Reflexology
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Who is reflexology suited for?
Reflexology is suitable for anyone! It is a relaxing treatment that can benefit anyone of any age.
People usually book a reflexology session to encourage relaxation or to rebalance the body.
Some people use it as a way to encourage the body to heal itself if you have any health concerns.
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Who can it benefit?
Those with:
-Digestive problems
-Bad circulation
-Hormonal problems
-Headaches/Migraines
-Sinus problems, Ear, Nose & Throat problems
-Hay fever
-Anxiety/Depression
-Asthma
-Back Conditions
-Constipation
-Cystitis
-Diabetes
-Eczema
-High Blood Pressure
-Irritable Bowel Syndrome
-Kidney Disorders
-Pregnancy
and many more...
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If you are unsure as to whether you will benefit from this treatment then please contact me to find out.
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The aim of reflexology
The aim of reflexology is to reduce stress and tension, increase blood supply to affected organs and improve circulation. It can also help to rid the body of toxins and rebalance the body.
How to get the most out of your reflexology sessions?
Drink lots of water before and after the treatment as this helps the body flush away excess toxins and waste released by the massage​. Avoid eating a heavy meal for up to 2 hours after massage as blood will be diverted to digestion rather than carrying oxygen and nutrients to other parts of the body and getting rid of waste. Light snacks are fine. Avoid stimulants such as coffee, tea and coke cola. Avoid alcohol and smoking for up to 24 hours. If you do happen to do any of this then please increase your water intake. Rest and relax after treatment, no strenuous exercise.
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Booking a course of treatments is recommended to help rebalance the body.
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People who also try to help themselves will hugely benefit from reflexology. Those who try meditation, exercise, eat a balanced diet as well as having regular reflexology treatments are more likely to see results.
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What to expect from your first session?
On your first treatment with me I will go through a consultation with you to find out about your health and wellbeing. If you have a particular health concern that is your main target, then the consultation will help me to give some advice and recommendations, if needed. We will discuss any questions or concerns you may have before completing the treatment. I may ask some questions over the phone before hand so I can fully research the presenting condition or answer any questions you may have. I will work on the feet which covers the lymphatic, endocrine, digestive, nervous, respiratory and circulatory systems. The treatment may help me find any imbalances you may have in the body either through my touch or by you feeling the imbalances. Depending on your main health concern we will be able to decide how many treatments is recommended to help rebalance the body. Your reflexology session will then finish with a foot massage.
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Brief history of reflexology
Reflexology was first practised by the early Egyptian and Chinese people. In 1913 Dr William Fitzgerald (American) introduced this therapy to the west. He realised that the pressure he used on specific areas of the body could have an anaesthetising effect on a related area. He then went on to dividing the body into ten equal and vertical zones branching down to the fingers and toes. This related the reflex zones to corresponding areas and organs of the body within that zone. He called this zone therapy. Dr Joseph Shelby Riley (American) in 1917 learnt zone therapy from Fitzgerald and worked on refining the methods and located points on the feet (and ears). He created the first map of the feet.
Dr Alfonso Cornelius in the 1900's developed the idea of 'reflex massage' and the benefits. He also discovered that if you spent more time on a painful area that pain soon disappeared.
In the 1930's Eunice Ingham further developed this into reflexology (originally called compression therapy). She discovered that tension shown in the feet mirrored tension shown in the body. She also created the first detailed map of the feet.
Doreen Bayly (English) trained with Eunice Ingham and Brought reflexology to the United Kingdom in the 1960's.
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