What is Reflexology?
The practice Reflexology dates back to the ancient Egyptians and was also practiced in India and China.
Reflexology is a non-invasive complementary therapy that can be effective in promoting deep relaxation and wellbeing. Stress is recognised by health professional to be the cause of many diseases and so reducing stress in people’s lives and inducing a state of deep relaxation can be key in optimising good health and building resilience.
It is a touch therapy based on the theory that by applying gentle pressure to different points known as Reflexes on the feet and hands that correspond to organs and systems of the body can have a beneficial effect on their function.
Reflexologists will work on these areas with sensitive fingers and thumbs to release congestion, increase circulation, open up neural pathways, release toxins and boost the immune system. This, in turn, is thought to stimulate the body’s own healing processes to return to a state of balance known as Homeostasis.
Reflexology encompasses a Holistic approach to health helping both the mind and body and provides a period of time for relaxation where the client has one to one attention and a supportive touch in a calm, empathetic, listening and safe environment.
A Reflexologist will not diagnose or claim to cure but Reflexology as a Complementary Therapy is recognised by the NHS and is actively encouraged to be used safely used alongside standard healthcare to promote healing, better health and help with symptom patterns.
So, how can Reflexology help you?
Reflexology is a wonderfully relaxing experience and can alleviate stress and tensions brought on by everyday life.
It can boost the immune system and energy levels through increased circulation, eliminating toxins and clearing energy and neural pathways to the systems of the body and stimulating the body’s own natural healing abilities.
In addition, depending on the requirements of the client, a course of Reflexology treatments can help with the symptom patterns relating to a variety of conditions including
• Menopause
• Hormone imbalances
• Insomnia
• Headaches including Migraines
• Thyroid issues
• Digestive disorders
• Respiratory disorders
• Pain associated with arthritis, joint and tendon pain
• Fertility and premenstrual/menstrual issues
• Long Covid
• Cancer side effects
What does the treatment entail?
The treatment requires no special clothing, simply just remove shoes and socks but it can be helpful to wear loose trousers to enable the Therapist to access your lower limbs to carry out the circulation boosting calf muscle and ankle massage.
The first treatment will be longer than subsequent treatments, about 1 and a half hours. This is for the client can fill out a full and confidential medical history to establish past/present state of health in order to tailor the treatment to the individual. This also gives you plenty of time to talk to your therapist about the reasons you would like to have Reflexology, as well as any concerns you may have regarding your day-to-day health.
Your therapist will then discuss and agree with you what systems and Reflexes he/she will concentrate on.
Your therapist will then make you comfortable on the treatment couch/chair and conduct the treatment. This takes approximately 40-50 minutes depending on the requirements of the individual.
Once the treatment is completed, your therapist will allow you time to come round and then discuss and evaluate the treatment. Your Therapist may give you some helpful lifestyle hints and tips and show you some Reflex points you can work on the hands and decide on a treatment plan going forward if necessary.
1 hour should be allowed for subsequent treatments.