Reflexology

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is a natural therapy using massage like techniques over specific reflex points. Within reflexology all the organs, glands and systems are mapped in miniature on the feet, hands and ears. During a treatment I am constantly looking for indicators to the client’s general health which can present themselves as gritty or tender areas.

What Can Be Treated?

This ever popular treatment is showing great results and is often used to help with pain relief and in treating a myriad of conditions such as:

• Stress
• Migraines
• Insomnia
• Chronic fatigue
• IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Hormonal imbalances
• Infertility problems
• PMS
• Neck & Back pain
• Eczema
• Asthma

How does reflexology work?

One theory of how reflexology works is that it works with the Central Nervous System (CNS). This is built on the research Sir Henry Head and Sir Charles Sherrington did in the 1890’s. These two highly regarded, well published Neurologists, showed that a neurological relationship is evident between the skin and internal organs, and that the nervous system adjusts to stimulus.

If working with this theory, the pressure Reflexologists apply to feet or hands sends calming messages from these extremities/ from the peripheral nerves to the CNS. This then signals the body to change its stress levels, which brings about enhancement of relaxation and allows internal organs and their systems to enjoy increased blood supply. Increased blood supply brings more oxygen and nutrients to cells and promotes waste disposal, basically helping to gain optimum functioning of the Circulatory, respiratory, lymphatic/immune, endocrine & neurological systems of the body.

Another theory to explain how reflexology is good for pain relief is called ‘The Gate Control Theory’ The central idea of this theory is that in the spinal cord there are neural mechanisms which can open and close like a gate; thus preventing or allowing pain messages to the brain.

• Physical factors
• Emotional Factors &
• Cognitive & behavioural Factors

Are the categories broadly considered to open or close these gates, thus increasing or decreasing pain.

So for example, within the ‘Physical Factors’: counterstimulation helps close the gates. So reflexology, being the calming treatment that it is, works well in blocking the pain signals to the brain.

Relaxation, happiness and optimism are the major factors in closing the gate in the ‘Emotional Factors’ category.

distraction, concentration and interest in activities are the factors of reducing pain in the ‘Cognitive & behavioural Factors’ category.

Again these are all factors that reflexology promotes.

Zone Therapy

Reflexology also works with the findings of a throat and nose surgeon called Dr. William Fitzgerald. He researched a Chinese method where if pressure and massage was applied in a certain area it had a definite effect in bringing normal functioning in all parts of what he termed the ‘zone’. He did extensive testing and developed a map dividing the body into 10 longitudinal zones; the midline of the body being ‘Zero’ and 5 zones either side. Within reflexology treatments we work with these zones

What format does a treatment take?

In your first session a thorough consultation will take place before the treatment. The session will be around 1 ½ hours. The consultation gives me an insight into your medical history, any problems or health issues you may have and to draw up a program of treatments if required.

Once the consultation is complete, comes the nice bit, a roughly 45-50 min treatment consisting of a warm up massage, then a series of massage like movements where I work over the whole feet pressing and working certain reflex points releaving congested areas, and then finally a warm down masssage.

Other aspects will be addded if I think appropriate, such as: Vertical treatments and chakra balancing.

How many sessions will I need?

Many peoples conditions whether it be back pain, migraines, eczema, IBS have taken an amount of time to present themselves in recognisable symptoms. Therefore are unlikely to disappear after 1 treatment of whatever therapy the individual chooses.

The IFR, suggest that if choosing Reflexology you should have 6 weekly treatments, then drop down to 2 treatments for a month and then on a monthly basis. (The practicalities of this is of course is down to many different factors: finances, time, commitments etc.)

Through my experience it is better to begin with a concentrated block of treatments to kick start changes, so I offer a treatment plan of 6 treatments for the price of 5. Of course some just want a one off relaxing session for a treat which is by no means frowned upon!!!

Will a treatment hurt or tickle and are there side effects?

A treatment should never hurt, sometimes areas of congestion maybe sensitive but not painful. A good Reflexologists is always very aware of the clients facial expressions and will ask on occcasions to check the pressure is correct for the individual.

I’ve yet to treat anyone that found Reflexology ticklish, your feet are held firmly and even people that have warned me beforehand that they are ticklish have not found it so.

Reflexology helps to release toxins in the system, so after a treatment I always advise that you drink plenty of water, normally a glass of water before you have left the couch or chair! You may experience increased bowel movements, urination & headaches can happen sometimes usually when not enough water is consumed.

Many people report feeling increadably relaxed, having feelings of wellbeing, feeling fired up and energised, confident, creative and a whole host of other things. On of my favourite comments was:
“My feet felt like they were filled with hellium the following day like I was walking on air”

How old is Reflexology?

In it’s present form, not very old, it was termed Reflexology by a lady called Eunice Ingham. A qualified Physiotherapist in the US in the 1930’s who had taken an active part in the mapping of the feet with a Doctor, called Dr. William Fitzgerald. However the roots of reflexology culminate from around the globe and healing through the hands and feet can be traced back to 2500BC in Ancient Egypt.