Modern reflexology began to take shape in the early 20th century, largely influenced by Dr. William Fitzgerald, who introduced "zone therapy" in the United States. He proposed that applying pressure to certain zones of the body could alleviate pain and improve overall health. Later, Eunice Ingham, known as the "Mother of Modern Reflexology," refined this concept, focusing specifically on the feet and mapping reflex points corresponding to organs and systems in the body.