What is reflexology?
Reflexology is a natural therapy using the technique of applying gentle pressure to the reflex areas on the feet and hands to bring about a state of deep relaxation and to stimulate the body’s own healing processes.
Each reflex point corresponds to different parts of the body, organs and glands and in using the compression massage technique, it can help to stimulate the flow of energy, blood, nutrients and nerve impulses to this area, therefore relieving ailments in this zone.
The right foot and hand represent the right side of the body and the left hand and foot, the left side of the body.
Reflexology does not aim to diagnose or cure illness but rather to promote the body's powerful self-healing capability and improve physical and emotional wellbeing to help your body to return to a state of natural balance.
what are the benefits of reflexology?
Reflexology helps to increase circulation, open neural pathways and boost the body’s immune system, it is therefore a fantastic treatment providing many benefits including:
- Relieving the effects of stress
- Increasing energy levels
- Promoting better relaxation
- Improving nerve stimulation
- Removing impurities and toxin
- Relieving pain
- Improving bowel movements
who can receive reflexology?
Everyone from babies to the elderly can benefit from receiving a reflexology treatment as it’s is a safe, natural therapy. It is particularly beneficial for those looking to combat the effects of stress allowing physical, mental and emotional balance to be restored.
what ailments can reflexology help with?
By promoting the body’s natural healing process, reflexology can help with almost all conditions and problems including back and shoulder pain, headaches, fertility, poor circulation, hormonal imbalances, stress, anxiety, insomnia, sports injury, bowel and digestive difficulties, to name a few.
Reflexology can also be used to support terminal or chronic illness. It does not claim to cure, but with the support of your medical team, it can be used alongside traditional medicine to help relieve symptoms and aid relaxation.
what can i expect from a reflexology session?
A typical reflexology session will last approximately one hour, in which time I’ll take a brief consultation to understand your current state of health, followed by a visual foot analysis and a 40-minute treatment. During the treatment, you will remain fully clothed and simply need to remove your shoes and socks. You’ll then need to relax in a reclining chair with your feet up and I can then apply gentle massage techniques adapted to suit your specific needs. The session will conclude with feedback from any presenting sensitivities or imbalances that I may find.
Please note the first session will be 15 minutes longer as I’ll need to carry out a full medical history consultation, this will enable me to gain a better understanding of your health so that I can tailor a specific treatment plan for you therefore ensuring the best possible outcome from the session. All information given will be kept strictly confidential.
How many treatments should I have?
Reflexology is great as a one-off deeply relaxing therapy, or you may like to receive a course of treatments to truly benefit and unwind from your busy lifestyle.
How will i feel afterwards?
Reflexology works to change symptom patterns and can make you more-or-less aware of them. It is important you take time to rest following your treatment and be aware of the following normal reactions:
- You may feel hot or cold
- You may feel tired
- Your symptoms may get worse before they get better
- You may need to go to the toilet more often
- You may feel nauseous
- You may have a mild headache
- You may have increased energy or feel restless
These experiences (although they may be unpleasant) are a good sign that your body is responding well to the treatment and should not last more than 24-48 hours. Please seek medical advice from your GP if they continue.
is there any aftercare advice?
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. This will help your body to flush out any toxins that have been released during the treatment and help alleviate any unpleasant side effects faster. You must also give yourself time to rest to fully utilise the benefits of reflexology and support your body in its natural healing process. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol will also assist the effectiveness of a treatment.
Can Reflexology be used alongside conventional medicine?
Absolutely! Reflexology should not be used as an alternative to seeking medical advice. Reflexologists cannot cure or diagnose illness but instead work alongside conventional healthcare to promote better health for our clients. In fact, we will regularly ask clients to gain the consent of their GP or Consultant before commencing a treatment plan, or refer clients to other health professionals including GP’s, where appropriate.
the history of reflexolgy
The origins of reflexology date back to the Ancient Egyptians, over 4,000 years ago. A wall painting from the Mastaba of Ankhmahor, dating from 2330 BC depicts what is believed to be the earliest example of reflexology. However, it wasn’t until the 20th Century that a system of reflexology was developed in the West.
Dr. William Fitzgerald, an American surgeon, discovered that applying pressure in one area of the patient’s body could relieve pain in another. In 1917 he divided the body into ten longitudinal sections, which formed the basis of modern reflexology’s zone therapy.
In the early 1930’s Eunice Ingram, known as the “mother of reflexology”, worked on hundreds of patients until she was able to determine that the reflex points on the feet were an exact mirror of the organs of the body. Ingham developed the first charts mapping the organs of the body on the feet and a new technique using thumbs and fingers to apply pressure to the feet.