Reflexology

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is a form of complementary medicine and involves a method of treatment using massage to reflex areas found in the feet and the hands. Most commonly, the feet are used as the areas to be treated.

Is the application of pressure, stretch and movement to the feet and hands to effect corresponding parts of the body. Reflexologists view the feet and hands as a mirror image of the body. By applying technique a reflexologist can encourage the natural healing process of the body leaving you with a feeling of calm and relaxation. It is said to have originated in China some 5000 years ago, when pressure therapy where used to correct energy fields in the body. It was not until around 1913 that the therapy was introduced to the west by an American ear, nose and throat consultant, Dr William Fitzgerald.In the feet, there are reflex areas corresponding to all the parts of the body and these areas are arranged in such a way as to form a map of the body in the feet with the right foot corresponding to the right side of the body and the left foot to the left side of the body. Thus, it becomes possible to treat the whole body and the treat the body as a whole. This latter point is an important factor of a natural therapy and allows not only symptoms to be treated but also their causes.

It is thought that illness occurs when ‘energy channels’ in the body are blocked, causing damage to one area of another. Massage is aimed at destroying these blocks, allowing energy to flow freely again and so to heal the damage.Reflexology does not claim to be a ‘cure all’, but numerous different disorders seem to be responding well to this natural therapy. These disorders include such things as migraine, sinus problems, hormonal imbalances, breathing difficulties, digestive problems, circulatory problems, back problems, tension and stress.

What can you expect?

When first visiting a reflexologist, a detailed medical history will be taken. The ‘patient’ will then be seated in a reclining chair and asked to remove shoes and socks.The practitioner will initially examine the feet before commencing with the precise massage movement. The particular type of massage involved require the application of a firm pressure using the side and end of the thumb. In some instances, the fingers may also be employed.All areas on both feet will be massaged. Areas corresponding to parts of the body which are out of balance will feel uncomfortable or tender when massaged and the degree of tenderness will indicate the degree of imbalance.

The sensitivity of the feet varies from person to person and the trained practitioner will understand the correct pressure to apply and how to interpret the tenderness felt. The massage should not be uncomfortable, even to the most sensitive feet.The full treatment can last up to an hour and at the end of the session, the feet should feel warm and the patient relaxed. The number of treatment sessions required will vary depending on the condition being treated.Following treatment, it is sometime possible that the eliminating systems of the body become more active in order to rid the body of unwanted toxic matter. For example, treatment of a congested sinus may result in a cold; and constipation treatment can cause increased bowel movements. however, if treatment is correctly applied, these reactions should not be severe.

Reflexology Can Help With:

• Stress, tiredness or just feeling “not quite right”
• Restoring your body’s natural balance
• Boosting your energy levels
• Aches and pains
• Boosting your immune system
• Easing the symptoms of a number of health conditions
• Improving your skin tone
• Improving your circulation
• Improving your well-being in day to day life
• Allowing your organs to function harmoniously
• Improving your sleeping patterns

How will I feel?

As the treatment is performed you may feel differences in the areas that are being stimulated. You may feel a number of sensations; varying from the feeling of a thorn being pressed onto the skin, to a feeling of bruising in that area. These feelings indicate that there is an imbalance within the body that is related to the area of stimulation.

Often, it may not only be you who feels the differences within your foot; the reflexologist may also feel differences as she stimulates the area. Again these differences vary, for example the reflexologist could be feeling puffiness or swelling, crunchy, gritty, tight or restricted muscles. In addition she will notice any changes in skin texture, such as a leathery or rough feeling. All of these are indications of imbalances within the body.

The treatment still works even if there are no tender areas felt within the foot and, as the sessions progress, any tender areas will slowly disappear. The ideal is that no tender areas are found within the foot, thus representing total balance and harmony throughout.

Session Length & Cost:

Each session lasts 45 minutes plus a short consultation period prior to treatment. The session cost is £30

Post Treatment Advice

In order to get the most out of your treatment and to aid the healing process, it is advisable to:

• Drink plenty of water. This helps flush out the toxins that have been released from your cells into your system.
• Eat a light diet. This is to prevent energy needed for healing from going to your stomach to digest a heavy meal! Eat raw foods such as fruit and vegetables if possible for vitality and cleansing effects.
• Avoid tea and coffee. These are stimulants and should be avoided after a treatment. Drink herbal teas or fresh fruit/vegetable juice instead.
• Avoid alcohol and smoking.
• Rest and relax as much as possible. This allows the body to commence healing.

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