Reflexology is an ancient therapy; its roots dating back to Egyptian, Indian and Chinese culture. Reflexology as we know it today, was developed in the early 1900s by key figures such as Eunice Ingham, Dwight Byers and Dr William Fitzgerald.
Reflexology, a therapeutic treatment of the feet, requires only the removal of shoes and socks. Wearing loose clothing can really help you to feel comfortable, and able to easily sink into the relaxation of the treatment. A session which can take up to an hour, can be used regularly as a restorative tonic and time out, or weekly for a length of time, to assist a specific condition.
A session begins with the application of a refreshing cream or oil to the feet, with a soothing massage. Throughout the treatment, gentle pressure is applied to the reflexes of the feet, using varied yet specific thumb and finger techniques. Usually, one foot is worked on at a time; and during the treatment, both feet are entirely reflexed and relaxed. In this way the body and mind can take time to unwind, whilst also encouraging a sense of balance, to the systems of the body. Reflexology does not diagnose specific ailments of the body. However, areas of tenderness, grittiness or swelling can positively benefit, as the techniques encourage greater homeostasis, dispersion and ease.
Many people are curious as to how Reflexology is greatly successful at relieving stress, providing the quality time out relaxation and health benefits, that it regularly achieves.
There are several reasons around why the feet so positively affect the health and well-being of the mind and body. Since those ancient Egyptian times the feet have been mapped out, so that the reflex points correlate with an associated organ or part of the body, including the spine and bones. By applying pressure to the reflex points, the nerve endings (over 7200 of them) and touch receptors are activated. This triggers nerve impulse messages via our central nervous system to be delivered to our brain and spinal cord. Outgoing messages are then forwarded to our organs, muscles and glands of the body. In this manner, our nervous system can be encouraged to stand down from its vigilant stance, relaxing us by slowing our breathing and heart rate, reducing muscle tension and allowing the digestive enzymes to do their work with great effect.
Reflexology is also thought to gain its success results, as it encourages and maintains the vital flow of energy, often stagnated through static living and stress. When our “Chi” is mobilised those aches and pains and stress-related illnesses can rectify themselves and a renewed sense of self can be realised.
The feet have also been divided into zones; five vertical zones on each foot. Zone 1 is represented by the big toe and zone 5 by the small toe. So, we could think of zone 1 being the left and right centre of the body; with zone 5 being the left and right side of the body. Zonal reflexology believes that organs and parts of the body related to each zone can affect each other. Positive benefits can be accumulated by working all the reflex points in a zone to optimise their function, good health and energetic “Chi” life force.
Reflexology is considered a great adjunct alongside other health care practices. Its supportive touch in an empathetic listening environment has been recognised in assisting with sinus issues, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, joint pain, anxiety and burn out whilst also uplifting mood, restoring sleep pattern and our general sense of well-being and vitality.
Reflexology is also a holistic support to both fertility and pregnancy journeys. Focusing on the reflex areas of the feet assists hormone balance, whilst also inviting a sense of calmness. This opportunity of time out, away from modern demands and stresses, is an important key to fertility treatments. Nature’s natural rhythm moves at a much slower pace than the rate at which we lead our hectic lives. Stress, diet and lifestyle choices can all be a factor in our reproductive health which can be discussed during consultation.
Reflexology can be utilized to assist womb conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis and encourage cycle regulation and awareness. Reflexology for fertility is beneficial to both partners and can be used to encourage sperm count and reproductive health in men too.
In pregnancy, women often use reflexology to help with digestion, encouraging circulation and elimination of excess fluid, whilst also easing anxiety, aches and pains and tension.
A confidential consultation and consent are required prior to the first Reflexology therapy session. This is to ascertain not only current health issues and desired outcome, but also medication and allergies.