reflexology

[ree-flek-sol-uh-jee]

noun

a system of massaging specific areas of the foot or sometimes the hand in order to promote healing, relieve stress, etc., in other parts of the body.

Medicine/Medical. the study of reflex movements and processes.

Origin of reflexology

First recorded in 1920–25; reflex + -o- + -logy

Related formsre·flex·ol·o·gist, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for reflexology

reflexology

noun

a form of therapy practised as a treatment in alternative medicine in which the soles of the feet are massaged: designed to stimulate the blood supply and nerves and thus relieve tension

psychol the belief that behaviour can be understood in terms of combinations of reflexes

Derived Formsreflexologist, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for reflexology

1927, as a psychological theory, from German reflexologie (1912); see reflex + -ology. As a foot massage technique, first recorded 1976.

Medicine definitions for reflexology

reflexology

[rē′flĕk-sŏl′ə-jē]

n.

The study of reflex responses, especially as they affect behavior.

A method of massage that relieves nervous tension through the application of finger pressure, especially to the feet.