A brief history of Reflexology

Reflexology has been practised in various forms for thousands of years by many diverse cultures throughout the world, and the techniques were passed down from generation to generation. The Egyptians, Chinese, Indians and Native Americans all realised the importance of hand and foot reflexology. The feet were very important to the Egyptians and the soles of the feet were removed during the mummification process to free the soul from the earth plane. In Saqqara, in the tomb of Egyptian physician, Ankmahor, there is a hieroglyph dating back to 2300 BC which illustrates a hand and foot treatment.

Dr William Fitzgerald [1872-1942], the American physician was seen to be the 'father' of reflexology. He claimed that by applying pressure to certain points on the hands and feet could result in physiological changes within the body, and went on to publish his finding in a book with his colleague, Dr Edwin Bowers which they named 'Zone Therapy - Relieving pain at home'. Dr Joseph Shelby Riley believed in his theories and introduced a physiotherapist named Eunice Ingham [1879-1974] who was then acknowledged as the 'mother' of reflexology. She dedicated her life to the practise and teaching of reflexology, and went on to map out the entire body on the hands and feet, and although she has passed on, reflexology continues today using the same or similar charts and is recognised worldwide. The term Zones being replaced by Reflex points.

An increasing number of doctors and nurses are more open-minded regarding the practise of reflexology and tests have shown that some patients recuperate faster when having treatment. At the very least, the medical sector feels that it does no harm whereas at the other end of the spectrum, there are those doctors whose encourage patients who wish to have reflexology treatment, and sometimes arrange for it to be offered in hospital wards or health centres. It is seen as a 'complementary therapy' these days rather than alternative as it 'complements' rather than replaces any orthodox treatment.

So how does it actually work ?

Reflexology is a holistic therapy which treats the whole person, particularly any weak or unbalanced areas by using the feet as 'maps' of the body. There are 'reflex points or zones' which correspond to certain organs and systems of the body. It was found that by pressing one of these reflex points, that the corresponding organ in the body would be affected. For example, pressing on the tip of the big toe will cause a response in the brain and vice versa - if there is a problem with the brain then the reflexologist recognises that the symptoms of this will be in the big toe and will treat accordingly.

The reflexologist uses finger or thumb pressure on each of the reflex points / zones to find the problem areas. When we do, then more pressure is applied to help balance the corresponding part of the body which allows it to heal. Reflexology is often used as deep massage on the hands and feet during a full body massage.

 

Will it hurt ?

Not normally, however if you have a very 'firm touch' therapist or a low pain threshold, then you may find it unpleasant if a certain reflex point is pressed indicating some imbalance - but generally it is a very enjoyable and relaxing treatment. Some people actually fall asleep….I'm one of the 'gentle touch' therapists by the way who believes that you can pick up more on a subtle level !!

Will I have to get undressed & I'm worried about not having 'nice feet' ?

No, you don't get undressed at all. I just require your hands and feet / ankles to be bare so that I can work on them.
You don't need to worry at all about the general appearance or condition of your feet as we are used to seeing all shapes and sizes and are not at all concerned about some corns, bunions and hard skin !!

What happens at a treatment session ?

Your first session requires a full consultation to ascertain your general health and requirements for treatment. Then I take note of the physical and energetic profile of the feet [ or hands if you are having hand reflexology]. The feet are cleansed and some talc is used while working on the reflex points. At the end of the session, you will receive a lovely relaxing foot [ or hand if hand reflexology ] massage with either a non-scented cream or a specially prepared blend of essential aromatic oils.

How long does it take and how many treatments are required ?

The first session generally takes an hour and a half to allow time for the consultation and each treatment thereafter will be for an hour. There is no extra charge for the consultation. The amount of treatments required generally depends on the condition that you are treating, whether it is an acute [short-term] or chronic [long-term] problem and whether you are able to come on a weekly or monthly basis.

Generally when treating a particular condition such as hormonal imbalance, it is recommended to have about 6 weekly treatments then go onto a couple of fortnightly and eventually just have a monthly treatment to maintain good health and stress relief.

Anyone and everyone can benefit from regular reflexology as it effectively enhances the functioning of mind, body and soul.

It is particularly effective for :-

* Pregnancy * Children * Teenagers * Adults /stressed business-people

* The Elderly * For illness /relaxation

Don't forget it makes a great gift and an unusual one
that they will be thanking you for a long time!