Reflexology

Questions on the following are answered below - What is Reflexology, How does it work, What is it used for, What is involved and Can it Help Me.

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is both old and new. The reflexology method used today was introduced into this country from America in the 1960’s. However the origins of Reflexology are thought to go back thousands of years. More than 5000 years ago Indians and Chinese were using a similar technique and history suggests that the skill goes back even further. A tomb drawing found in Egypt dating back to 2,500 BC shows two men being treated with a form of Reflexology.

It was Dr. William Fitzgerald, an American ear, nose and throat specialist who, it is generally accepted, rediscovered the therapy in the early 20th Century. Working in Vienna he became interested in the concept of zones and pressure points. He discovered that by applying pressure to one part of the body he could anaesthetise a corresponding area and he used this to great effect when conducting surgical operations. He further discovered that the body could be divided into 10 zones, which run up the body and extend from front to back. He introduced the term, and in 1917 published a book entitled Zone Therapy.

Eunice Ingam an American physiotherapist was introduced to the concept of Zone Therapy, which she used to great effect within her practice. She studied the therapy closely and concluded that since the zones ran throughout the whole body and could be accessed anywhere, some areas might be more accessible and effective than others: namely the feet. It was she who mapped the feet in relation to the zones and it is Eunice Ingam who is widely recognised as the founder of modern Reflexology as practised today.

How does Reflexology work?

“Reflexology is a science which deals with the principle that there are reflexes in the feet relative to each and every organ and all parts of the body. Stimulating these reflexes properly can help many health problems in a natural way just like preventative maintenance”. Eunice Ingam (1938)

Reflexology works along holistic principles, taking into account body, mind and spirit and facilitates a state of homeostasis or balance. Reflexology can be both relaxing and stimulating. It is based upon the theory that every organ, structure and part of the body is reflected in a related part of the foot. A reflexologist uses a very specific method using thumb and fingers to apply gentle, controlled pressure to the reflexes of the feet. By applying this gentle pressure to the reflex areas, muscle tensions are relaxed, the nerve supply freed from constriction, allowing the body to fall into a deep state of relaxation. Gently applying pressure to specific reflexes of the feet can also clear blocked energy channels, encourage the removal of waste products and toxins, stimulate circulation and in creating the right condition for a return to health. As energy is able to flow more freely and fully around the body, the functioning of the body’s systems is optimised and facilitates a state of balance or homeostasis, encouraging the body to heal itself. Reflexology is an holistic therapy treating the body as a whole.

What is Reflexology used for?

Reflexology is a safe natural therapy and may aid in the relief of a wide range of acute or chronic conditions. It brings about the relaxation response providing the right environment for change to take place within the body. Reflexology can be used to treat a wide variety of symptoms including:

		Allergies			Arthritis			Asthma
		Digestive Problems			Headaches / Migranes			Hypertension
		Kidney disorders			Menopause			Nervousness
		PMS			Sinusitis			Skin problems
		Sleep disorders			Sore muscles

What does a Reflexology treatment involve?

The first treatment includes a consultation, where I will ask questions about your general health and life style. You will be asked to remove your shoes and foot covering and lie comfortably on the therapy couch. Your feet will be washed and an initial foot examination will be undertaken prior to the treatment start. An aromatherapy cream will be applied to your feet with a sequence of gentle, relaxing massage movements. I will then continue the treatment by applying gentle pressure to the reflexes of the feet, covering the whole of both feet, in a relaxing and flowing routine. The first treatment will take between 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours to allow time for the consultation. Subsequent treatments usually take between 1 hour and 1 hour 30 minutes depending on the needs of the client.

Reflexology is an extremely relaxing therapy. The treatment should not hurt. Although some slight discomfort, tenderness or bruising may be felt in some reflex areas. These are known as imbalances or sensitive areas; the extent of the imbalance will depend on how long the imbalance has been present.

After a treatment many people comment on how wonderfully relaxed they feel and how they feel they are walking on air. The effects of the treatments are cumulative and therefore a course of treatments is usually recommended.

Can Reflexology help me?

Your treatment will be very much geared to your individual needs, established during your consultation. For each person the treatment and the effect of the treatment is unique. Reflexology can be used to treat a wide variety of disorders, ranging from sinusitis, migraine, digestive problems, asthma, allergies, hypertension, back pain, constipation, arthritis, M.E as well as P.M.T. and the menopause. It is also used very effectively in palliative care, and is commonly practised in hospices. Not only does Reflexology help reduce stress and tension, it can also speed recovery from a wide range of acute and chronic illnesses. There are some situations where I may require permission from your GP to commence treatments, further details are available on the Contra-indications page.

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