Reflexology Treatments

Don't worry if you're ticklish or have sensitive feet - reflexology doesn't tickle (in my experience) and the pressure used can be adjusted to suit any degree of sensitivity.  Also, please don't be self-conscious about your feet - I really don't mind what they're like! 

Reflexology is a holistic (whole person) approach to achieving good physical and emotional health - these two aspects of health are interdependent and affect each other greatly.

Reflexology as a therapy originated several thousand years ago in China and Egypt. More recently, in the early part of the last century it was introduced throughout the western world and is now widely practised in most countries. It is now accepted by the medical profession as an established branch of Complementary Medicine along with Physiotherapy, Acupuncture and Homeopathy, and is a simple non-invasive and natural way to optimum health.

It is suitable for health problems of all age groups and is compatible with all other forms of medicine. A course of treatment may consist of between 3 to 10 treatments. Acute conditions respond quickly, chronic conditions may take longer.

High levels of stress can often lead to a wide range of health problems. Reflexology is an effective method of reducing the physical and emotional stresses and anxieties of today’s society. Reflexology brings balance and harmony to all body systems. It can calm or stimulate according to the needs of the body.

A few of the more common conditions that may be helped by reflexology are: Anxiety, Back Pain, Circulatory Problems, Constipation, Digestive Problems, Fatigue, Fluid Retention, Headaches, Hormonal Imbalance, Insomnia, Leg cramps, Pre-menstrual tension, Sinusitis, Stress.

Reflexology promotes and encourages total body relaxation, restful sleep, and generally gives a wonderful sense of well-being.

Reflexology works with the natural energy of the body (known as Chi or Ki) which normally flows in an orderly way from the head to all parts of the body. It is disrupted by injury, illness, poor nutrition or mental distress. Reflexology involves massage of pressure points of the feet, and to relieve blockages in the flow and bring the body and mind back to a balanced state.

A reflexologist will not diagnose (although she or he will be able to tell you where there is any congestion in the body), will not prescribe medicines or alter prescribed medicines and treatments that you are currently receiving.

A reflexology session begins with a short, confidential discussion of any health issues or any emotional problems which are relevant.  You will then sit comfortably in a reclining chair with the shoes and socks removed. No other clothing needs to be removed. (Please note that clean feet are very much appreciated and wipes will be available for use should you need them.)

The treatment itself involves the application of pressure from the practitioner’s thumbs and fingers to reflex areas on the feet which relate to specific areas of the body and can have profound effects. The aim of treatment is to stimulate any underactive body systems and to calm any which are overactive thus balancing energy flow through the body and allowing healing to occur from the inside outwards.

Improvement may be sudden or more gradual so it is worth continuing treatment for the duration of the course your therapist recommends, generally 4-6 weeks. Subsequently many people find a maintenance level of 1 session every month is enough to remain well.

 EFFECTS OF REFLEXOLOGY

As the reflexology treatment progresses you may experience a range of sensations such as warmth, coolness, tingling, buzzing as energy imbalances within the reflex areas of the feet and in the areas of the body to which they relate are reduced.

These sensations are normal and indicate that treatment is working. No two people will experience reflexology in quite the same way and the sensations will vary on different occasions depending on your state of health at the time. Treatment should not be painful and if any areas seem very tender, the pressure can be adjusted to a comfortable level.

It is important to remember that this is your time to relax and forget the normal pressures of life. Reflexology is capable of producing a deep state of tranquillity, a level between sleep and wakefulness. It is at this level that (if you will allow it) your body can begin to heal itself.

You may be surprised how much difference a course of Reflexology can make to how you feel about your health and your life.