What is Reflexology?Reflexology is a complementary therapy that works on the feet or hands to help heal the whole person not just the current symptoms. You do not have to be ill to benefit from a treatment. Many people have Reflexology because it helps them relax and relieves stress,anxiety and tension. If you are suffering from a particular condition (see Who is helped by Reflexology below) then you will find Reflexology to be a nurturing, relaxing treatment that will help your body begin to balance and heal itself. Regular Reflexology treatments will help you keep that balance and develop a lasting sense of well being.
Who is helped by Reflexology?
Reflexology can bring relief from a wide spectrum of acute and chronic conditions including those related to:
- Depression and anxiety
- PMS, infertility, pregnancy, the menopause
- Digestive disorders eg. constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Sleep disorders, headaches, migraines
- Musculo- skeletal problems, injuries and non specific back pain, and whiplash
- Side effects of cancer treatment
Reflexology can be a treatment in itself or can complement existing prescribed medication or treatment. It is also used as part of a long term health and fitness plan. A series of regular treatments is recommended e.g. 4-6 and then a review of progress.
What Happens During a Reflexology Treatment?
The first part of the treatment will involve a general assessment of your energy system which together with the information that you will have given me during the first stage of the consultation will give us a starting point for our work together. Reflexology involves kneading, stretching and massaging your feet as well stimulating the pressure points which relate to every part of your body. Your will be pleasantly surprised at how you respond by quickly relaxing and feeling more energized.
Gentle pressure is applied to reflex points on the feet stimulating some 7,000 nerve endings which connect to all areas of the body. Don’t worry if you have ticklish feet, this is a completely different method of touch which will help you to relax. It is quite usual for people to drift of to sleep during a treatment.
If we have agreed to work in this way I will also balance and if necessary treat the Chakras (energy centres) that are reflected on the feet. This way of working has added benefits to the conventional Reflexology Treatment and can speed up the healing process.
Congestion or tension in the foot (which may present as an area of mild discomfort during treatment), usually mirrors exactly the areas of imbalance in the body. Massage of these areas has a therapeutic and healing effect on the corresponding part of the body and also can result in:
- Improved circulation
- Boosting the immune system
- Elimination of toxins and impurities
- Increased energy /vitality
- Sense of well being
What Next?
An initial consultation which includes a discussion on your relevant medical history and what you hope Reflexology to achieve lasts approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. Individual treatments vary considerably but sometimes a course of 5 or 6 sessions is advisable in order to derive maximum benefits. Each treatment lasts between 45 minutes to an hour.
After completing a course of reflexology for a specific condition, many people find it beneficial to continue with regular treatments to maintain health and well being.
A Brief History of Reflexology
Whilst the art of reflexology dates back to Ancient Egypt, India and China, it wasn't until 1913 that Dr William Fitzgerald introduced this therapy to the West as "zone therapy". He noted that reflex areas (part of the central nervous system) were linked to other areas and organs of the body within the same zone.
In the 1930s Eunice Ingham further developed this zone theory into what is now known as Reflexology. She observed that congestion or tension in any part of the foot was mirrored in the corresponding part of the body.
Reflexology techniques continue to evolve to this day with new methods and ways achieving effective results being developed.
