all the ancient cultures, including the ancient Egyptians, North American Indians and Chinese. It was reintroduced in the 1900's when Dr. William Fitzgerald, (an American ear, nose and throat surgeon) discovered that pressure applied to one part of the body (foot) could affect another area and produce a significant reduction in pain. This discovery was further developed with the use of extremely hard pressure applied to the hands or feet to obtain relief from pain.

The method was expanded a few years later by Eunice Ingham, who devised the basic reflexology map of the body, which is still the basis for techniques used today.

The extensive use of the Gentle Touch™ Technique has shown that its subtle application has extremely effective results. Over the years it has become increasingly obvious that the effectiveness of the gentle technique is in the essential nature of the subtle approach. The more gentle the application, the more powerful the technique becomes.

In the 1970's leading reflexologists used a variety of techniques and pressures. Patricia Morrell of Chepstow received the delightful knowledge of Morrell Reflexology and is quoted as saying that she received it from 'spiritual sources'. This technique utilised a subtle method of working with the feet.

The name Gentle Touch was brought into being in 1994 to allow the public to distinguish the type of technique that it is. The descriptive term has been used to describe the combination of techniques that have grown and developed into Gentle Touch Reflexology as taught by Sue Ricks. There are new numerous practitioners who can be found all over the country (and abroad). Together it is our intention to share the profound effect of this fabulous therapy with those who wish to receive it or learn it through the School.

Traditionally reflexology had been taught as requiring a very firm pressure. This pressure suited some clients and practitioners, however a number of people were put off by the discomfort or pain. The name of Gentle Touch was chosen by Sue Ricks in an attempt to describe the experience of what this technique feels like. It was also her intention to help the general public know that there are a number of different ways in which reflexology is practised.

Over the years Sue had heard many people say that they had been put off trying reflexology because they had heard that it hurt or perhaps they had tried it once and did not like the discomfort or experienced pain. She started teaching Gentle Touch Reflexology in 1993 with a passion to share the delights, potential and results of this profound therapy. Over the years the number of people now practising and learning has dramatically risen.

Some practitioners that you can find via this site have trained in Gentle Touch Reflexology (GTR) from the start of their complementary career, whilst others have trained in other therapies and added GTR as they have progressed. There is also a growing number of people who have trained in other forms and methods of reflexology and found that their own body was affected by treating i.e. painful thumbs, wrists, elbows and shoulders. Many practitioners have found they can continue and do even more by using this technique.

Those who are used to receiving Reflexology - the Gentle Touch, may recommend others to experience the benefits of the treatment and can now find others who do the same technique.

Anyone who has trained with the Sue Ricks School of Complementary Therapies and practising GTR will be offering a high standard of care, knowledge and professionalism.

Successful graduates of the Practitioner Diploma Course have a licence to use the name Gentle Touch Reflexology.

Gentle Touch Reflexology is the trade mark of Sue Ricks.

Find out more about the Gentle Touch™ Technique >