About
What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is a safe natural complementary therapy. It is the technique of applying gentle pressure to reflexes of the feet, hands or face, to bring about a state of deep relaxation to assist the body’s own healing process.
When pressure is applied to reflex points on our feet, hands or face, parts of the body are stimulated and a nerve reaction occurs.
This reaction encourages the release of toxins, improved circulation, an increase in energy, the balancing of our hormones, balancing of our emotions and a reduction of pain and inflammation and increased immunity.
History of Reflexology
The origins of reflexology and its relationship with health are believed to date back to ancient Egypt.
A wall painting was discovered in the tomb of an Egyptian physician called Ankmahor, dated approximately 2500 BC. However, reflexology was not developed in the west until the 20th century.
Dr William Fitzgerald, an American surgeon working in Vienna in early 1900s, discovered that applying pressure on various parts of the body could relieve pain in other areas.
In 1917, his book titled Zone Therapy showed the existence of 10 energy lines which run through the body and which formed the basis of modern day reflexology.
In the early 1930s Eunice Ingram, a physiotherapist, worked on hundreds of patients. She was the first person to map the reflexes of the body onto the feet and also discovered the theory of crystal deposits. She commonly became known as the ‘mother of modern reflexology’.
Reflexology Could Help to Ease the Following Symptoms:
- Stress and anxiety
- Headache and migraine
- Hormonal imbalances including PMS and the menopause
- Digestive problems
- Sleep disorders
- Sports injuries
- Back and joint pain
- Fertility
- Pregnancy and labour
- Minor ailments
What a Treatment Involves
A one hour foot reflexology treatment includes five minutes of consultation at both the beginning and end of a session.
The first session includes an extra 15 minutes to enable a medical history to be taken and a consent form signed.
You will be asked to remove your shoes and socks, and sit back in a reclining chair with your feet raised. You will be covered by a warm blanket.
Reflexology wax or oil will be applied to your feet and a thumb walking technique will be used on your reflex points to assist with your relaxation.
For a facial reflexology treatment, your hair will be secured away from the face with a band. There is no need to remove eye make-up. Facial wipes will be used to clean the face. A few drops of organic facial oil will be used to apply pressures and massage the reflex points on your face.
An aftercare advice leaflet will be provided in which you are advised to drink two litres of water during the 24 hours following a treatment to flush the toxins out of your body.
