WHAT IS REFLEXOLOGY?

Reflexology is the practice of applying pressure to, and massaging certain areas of the feet, hands and ears. The aim is to encourage healing and relieve stress and tension. It is also used to improve general health and well-being.

Reflexology treatment is based on the principle that certain areas of the feet - called reflexes - are linked to other areas on the body through the nervous system. The arrangement of the reflexes has a direct relationship to the area of the body they affect. For example, the right side of the foot is linked to the right side of the body. While the tips of the toes correspond to the head. The liver, pancreas and kidneys connect to the arch of the foot, and the lower back and intestines towards the heel.

PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL BENEFITS?

Reflexology is a popular alternative therapy that is considered to have a range of uses. Some of the most common uses of reflexology include:

Stress reduction - Studies suggest that reflexology can aid in alleviating the negative effects of stress.
Relaxation - The therapy encourages the body and mind to enter a deeply relaxed state.
Soothing tired feet - The techniques and special hand movements can help to ease tension and pain in the feet.
Reducing pain - Research suggests that the therapy is an effective pain reliever.
Improving circulation - Reflexology helps break down deposits in the blood stream which can affect circulation.
Enhancing overall well-being - Many people use the therapy on a regular basis to support a healthy mind and body.
Many people also find reflexology helpful in reducing stress-related ailments, including:
Tension headaches - The application of strokes over certain points on the foot by the big toe are thought to help ease tension headaches.
Arthritis - Reflexologists may work on specific points on the hands and feet to help with arthritis pain.
Digestive disorders - Reflex points for the digestive system are located on the plantar surface of the feet. Reflexologists will focus on these areas to relieve digestive discomfort and ease stress.
Insomnia - Reflexology can be soothing. The thumb and finger movements over certain reflexes help to target hormonal imbalances that can disrupt sleep.
Menstrual problems - Many women find the therapy useful for addressing common menstrual problems. These include severe pain, irregular cycles and general discomfort.
Back pain - Pressure on certain reflex points is thought to alleviate nerve problems in the back which can cause pain.
Sports injuries - Reflexology boosts the body's healing ability. It stimulates blood and nerve flow to an injured muscle or tissue.

HOW DOES REFLEXOLOGY WORK?

Reflexology treatment aims to holistically restore balance to the body. This is done by applying pressure to certain points of the hands, feet and ears. Emotional and physical factors are taken into account if the reflexologist thinks they might be affecting a person's well-being and health. They will pinpoint areas on the feet where they can use specific hand movements, thumb techniques and apply pressure to stimulate healing energy. This energy flows through the body's energetic pathways to the targeted areas of the body.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A SESSION

Reflexology therapy sessions are fairly straightforward and uncomplicated. A typical treatment lasts around 45 minutes to an hour and begins with a consultation about your health and lifestyle. Your reflexologist will discuss your medical history to establish any underlying health problems. They will also ask what you wish to gain from reflexology therapy.

Reflexology is not painful, however certain areas of the feet may feel more tender than others. This will depend on what area of the body they correspond with. Sensitivity will vary from person to person, and a reflexologist will adjust the amount of pressure applied accordingly. After a session your feet will feel warm and you should experience a general feeling of calm and relaxation. You may even feel sleepy.

The number of reflexology sessions you'll need will depend on the condition being treated. Your reflexologist will be able to discuss this with you and devise a treatment plan.

You may experience the relaxing effects of reflexology after just one session. It may take longer to notice benefits in other parts of the body. Many people find their sleeping and moods improve over the course of a few sessions. This will, however, differ between individuals.

WHAT TO DO AFTER A SESSION

To gain the full benefits of reflexology, it is recommended to carry out the following advice 24 hours post-treatment:

Drink lots of water. This will hydrate the body, improve energy levels and flush out toxins.
Avoid strenuous exercise and rest for at least two hours after the treatment.
Avoid stimulants such as alcohol, tea and coffee. These can diminish the effectiveness of the treatment.
Stick to a light, healthy diet to enable your body to heal.
Note down any reactions you have for your next session.

IT IS NO DIFFERENT TO A FOOT MASSAGE

Although reflexology therapy involves massage techniques, it is not specifically a massage therapy. Foot massage is similar to Swedish massage. This involves the use of massage oil or lotion, which a massage therapist will apply to the foot using a combination of gliding strokes. The aim is to work on soft tissue to promote healing in the area of concern. Massage is a direct modality.

Reflexology on the other hand is a systematic foot therapy. It involves the stimulation of specific reflex points on the feet. These correspond to other parts of the body. A reflexologist will use their knowledge of the reflexology foot map to guide their hand movements. Reflexology is an indirect modality.

IT IS TICKLISH

Many people think reflexology therapy is ticklish, especially as feet can be quite sensitive. This is not the case. A reflexologist will hold the feet in a firm, confident manner, knowing the right amount of pressure to apply. Reflexology involves deep, concise hand movements, thumb hooking and pin-pointing techniques. It is not designed to feel ticklish.

IT ISN’T SUITABLE FOR EVERYONE

As it is a non-invasive complementary therapy, reflexology is suitable for anyone, of any age. It is however recommended that women avoid the treatment within the first three months of pregnancy. There is specific maternity reflexology therapy available for those who wish to continue the therapy while pregnant.

IT IS PAINFUL

Reflexology treatment is not designed to be painful - it’s meant to induce deep relaxation. There may however, be reflexes that are more tender than others. According to the discipline, this is due to congestion in the energetic pathway in the body. Once treated, the blockages are removed, enabling the energy to resume its natural flow.

PRICE

45 minute treatment £50

60 minute treatment £60

MADE WITH LOVE BY LOVEMYWEB