What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is a complementary medicine. It works on the principle that there are reflexes on the feet relative to every organ, function and part of the human body. The Reflexologist works by applying pressure to specific points on the feet. This, in effect, stimulates the body's own healing processes and is considered to be a safe way to restore the body.

The History Of Reflexology

Reflexology (also known as Zone Therapy) has been used in china for some five thousand years alongside acupuncture, but has its origin with the ancient Egyptians. In AD1027 it is recorded as having been used as an energy balancing procedure.

Who Benefits From Reflexology?

Anyone who has a health problem/stress and simply for the relaxing effect it gives. It is a very relaxing and enjoyable therapy to have done and ideal for anyone wishing
to unwind.

Reflexology is able to restore balance to the body, improve nerve and blood supply and reduce tension. It also works to assist problem areas and where possible, remove them altogether. Many people prefer, after resolving their problems, to have a maintenance treatment once a month as a preventative measure.

What Problems Can It Help?

Reflexology can help most problems that we consult our GP with. For example:

• Back, neck, joint and muscular conditions.
• Digestive/bowel problems; hormonal, menstrual/menopausal discomforts;
• Headaches, circulatory and respiratory problems. Stress/anxiety states and sleep disturbances.
• The best idea is to consult the Reflexologist to see whether your condition can be helped.

Can it Help Stress?

Reflexology has a dynamic effect on the body in its ability to relieve stress and tension. As stress pushes the body into disequilibrium, this therapy is excellent in turning off that stress and bringing the body back into balance - some clients may even drop
off to sleep!

How Does It Work?

The Reflexologist applies a pressure to specific points on the feet and, by doing this, is able to stimulate the part that it corresponds to in the body. There are seven thousand nerve endings (size of pin heads) - mostly on the underside of the feet, and some on the front and to the side.

These specific points are then worked on to stimulate the body's own healing processes. Human beings are more than just their bodies. Each is a complex balance of mental, physical and spiritual aspects that are affected directly by environmental and social factors. Therefore the ideal is for a balance to be restored to the body, so as to create the right environment for improved health.

The therapist will work on the whole body and also concentrate on problem areas as a way to restore balance. Reflexology cannot diagnose specific diseases, but the feet will tell the therapist that an organ function, or part, is in a congested, sluggish or
tense state.

Is It Safe For Everyone?

Yes, from the very young to the elderly. It is a very relaxing and enjoyable therapy to have. Reflexology is an effective therapy as a way to prevent the onset of health problems and regular treatments are recommended as a preventative measure.

How long does it take and how many are needed?

On the first appointment a case history is taken and takes just over an hour. Subsequent treatments take 50 min to 1 hour. The number of sessions needed varies. If you are coming with a view to help a particular health problem, a weekly session is advisable, until an improvement is seen. For people who are very stressed, it is recommend that weekly treatments are carried out to allow the anxiety to be reduced and then a monthly visit. Generally speaking it is a good idea to have a maintenance treatment once a month as a preventive measure to ensure good health.