Reflexology is the practice of applying pressure to specific points on the feet and hands to influence the health of corresponding parts of the body. Thousands of “Pressure sensors” on the hands and feet connect with different parts of the body, and as reflexology stimulate these sensors, waves of relaxation are sent throughout the body.
Reflexology has been around for thousands of years, having been used in Egyptian times, China and Japan. Modern reflexology has its origins in the 19th century and became fully developed in the 1930s by Eunice Ingham and others who devised charts of reflex zones that correspond to the hands and feet. In several cultures the foot is considered to be a conduit to spirituality and general wellness.
Reflexologists use a series of pressure techniques to stimulate specific reflex areas on the feet and hands with the intention of invoking a beneficial response in other parts of the body. The feet act as self-tuners for the rest of the body, movements of the feet stimulate the whole system. The feet are divided into 10 zones (developed by an American physician William Fitzgerald, who observed that direct pressure could produce a pain relieving effect, and taught that the application of pressure to a foot or hand in one of the body’s 10 zones could lessen pain in the corresponding body area). For example, a single nerve travels from the centre of the big toe to the part of the brain responsible for controlling movement, respiration and cardiac acceleration, so pressure applied to the centre of the big toe , triggers a revival response.
Reflex areas on the feet form “maps” that approximate to the body’s anatomy, with areas on the toes and heels, for example, reflecting the head and lower back respectively,so everything on the right side of the body is reflected on the right foot and the same for the left foot.
* It offers a natural, drug free treatment option for a variety of health problems
* Reflexology can be used to aid recovery from injury, particularly injury to feet and hands
* It offers a non-intrusive way of expressing love or care for someone, benefiting the giver and recipient.
* It helps to ease over used tired feet and hands
* The therapy can be used to reduce pain
* Reflexology helps to maintain manual dexterity and locomotive abilities
* The therapy can be used to maintain good health in a preventive way
* Reflexology promotes general relaxation
* It releases endorphin, the body’s “feel good” chemicals.
* Whatever your occupation, age or current state of health, reflexology has something to offer you. This healing therapy aims to bring about balance, to maintain health, enhance your quality of life, meet specific health needs and reduces stress.
Medical facilities and hospices report using reflexology to help with the following :-
* 0bstretrics and gynaecology, particularly during childbirth and complications
* Post operative care
* Patient support classes
* Palliative care for cancer patients.
You should expect a professional service , like any other service you go for. A treatment can last usually from 45 to 60 minutes. A consultation with your therapist on areas covering health and lifestyle are included with the treatment. Everything that is discussed within that treatment is private and confidential . Aftercare advice will be provided.
