What is Reflexology?
Although there is scriptural evidence to suggest that reflexology was being practised as far back as ancient Egypt, the science of reflexology used today was founded by Dr William Fitzgerald, an American ear nose and throat surgeon. He noticed that pressure on specific areas of the body produced an anaesthetising effect on a related area. Developing his theory, he divided the body into ten equal zones which ended in the feet and hands. In the 1930's a massage therapist called Eunice Bingham refined Dr Fitzgerald's zones and developed what is now known as 'reflexology'. She observed that congestion or tension in any part of the foot mirrored congestion or tension in a related part of the body. Therefore, treating the areas of the feet could have a relaxing and healing effect on different organs and tissues inside the body.
A Reflexologist uses hands only to apply pressure to the feet. For each person the application and the effect of the therapy is unique. Sensitive, trained hands can detect tiny deposits and imbalances in the feet, and by working on these points, the Reflexologist can release blockages and restore the free flow of energy to the whole body. Tensions are eased, and circulation and elimination is improved. This gentle therapy encourages the body to heal itself, often counteracting a lifetime of misuse.
Since reflexology treats the whole person, not just the symptoms of disease, adults and children benefit from treatment. Reflexology is suitable for acute and chronic conditions, stress related conditions, sleep disorders, Sports injuries, and preventative therapy. Indeed reflexology can benefit almost everyone. An increasing number of people are using this safe, natural therapy as a way of relaxing, balancing and harmonising the body.
How does it work?
The body is divided into different zones represented by a point in the foot or hand. Nerve endings are imbedded in the feet and hands that then travel to the spinal cord and to various parts of the body. Stimulating these nerve endings thereby helps promote relaxation, improve circulation, stimulate vital organs in the body and encourage the body's natural healing processes. Unlike conventional medicine, reflexology works on the underlying problems within the body and works through the body's nervous system. Sometimes lactic acid can be felt in the foot in the form of little crystals. This is a sediment due to poor eating or lack of exercise and can be crushed and reabsorbed into the body thereby allowing the lymph system to eliminate the waste product.
What does treatment involve?
Reflexology treatments can take up to an hour or more and usually about six weekly sessions are recommended for optimum results. A trained reflexologist will, like other professionals in complementary healthcare, take a detailed case history on your first visit. You will be asked to remove your shoes and socks and sit on a treatment couch.
The treatment involves light, but firm, compression massage to the soles and uppers of your feet using talc. As the reflex points are very small the reflexologist has to be very precise. It is possible that there will be quite a dramatic reaction to the first treatment in various forms such as increased bowel movements, cold type symptoms or skin problems. This is a very healthy sign which tells you that the treatment has encouraged the release of harmful toxins from the body. During treatment some areas of the foot may feel a little tender and these will correlate with the problem areas in the body. You will find that Reflexology is typically a very pleasant, relaxing and rejuvenating therapy. Don't worry if you have ticklish feet, the treatment is very precise and quite firm.
What can it help?
Reflexology does not claim to be a "cure all", but many different disorders such as migraine, tension, stress, sinus problems, hormonal imbalances, breathing difficulties, digestive, circulatory and back problems all seem to respond well to this natural therapy.