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Reflexology

The Principles of Reflexology

Reflexology is a science based on the principle that reflexes, or areas, in the feet and hands relate to the internal organs and other structures of the body. In reflexology the feet and hands are seen as a perfect microcosm of the body, with a somatic replication of all organs, glands and muscles of the body on to an area or a reflex point.

Palpitation or pressure on such points helps to achieve balance in the body by normalising the function of internal organs. This treatment by pressure helps to stimulate the body’s healing process and to allow a person to achieve physical and emotional well-being. Reflexology is a truly holistic non-invasive therapy, where the practitioner sees the patient as a whole. It has many benefits:
  • calms the nervous system and promotes deep relaxation
  • leads to better functioning of the circulatory system
  • improves blood and nerve supply to muscles
  • promotes good muscle tone through nerve stimulation
  • compensates for lack of exercise in cases of illness or old age
  • encourages elimination of waste and toxins
  • reduces inflammation of soft tissues
  • boosts the immune system
  • reduces stress related symptoms

The points to which pressure is applied are located by reference to both Traditional Chinese Medicine and Zone Therapy. Whilst there is no concise explanation of the rationale of how and why reflexology works, those who are treated by a competently trained practitioner will attest the fact that there is a lessening of pain and discomfort after the treatment and often the problems right themselves completely after a course of treatments.

 

Technique
The feet or hands are massaged and the joints gently manipulated to promote relaxation before, during and after each session. The basic techniques include thumb walking, finger palpatations and rotation on a point. All of these are designed to exert firm, but gentle pressure to every part of the feet or hands, thereby stimulating all of the reflex points that relate to the various organs and tissues of the body.

Communication and Consent
As a practitioner it is always important to state your intention to the client. I introduce myself and give a brief explanation of the treatment. I take a full medical history from the client, but if this is not possible I will glean information from the carer or health care professional to ensure that the treatment given is appropriate to the individual’s needs. Throughout the session I ask or listen for feedback, whether verbal or non-verbal. I let clients know that this touch should feel good and should not “tickle” but that there may be some sensitivity in a reflex point relating to an imbalance within the body. With those people who are deemed to be comatose, or those who are termed uncommunicative because of dementia, or otherwise unable to speak I will introduce myself and state my intentions. I listen and watch for any response, adjusting the treatment accordingly.

Precautions in the use of Reflexology
Total contraindications to Reflexology are:

  • fever
  • under the influence of alcohol
  • immediately after a heavy meal
  • diabetic ulcers
  • parchment skin
  • within 72 hours of an operation or investigative medical procedure

Reflexology treatments should be adapted or proceed with caution under the following conditions:

  • contagious or infection conditions of the feet, hands or body
  • prescription drugs – Reflexology may affect the rate at which the drug is absorbed into the system. This is particularly relevant in the case of diabetic patients on insulin. Also long term, high dose medication may block the effects of Reflexology.
  • Cancers, tumours and AIDS

In these situations I will seek the guidance of the client’s GP or Nursing
professional who can assess the situation prior to treatment being given.

WHY REFLEXOLOGY?
Reflexology is a non-invasive therapy needing only the removal of shoes and socks. It is a truly holistic complementary therapy, which works by applying varying degrees of pressure to specific reflex points on the feet or the hands to promote balance and good health. Benefits of Reflexology:

  • Induces a state of deep relaxation
  • Reduces stress and tension
  • Increases the body’s immunity
  • Balances the mind, body and spirit
  • Improves circulation
  • Removes toxins built up in the body
  • Protects against everyday ills

Reflexology benefits the following conditions:

  • Anxiety / Depression
  • Asthma;
  • Back and Neck Pain
  • Constipation/Diarrhoea
  • Menopause
  • Menstrual Irregularities
  • Migraine
  • PMT
  • IBS
  • Sciatica
  • Joint Pain
  • Sinus Problems
  • Stress
  • Infertility

The earliest evidence of Reflexology in the ancient world can be found in a tomb dated 2500 BC. The inscription reads, “Do not let it be painful” says one of the patients. “I do as you please” the physician replies. In recent times Reflexology has been accepted as complementary to conventional medicine by many doctors and health care professionals.

£ 25.00 per treatment – discount given if payment is made in advance for a course of treatments

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