Reflexology is the practice of applying pressure to the feet and hands utilizing specific thumb, finger and hand technique. It is based on a system of zones and reflex areas that reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands, on the premise that such work effects a physical change in the body.
Generally the benefits of reflexology are to do with the reduction of stress. Hands and feet set up a tension level for the rest of the body, by interacting with the nervous system and creating relaxation, improving circulation, and the benefits of touch are an easy way of interrupting stress signals and resetting the bodies own balance (equilibrium).
Reflexology treats the whole person and is a complimentary therapy used in conjunction with a Doctors diagnosis and treatment. It is a safe therapy which may reduce the effects of stress as it induces a deep therapeutic relaxation. The Reflexologist treats the client preventatively, looking at life style factors, triggers of stress, sleep patterns and anxiety, to make changes that effect overall health. For some people who are not suffering from any conditions, this is a preventative therapy which helps maintain a healthy body, mind and spirit.
Reflexology is popular with clients for many stress related conditions including; Breathing problems, joint and muscle pain, skin problems, digestive disorders, the elderly and children, fertility issues, sleep disorders, hormone imbalances and many more.
The Reflexologist applies a firm consistent pressure which is not ticklish. The Reflexologist will work within your comfort zone and adjust the pressure to suit the client, if any thing feels a little uncomfortable tell the therapist. Some areas may feel a little tender where there is an imbalance.
After the treatment most people feel calm and relaxed, or sleepy. Occasionally people may feel nauseous, anxious or even tearful. As toxins are being removed from the body some may urinate or defecate more often, these are temporary reactions and are considered part of the healing process, these reactions are normally strongest after the first treatment. Aftercare advice will be given after treatments.
A course of 6-8 treatments is normally needed, depending on the client. Feed back is given on every treatment and evaluated by the therapist. The client would be expected to see some improvement around the third treatment. Treatments last for one hour, please allow an extra 15 minutes on the first treatment to fill out a consultation form, with no extra charge. Clients will often have maintenance treatments on subsequent occasions to help keep a balance of mind, spirit and body.
The History of Reflexology.
It is thought that reflexology has its roots in China several thousand years ago, and a tomb of Ankhmahor dating to 2330 BC was found at Saqqara in Egypt with a drawing of two men holding a mans foot in the same manner reflexology practitioners do today. The translation of the hieroglyphics above the scene is “Do not let it be painful, says one of the patients. I do as you please the attendant replies”.
Reflexology and similar methods have been established through the years in Red Indian tribes, in Africa, India and Japan.
Modern reflexology was first made known in its present day form by an American physiotherapist, Mrs Eunice Ingham. She developed her work from findings by an ear, nose and throat consultant called Dr William Fitzgerald. In the early 1900’s he became interested in various pressure therapies and described zone therapy.
Eunice Ingham developed thumb and finger pressure and mapped the feet to reflect the body. Reflexology was introduced in Great Britain in 1966.