What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is a holistic therapy designed to promote self healing through reflex points in the hands and feet. These reflex points are connected to your organ systems of the body, this is a much deeper healing technique. Reflexology may promote better circulation, sleep, better your body systems as well as reducing stress and anxiety. Reflexology dates back thousands of years since the ancient Egyptians, as well as India, native America and China. Reflexology is used to this very day to promote optimal health physically and emotionally and may help to make a big difference to so many people's well being and general health.
Reflexology Explained
Zone Therapy
zone therapy refers to the belief that there are 10 energy zones that run the length of the body, from head to toe, five on each side of the body. Working (applying pressure with the thumbs and fingers) any area in a zone in the foot affects the entire zone throughout the body. For example, working the liver reflex on the foot will revitalise and balance the whole zone and improve how the organ works.
In the early 1900s, Dr. William Fitzgerald, an Ear, Nose and Throat surgeon, developed the modern zone theory of the human body. He stated that parts of the body correspond to other parts and his evidence was the fact that applying pressure to one area anaesthetised a corresponding area.
In the 1930s, a physiotherapist called Eunice Ingham (who was to become known as the Mother of Reflexology) used zone therapy in her work with patients. She concluded that since these zones ran throughout the body, some areas might be more accessible and effective than others. She found that the feet were the most responsive areas for working the zones. Eunice Ingham mapped the entire body onto the feet and discovered therapeutic effects far beyond reduction of pain, which is what zone theory had previously been used for. And this is how Reflexology came to be.
Start your journey
All treatments start with a confidential consultation (prior to your first treatment) - Medical history will be discussed and noted to tailor your treatments to your needs and ensure safe practice. The consultation lasts 15 minutes.
When you arrive for your treatment you will be asked to remove your socks and shoes. You will be invited to sit or lay down on the massage couch. When you are comfortable, I will place warm towels and blankets over you for maximum comfort. I will start to gently massage your feet with lovely smelling foot lotions and waxes of your choosing. Its best to wear comfortable loose clothing. When I start the reflexology treatment I will check the pressure of the treatment with you and adapt to your personal preference. Some clients like a gentle treatment and others prefer firmer pressure. The treatments are tailored to the individual.
Your very welcome to chat, or just lay back and completely relax and wind down. If any reflexes are sensitive, I will adjust my pressure to avoid any discomfort, but will work the area gently until it becomes less sensitive. If reflexes have felt sensitive or if I have felt crystals in the feet, this means there has been, is or may be an imbalance in the corresponding part of the body and indicates that a reflex is out of balance.
A full treatment takes about 45 minutes and then there will be aftercare and time to discuss the treatment and findings. Its very important to drink lots of water after a treatment and to avoid any alcohol for 24 hours.