What is Reflexology? Reflexology is based on the principle that there are reflex areas in the feet (and hands) that relate to various organs and parts of the body. It is a natural method of healing using compression massage with thumbs (and fingers).
Pinhead size points, or reflex areas, situated very close together in the feet link with every part of the body. Stimulating these reflexes relieves the fundamental cause of the disorder, for example, massaging the toes gives relief to the sinuses. It is in its belief that the body naturally works towards its own natural balance and in its seeing specific conditions as part of much larger systems, that Reflexology is consistent with a holistic view of health.

How does Reflexology work?

Applying pressure to each reflex crushes any crystal-like waste deposits, which have accumulated at the nerve endings: the blood stream carries these deposits away. This reduces tension, improves the circulation and enables nature to eliminate the toxins from the system.

It is very important that a skilled practitioner should carry out the treatment using the proper technique. The relaxation aspect of the treatment, as well as being pleasant in itself, plays an important role in allowing the body to achieve self-healing.

How beneficial is Reflexology?

It can give relief to many painful and disabling conditions and can even be helpful to serious illness, bringing comfort and pain relief, including:

• Tension: stress, fatigue, migraine, skin rashes, menstrual and digestive problems
• Chronic conditions: severe disability
• Arthritis: Relieves pain and releases stiff joints.

However, recognition is given to the influences of stress or diet in many, perhaps most conditions; in fact Reflexology is unlikely to be of long-term value unless the patient also pays attention to other aspects of lifestyle.

What will happen when I visit a Reflexologist?

Reflexology is not foot massage but it may seem like it! It is the applying of pressure with the corner of the thumb, sometimes the index finger, in a particular way, either on specific points or moving over an area of the foot.
Reflexes may draw attention to the problem if the practitioner feels “crystals”, like grit under the skin, or if the reflexes are painful when pressure is applied.

The practitioner will always work all reflexes to the whole body, and give special attention to the systems of the body that could play a part in the return to normal functioning. A treatment would normally last over a number of sessions of forty-five to sixty minutes each. The first session includes consultation and lasts up to 90 minutes.

Is Reflexology safe?

This is a natural form of healing, which promotes a sense of well being throughout the whole body. Today conventional medicine depends largely on drugs. By contrast Reflexology, which does not use drugs, is quite safe and harmonises with any other therapy received. Sometimes treatment can lead to strong reactions, which results in toxins being released; this is a good sign that treatment is starting to work.

Are there any side effects?

The answer is NO!
There is a possibility of a temporary reaction over the first few days as the body rids itself of toxins, but should be seen positively as a stage in the healing process.

Is Reflexology new?

Although comparatively new to Britain, it has roots in antiquity, having been practised in China over 4,000 years ago. In the USA early this century Dr Fitzgerald demonstrated the value of this technique, which he called Zone Therapy.