What is Reflexology?

 

Reflexology is a holistic therapy based on the principal that there are reflex points on the hands, feet, ears and face that mirror different parts of the body.  When pressure is applied to these points, it stimulates the movement of energy along the nerve channels where there will be a response in the associated area.  This process kick starts the body’s natural healing ability, the flow of energy is revitalised, blockages are cleared and balance is restored.

Reflexology as we know it today was introduced to the western world in the 20th Century, however this is not an entirely new therapy as it’s roots come from the ancient art of pressure therapy practiced within Chinese, Indian and possibly Greek and Roman cultures. There is even pictorial evidence dating all the way back to Ancient Egypt where within the walls of physician Ankhmahor’s tomb a Hieroglyph was found depicting people giving and receiving a form of foot and hand treatment. 

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How Can Reflexology Help?

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• Improves circulation of blood  thereby helping to transport oxygen to the body's cells

• Assist with the removal of toxins in the body by stimulating the lymphatic system

• Promotes better sleep and can assist with sleep related problems such as insomnia 

• Promotes deep relaxation

• Assist in relieving anxiety, stress and tension

• Improves mood and helps with depression

• Assist with relieving headaches

• Assist with PMS symptoms

• Assist with sinus related problems

• Relieves back and neck pain

• Makes feet healthier

• Alleviates swelling

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What to expect during a treatment

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When you arrive we will go through a full medical history and go over any concerns you have.  We can then put together a treatment plan and I will explain how reflexology can help with your condition.  A full reflexology treatment generally lasts one hour although you will need to allow an hour and a half for the initial treatment.  It's advisable to wear loose fitting trousers as part of the treatment involves massaging around the ankle and lower leg area.  I use a Lafuma chair which is very comfortable and reclines although you can also lie back on my massage table with a bolster under your knees for support and a pillow under your head.  I follow a sequence and apply pressure to various reflex points.  Some points may be tender but shouldn't be painful.  I will return to these particular areas during the treatment and each time the tenderness should be reduced and any discomfort reduced.  I complete the session with a foot massage leaving you feeling deeply relaxed.

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Aftercare

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After a reflexology session you may feel very sleepy and a little "spaced out", but as we are all different you may also feel re-charged and energised straight away.  People generally leave feeling very relaxed and may continue to respond several hours after the treatment .   Most people sleep very well that night.  Try to avoid heavy meals and stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol.  Try to avoid stress and give yourself some quiet time to rest as much as possible.  To assist with the flushing out of toxins and to promote the body's natural ability to self-heal it is advisable to drink plenty of water over the next 24 hours - ideally 1-2 litres.  Most importantly - listen to your body.

A single treatment will provide you with a balancing and therapeutic experience but the cumulative effect of several sessions can be beneficial in improving both physical and emotional well being.