Reflexology

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What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is the study and practice of a specialised massage to the reflexes of the feet and hands. It is a holistic therapy that treats the whole person. Often it is referred to as a complimentary health therapy.

It is an ancient therapy, pictorial evidence dating back to 2,350 BC depicts Egyptians practising a form of reflexology on each other’s hands and feet. It works by unblocking nerve endings and energy pathways to restore vitality within the body, encouraging your body to reach a state of balance or homeostasis.

Your body has the ability to heal itself and reflexology is effective at stimulating the bodies own healing powers. It brings about a feeling of deep relaxation.

What are the benefits?

Very relaxing, bringing about a feeling of well being ·
Gentle pressure – which is non-invasive and pain free ·
Improves circulation ·
Helps eliminate toxins (often seen as sweaty palms) ·
Stimulates endorphins, which helps with pain relief - naturally ·
Treats the whole person not just the symptoms ·
You are encouraged to listen to your own body ·


What a Reflexologist doesn’t do:

DON’T diagnose ·
DON’T claim to cure ·
DON’T treat one specific area (although I may focus on one) ·
DON’T adjust or suggest changes to medication ·


What will happen at the initial treatment?

I will spend some time in consultation with you looking at past/present medical history, lifestyle, hobbies etc. and try to build up a picture of you as an individual because each of us are unique. I will ask you why you have chosen reflexology and whether you have a specific condition that you are concerned about. All personal details and information are confidential but allow me to ensure reflexology is appropriate for you.

You will be asked to take off your shoes and socks and be comfortably seated in either a reclining chair or couch. I will clean, dry and then apply talcum powder to your feet. Using my fingers and thumbs, I will begin with some relaxation movements and then gently work the reflexes of your feet until all areas are covered.

What should I expect from a reflexology treatment?

In a reflexology treatment the trained hands of the practitioner are used to apply gentle pressure to the reflexes of the feet (and sometimes the hands) which relate to each and every part of the body. Because reflexology is a holistic treatment, treating the whole person and not just the symptom or disease, the whole foot is treated.

Who can benefit from reflexology?

Everyone – reflexology is a very safe and effective treatment for all age groups and is effective in a wide range of conditions from insomnia to back pain. It has been used to help treat those who are sick and receiving medication from their GP’s but also is very beneficial to keep the body in harmony and ward off ills, therefore you do not need to be unwell to benefit.

How many treatments will I need?

Your response to treatment is unique to you. Many people feel very relaxed as the treatment in itself is very relaxing and others find themselves drifting into a state of deep relaxation or fall asleep. Others feel full of energy, some may experience acute reaction to their presenting condition, suffer with a headache, feel the need to urinate more but these are all positive responses and show how powerful reflexology is bringing about change. Adverse side effects, which are part of most natural healing processes, do not last long.

Is there anything I should do to help the healing process?

Yes.

Drink plenty of fluids especially water after a treatment as this helps the body to eliminate waste products that may have been released from the nerve endings.

Rest if you feel tired, as this is what your body is encouraging you to do.

Eat plenty of fresh foods as the body is trying to balance and doesn’t need highly processed foods at this time.