What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is the application of gentle pressure over the thousands of nerve endings and reflex points on the feet. It is not massage but is just as relaxing. It is becoming more and more popular as people are begining to turn towards natural methods for preventing and treating illnesses instead of invasive drugs and treatments - although the two can be used quite successfully side by side.

How does it Work?

There are many theories as to how Reflexology actually works.

You have over seven thousand nerve endings in your feet and during a treatment these are stimulated there by sending signals to the brain which relays the signal to the corresponding organ. Your entire body with it’s internal workings is mapped out over your feet.

Other theories include ideas that Meridian Lines, which start and end in the hands and feet, are stimulated into clearing blockages and improving energy flows.

In my opinion it’s not how it works but, the simple fact that it DOES work. It has produced and will go on producing amazing results.

What Happens In A Session

First a short health questionnaire is completed, this is to ensure that the client will receive the most safe and most effective treatment for them. Then shoes and socks are removed and the client relaxes on the massage couch or chair (the therapist may wipe your feet to remove grit or fluff).

Possible Reactions To Treatment

Many people experience an overall feeling of well being and or dramatic improvement of a particular condition or complaint. People often experience various sensations throughout their body during the treatment.

Other reactions are known as contra-actions and although slightly unpleasant are very good indicators that you are reacting well to the treatment.

Contra-actions include:

increased passing of urine - this may be more frequent or a slightly different colour or may have a stronger smell.
increased bowel activity
headache - due to the release of toxins within the body.
thirst - some people feel extremely thirsty after a treatment. We always advise that clients drink water following a treatment.
temperature changes - some people feel cold, it can also happen afterwards as well. It also happens that others become really warm. This returns to normal shortly after treatment.
emotional responses - it is not uncommon for a client to laugh or cry, to feel sensitive or tired.

History

One of the most famous historical records of the use of Reflexology was found in the tomb of Ankmahor. He was the physician to the Egyptian royal family in 2500BC.

Another style of Reflexology has been used in China for thousands of years and there is also evidence of its use in India and North America.

It progressed and transformed into the Reflexology we know today through a Dr Fitzgerald who explored it’s possibilities in the use of pain relief.

Following on from that a Dr Riley and, perhaps most famously, Eunice Ingham developed the method that is most commonly practised today.

A British woman, Doreen Bayly went to work with Eunice Ingham and brought Reflexology to the U.K in 1960.