REFLEXOLOGY
A Look at Reflexology
what is reflexology? how does reflexology work? A brief history of reflexology - uses of reflexology - treatment side affects - costs
What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is the practice of applying pressure to points on the feet or hands, usually the feet, to stimulate the body's own healing system. The whole of the body is mirrored on the soles of the feet and on the palms of the hand. A reflex action occurs in a muscle or organ when it is activated by energy from a point of stimulus on the body, the point of stimulus is on the hand or foot. Applying pressure to these reflex points can improve physical and mental health. Reflexology helps stimulate the body to heal itself.
How does it work?
In a healthy body the brain is constantly sending and receiving messages along pathways of the nervous system. Good communication is necessary for good health. But sometimes the pathways get blocked and messages cannot get through. Reflexology operates by stimulating the autonomic reflex system to clear blockages, so that communication lines stay open and the body, mind and emotions stay healthy.Today Reflexology is one of the foremost complementary health treatments and more people and organizations, including the NHS, are making ever greater use of reflexologists and their skills.
A Brief History
Like most holistic - complementary treatments reflexology is not a new therapy. It has its roots in the ancient civilizations of Eygypt, India and China as well as among African tribes and native American Indians. Reflexology however made its impact in the early 20th century, when Dr. William Fitzgerald, an ear, nose and throat specialist became interested in zone therapy, which provided the foundations for reflexology. In zone therapy the body is divided into ten vertical zones, running from the tips of the toes to the top of the head and back down to the finger tips and all the parts of the body within one zone are linked. Dr. Fitzgerld introduced his patients to zone therapy, he applied pressure to their feet and hands to relieve pain in other parts of the body. He shared his knowledge with a collegue Dr. Joe Riley. It was through Dr. Riley that a physiotherapist named Eunice Ingham got to know about zone therapy. It was Eunice Ingham who devoloped and renamed zone therapy as reflexology. Reflexology was brought to Britain in 1966 by a pupil of Ingham's Doreen Bayly.
What is Reflexology used for?
Reflexology has been used for the improvement of general health, though it has been found to be highly effective at relieving:
Most people with health problems would benefit from a course of six to ten treatments. However for purely relaxation just one session would be beneficial, and by maintaining the effects at one per month.
What a typical Reflexology Session entails
The first session will be the longest, where you will be asked full details on medical history,
diet, lifestyle etc. You will then go through to the treatment area where you will remove your shoes and socks or tights.You will then lie on the treatment couch, where you will be covered in warm towels and maybe a heat blanket. Your bare feet are cleansed and examined - please do not apologise! People are often very conscious about their feet and we assure you we've seen it all before. The most important thing is for you to relax. We then do some slow diaphramatic breathing (breathing down into your abdomen) to relax your mind and body. This is followed by massaging (warming up) the legs and feet. From here one foot is wrapped in a warm towel, whilst working on the other foot, feeling the reflex points on your foot, feeling for what seems to be gritty particles (crystaline deposits) under the skin. These are indications of blockages which can be massaged away. You should not feel any discomfort but if you do, please let the therapist know as this is important information that will be noted down during and after your treatment. Once the treatment is finished this foot will then be wrapped up in a warm towel. The same treatment will be applied to the other foot and leg, balancing the whole body. This will be finished by both feet and legs massaged together. You will then be offered a hot towel. The hot towel is placed on your legs down to your feet, this is a very nice end to your treatment, most people find this very soothing and refreshing. Aftercare advice will be given, along with a glass of water.
Are there any side effects to Reflexology?
As reflexology is not intrusive, there are very few side effects to the treatment. Most people feel very relaxed or sleepy, though some are highly alert and refreshed. However most people are fully refreshed the next day. A common side effect is an increased visit to the toilet after a session, as the body is flushing out toxins.
Most people find they sleep much better after a reflexology treatment.
Costs
Costs can vary depending on which session you have.
Please click Treatment and Prices page for more details, or contact us on any of the telephone numbers supplied on this website or click on the contact us page on this website and send us a message.
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