Reflexology is a wonderfully relaxing foot treatment that works on all areas of the body. It is a method for activating the healing powers of the body by stimiulating specific accupressure points on the feet.
The feet have been worked on in this way since ancient times, in particular by the ancient Chinese and Egyptions, and has today been developed into a modern scientific method called reflexology. It is widely practised and used as a much credible and effective healing tool among today's holistic health professionals, as well as being used alongside conventional medical treatments to aid the healing process.
Some of the Benefits of Reflexology:
Reduces stress and induces deep relaxation.
Improves circulation.
Cleanses the body of toxins and impurities.
Balances all systems of the body.
Revitalises energy.
Helps to prevents ill health and promote good health.
Stimulates creativity and productivity.
Helps the body to heal.
May help with pain relief and whole healing, especially alongside Reiki Healing.
Good health depends on balance, equilibrium, the natural
functioning of all the body systems.
How does Reflexology Work?
Since ancient times, healers have employed various methods to strengthen and balance the energy flow of their bodies. Many of these systems, including acupuncture, shiatsu and reflexology, agrees that this energy flows in zones or meridians throughout the body. In reflexology there are ten energy zones that run the length of the body from head to toe - five on each side of the body - ending in the feet. All the organs and parts of the body lie along one or more of these zones. Each zone can be considered a channel for life energy, known as chi or qi in oriental medicine and martial arts.
The feet are a perfect mini map of the entire body. All the organs, glands and body parts are represented in the feet, laid out in a similar arrangement to the body. For example, the inside curve of the foot corresponds to the natural curve of the spine, and the big toe represents the head and neck.
Stimulating and "working" the zones in the feet by applying pressure with thumbs and fingers affects the entire zone throught out the body. It has been proven that the feet are particularly sensitive and receptive to this type of stimulation because of the wealth of nerve endings.
The actual physical mechanism that controls the ten zones in the body and feet is not fully understood, but that it works is proven every day!
What happens during a treatment?
A reflexology treatment always begins with a relaxing foot massage. You will be lying down on a massage couch, fully clothed except for the feet of course. The therapist then begins to work on specific points of the feet with firm but gentle pressure using her fingers or thumbs. During the session she may detect "imbalanced" areas of the body and can usually feel this as a "grainy" deposit in the feet. These areas will be worked over to aid the release of blocked energies in that zone of the body. You may be amazed at what a therapist can pick up about the health your body just by touching your feet!
How many treatments do I need?
This will depend entirely on you and how much effort you are prepared to put into your health and wellbeing. One treament is great for the occasional de-stress or relaxation, but if you are serious about getting your health on the right track you may need weekly treatments for several weeks, as well taking good care of yourself inbetween.
Reflexology treatments take around an hour and can be given alongside Reiki healing for a specific problem. The healing is incorporated into the treatment and doesn't cost extra.
Who cannot receive reflexology treatments?
Some people may not suit Reflexology due to various conditions, in particular these would include problems with the feet such as verrucas, cuts or wounds. If you have had surgery on your feet it is best to wait until it is fully healed. If you have any other physical health conditions you will need to discuss these with the therapist prior to booking a treatment. However, many conditions do benefit from reflexology because the whole body and mind health is being re-balanced naturally.
