What is Reflexology?

Reflexology - or zone therapy - is a therapy in which the nerve endings are stimulated in the feet.  This is done by specific massage tachniques to effect changes in another part of the body and thereby create health and help overcome disease.  The foot mirrors 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.

How does it work?

Reflexology is sometimes known as zone therapy because the body is divided into different zones represented by a point in the foot or hand.  Nerve endings are embedded in the feet and hands and 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 he waste product. 

What does treatment involve?  

Reflexology treatments can take up to an hour or more usually about six weekly sessions are recommended for optimum results.  I will 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 or special reclining chair.  The general appearance of your foot will be examined as any cores or corns cannot receive pressure.

The treatment incolves light, but firm, compression massage to the soles and uppers of your feet.  As the reflex points are very small I have 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 healthy sign which tells you that the treatment has encourages the release of harmful toxins from the body.  During treatment some areas of the foot may feel little tender and these will correlate with the problem areas in the body. 

Reflexology should not be used in the early stages of pregnancy, diabetes or a heart problem, but if you do receive treatment, you wiull 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.

Although all reflex areas will be massaged, I will pay specific attention to any actual problem areas I come accross.  So - for migraines, strokes, multiple sclerosis etc. pressure will be applied to the reflex point in the foot that relates to the head and the connecting areas.  In this way I will treat all disorders according to where in the body they occur- for example back neck and hip problems, sciatica and arthritis will be treated in the musculoskeletal area and angina, high blood pressure and circulatory disorders will be treated in the heart reflex and so on.  

Reflexology will not fix problems such as broken bones or hernias but if used regularly it will enhance any other treatments you are receiving by keeping the circulation stimulated and the lymph system active.  You should also experience feelings of vitality and well-being after reflexology treatment which encourages the healing process throughout the body.