What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is an ancient technique that is depicted in texts and illustrations from the early Chinese, Japanese, Indians, Russians and Egyptians. It views illness as a result of an energy imbalance within the body.

Reflexology today has grown from the work carried out by Dr William Fitzgerald, an ear nose and throat specialist, who developed the ‘zone theory’. He discovered that by applying pressure to a part of the foot in a particular zone he could operate on a corresponding part of the body without anaesthetic. Eunice Ingham, a physiotherapist, who used the zone theory in her work with patients, further developed his findings.

The Zone Theory

Reflexologists specify that there are ten zones that run the length of the body from head to toe, five on each side of the body ending in each foot and running down the arms to the tips of the fingers. All the organs and parts of the body lie along one or more of these zones.

These zones can be considered as a channel for life’s energy (Chi or Qi in oriental medicine) and by applying pressure say to the kidney reflex, this will release vital energy that may be blocked elsewhere in that zone. Exactly how this physical mechanism works is not fully understood, but there is little doubt that reflexology does have an effect.

What happens during the session?

Your first appointment begins with a consultation to enable a full assessment of your needs. This will be carried out in complete privacy, where all personal details remain completely confidential. You should allow an extra 10-15 minutes for the consultation. The consultation session is a vital part of the process as it helps to ensure that you receive the best possible treatment.

The practitioner will ask some questions about your general health, lifestyle, any current or recent injuries, areas of pain and family history. The practitioner will also ask you what you are hoping to achieve from your treatment in order to tailor a treatment plan specific to your individual needs.

Treatment is carried out semi-reclined on a treatment couch. Only socks and shoes will need to be removed. After a full consultation the practitioner will initially examine the feet before commencing with the precise massage movement. The particular type of massage involved requires the application of a firm pressure using the side and end of the thumb. In some instances, the fingers may also be employed.

What happens after the session?

Suitable after-care advice and any further sessions necessary will be discussed to develop a future treatment plan. You may experience contra-actions after the session, which are the body’s normal reaction to massage, especially when extremely stressed or new to treatment. Contra-actions may include tiredness, muscular aches or frequency in urination. These will also be discussed with you after the session.

Any possible contra-actions you may experience are absolutely normal and will subside within 12 hours of treatment. They can serve as a positive sign to indicate that the treatment has worked and the body is detoxing.

Therapies: Aromatherapy, Body Massage, Crystal Therapy, Empowerment Coaching, Indian Head Massage, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Pregnancy Massage, Pregnancy Reflexology, Reflexology, Reiki & Seichem, Remedial Sports Massage, NLP, EFT, Hypnotherapy, Mindfulness, Immersive Therapies, Anxiety & Stress Management, Menopause Awareness, Corporate Wellness, Life Purpose Coaching, EMDR

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