What is reflexology?
Reflexology treats the whole person through specific points called 'reflexes' on the hands or feet, which mirror all of the body's systems, organs and structures. The foot or hand acts as a map of the body and its inner workings, with sensitive or congested areas signposting where there may be a corresponding need for additional support.
What does it actually do?
Reflexology aims to rebalance the systems of the body, to encourage them to work at optimum levels and in harmony. By tapping into the body’s autonomic nervous system, a state of deep relaxation can be achieved, promoting healing and encouraging the release of endorphins - the body's natural painkillers. During treatment, the body's various systems are stimulated, which encourages the elimination of toxins from the body, reducing inflammation, improving circulation and digestion, and easing aches and pains.
What conditions can it support?
Reflexology is ideal for both acute and long-term conditions, and works alongside traditional medicine by boosting the body’s ability to heal itself and become more resistant to illness in future.
The symptoms of many chronic conditions, many of which become worse with inflammation, can be improved with reflexology treatment.
For example, skin and digestive problems, arthritis, sleep disorders, stress and anxiety, respiratory difficulties, acute and chronic aches and pains, migraine and headache, fertility problems, and medication side-effects, can all be treated by reflexology with good results.
Will the treatment be painful or ticklish?
The therapist will adjust the pressure to the needs of the client, who should find that they experience a deep sense of calm and wellbeing during and afterwards. If there are any areas of soreness or sensitivity found by the therapist or client, this may indicate some congestion in an energy pathway which, once cleared, will help the corresponding part of the body to work better.
What if my feet aren't in good condition?
Feet of all shapes and sizes can be treated, regardless of bunions, dry skin, bad toe-nails and much more besides. Any foot condition can be discussed during the health consultation, and advice can be offered on how to improve them. It's worth removing hard skin prior to treatment to get the full benefit of the therapy. In the case of an infection or contagious condition, the hands can be effectively treated in place of the feet .
Where did the therapy come from?
This holistic hands-on therapy has been supporting the health of people across the world for millenia, and continues to be practiced around the globe. However, it only came to be known in the western world during the 19th and 20th centuries. Pioneering therapists brought the technique across the Atlantic in the 1960s, and set up a small number of training schools in the UK.
It has some commonality with therapies like acupuncture and others which work with the parasympathetic nervous system, easing congestion on energy pathways and rebalancing the body.