
The Healing Art of
Reflexology
What is reflexology?
Whilst the art of reflexology dates back to Ancient Egypt, India and
China, it wasn’t until 1913 that Dr William Fitzgerald introduced this
therapy to the West as ‘zone therapy’. He noted that reflex areas on the
feet and hands were linked to other areas and organs of the body within
the same zone.
In the 1930’s Eunice
Ingham further developed this zone theory into what is now known as
reflexology. She observed that congestion or tension in any part of the
foot is mirrored in the corresponding part of the body.
Reflexology is a complementary therapy, which works on the feet to help
heal the whole person not just the prevailing symptoms.
How can reflexology
help me?
Reflexology can be
used to help restore and maintain the body’s natural equilibrium. This
gentle therapy encourages the body to work naturally to restore its own
healthy balance.
Reflexology
has been shown to be effective for:
·
Back Pain
·
Migraine
·
Infertility
·
Arthritis
·
Sleep
disorders
·
Hormonal
imbalances
·
Sports
injuries
·
Digestive
disorders
·
Stress-related conditions
Reflexology does not
claim to cure, diagnose or prescribe.
Who can benefit from
reflexology?
Reflexology is
suitable for all ages and may bring relief from a wide range of acute and
chronic conditions. After you have completed a course of reflexology
treatment for a specific condition, many people find it beneficial to
continue with regular treatments in order to maintain health and
well-being.
While many people
use reflexology as a way of relaxing the mind and body and counteracting
stress, at the same time many doctors, consultants and other health care
professionals recognise reflexology as a well established, respected and
effective therapy.
With ever increasing
levels of stress, it is important people take more responsibility for
their own health care needs. Reflexology helps us to cope on a physical,
mental and emotional level thereby encouraging us to heal and maintain
health in all areas of our lives.
What happens when I
go for treatment?
On the first visit,
the reflexology practitioner will have a preliminary talk with you to
determine your present and past health and lifestyle.
The reflexologist
will then use their hands to apply pressure to the feet. The application
and the effect of the therapy is unique to each person.
A professionally
trained reflexologist can detect subtle changes in specific points on the
feet, and by working on these points may affect the corresponding organ or
system of the body.
A treatment session
usually lasts for about one hour. A course of treatment may be
recommended depending on your body’s needs.
How will I feel after
a reflexology treatment?
After one or two
treatments your body may respond in a very definite way. Most people note
a sense of well-being and relaxation; sometimes people report feeling
lethargic, nauseous or tearful, but this is transitory and is a part of
the healing process.
This is vital
information to feed back to the reflexologist as it shows how your body is
responding to treatment. This will help the reflexologist to tailor a
treatment plan specific to your needs.