Reflexology

ABOUT REFLEXOLOGY

Reflexology is a very popular, relaxing holistic treatment based on the principle that reflex areas on the feet and hands correspond to parts, organs and functions of the body.  The feet and hands can be seen as 'maps' of the body.

THE HISTORY OF REFLEXOLOGY

It is believed that the Chinese used an early form of foot pressure massage more than 5000 years ago.  An Egyptian painting in the tomb of Ankhmahor, known as the Physician's Tomb (the highest official after the king) at Saqqara, from approx 2330 BC shows foot and hand massage.

In Asia, several examples of 'reflexology' have been found.

The ancient forms of foot massage were based on the principle that zones of energy run lengthwise throughout the body, Therefore massaging certain areas of the feet affected areas along the same zone on parts of the body.

This developed into modern reflexology, which is based on the zone therapy work of two American physicians, Dr.  William Fitzgerald and Dr.  Joe Shelby Riley in the 1920s.  The length of each foot and hand is divided into five zones, which correspond to the zones running through the length of the body.

Picture here

Physiotherapist Eunice D.  Ingham, developed the doctors' knowledge into a usable therapy, calling it 'Foot Reflexology.' She introduced it to the public from the 1930s to the 1970s.  Having been brought to Britain in the 1960s, reflexology has become increasingly popular as a therapy both to have and to learn.

IS REFLEXOLOGY SUITABLE FOR ME?

Reflexology is suitable for everyone, with a few exceptions.  A full consultation of your medical history will be taken to ensure that it is safe for you.  In some instances your doctor's permission may be required before treatments can begin, for example, if you have diabetes.  Reflexology is a well respected therapy and can be found in use in hospitals, hospices, specialist health centres, residential homes, workplaces, nurseries and homes for special needs.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT TO HAPPEN DURING A TREATMENT?

The treatment lasts for about 50 minutes, where you lie on a treatment couch or reclining chair fully clothed except for shoes and socks.  Your feet and/or hands will be cleansed and then a variety of reflexology pressure massage techniques will be used, to suit your individual needs.  A little special reflexology cream will be used to allow smooth but firm movements over your feet or hands.

[Photo of client receiving reflexology will be added here.]

HOW IS REFLEXOLOGY CARRIED OUT?

The therapist uses fingers, thumbs, knuckles and hands to do a variety of pressure and smooth movements.  To start, you are given a relaxing general foot or hand massage, and then, one area at a time, every square centimetre of your feet, ankles, backs of lower legs, or hands and wrists is covered, by a variety of pressures.  To end, a soothing massage is given again.

[Photos of hands and feet will be added here.]

WHAT DOES REFLEXOLOGY DO?

Reflexology works on the physical body, the energy field, the emotional and mental state.  Working on the big toe, for instance stimulates activity in the brain, the pituitary and pineal glands, the neck , the teeth and jaw.  As it releases blockages in the energy system it can in turn release brain fog, a headache, stuck emotions, release a stiff neck, and positively affect the balance of hormones.  It will not do harm.  If you are not broken, it won't try to fix you.  If you do have some congestion it will endeavour to unblock it.  The reflexologist knows if there is congestion because the foot or hand will have a certain texture.  S/he works on the congested area to try to unblock it and break up crystals that have built up in the area on the foot/hand.  Often the signs of an approaching problem can be found in the feet/hands, and so reflexology can be used as a preventative measure.  If the problem is already there, reflexology is used to work on the corresponding area on the foot/hand to alleviate the problem.  If the client has a chronic problem the foot/hand may respond by being quite painful or completely lacking in feeling.  A healthy body is shown by a delightful feeling of aliveness in the foot or hand.

Most illnesses are developed by our own negative thinking or stresses and worries in life and at work.  Reflexology helps you to release these stresses, to relax, and achieve a deep sense of peace.  Some clients go to sleep on the couch, and some feel the benefit of releasing pressures by talking.**  I advise that quiet is better, so it can be treated like a meditation for both the client and the therapist.  I find that practising reflexology is such an enjoyable experience for me that it is as peaceful as a meditation and I feel good afterwards as well as the client.

As I am a Reiki Master, the Reiki energy usually flows through my hands as I practice reflexology, adding an even greater sense of peace and relaxation to the treatment.  If you do not want Reiki I can stop the flow.

**If you need to talk about your problems, or you have private worries that you can't talk about, Emotional Freedom Techniques is ideal as it is like counselling but with very fast releases and answers for your emotional problems.

THE BENEFITS OF REFLEXOLOGY

Deep relaxation of the body, mind and spirit.

Normalises bodily functions

Improves circulation, nerve and blood supply.

Improves the immune system

Reduces stress

More efficient removal of toxins and impurities

Balancing and harmony for the whole person.

Can ease pain by releasing endorphins, the body's feel-good hormones.

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

'Since coming to you for reflexology, my indigestion and stomach pains have gone.  I feel more relaxed at work and have more energy.  I highly recommend it.  I always look forward to my fortnightly treat and the reflexology controls my hot flushes.  I hardly have them any more.  I feel that coming every two weeks for maintenance treatments keeps me healthy and happy all the time.' Mrs.  K.M.  Sussex

'When I first came for reflexology, you found some congestion in my intestinal area reflex, but I had no problem at the time.  A couple of weeks later I developed a pain in my intestines but my doctor and consultant cannot find what the problem is so I have returned to you for more treatments.  I can feel things happening in my body as you work.' Mrs.  N.C.  Sussex.

When I first came I had a pain in my foot.  You worked on all over my feet and eventually, after a few weeks, the pain disappeared.  I feel really refreshed and relaxed after reflexology.  Mr A.  P.  Sussex.