Reflexology

Reflexology

History

Reflexology and similar forms of foot massage have been practiced for thousands of years. There are pictograms in the Tomb of the Egyptian physician Ankmahor (circa 2,500 B.C.) depicting Reflexology/foot massage. Indian pictures and Sanskrit symbols, along with an ancient Chinese text entitled 'Examining Foot Method', both from approximately 5,000 years ago, provide further evidence to support the theory that foot massage was widely practiced in the ancient world. The Incas are reputed to have passed the knowledge of foot massage to the Cherokee Indians of North America, who in turn taught it to the white men.

In the USA, Dr William Fitzgerald, an ear nose and throat specialist, found that applying pressure to various parts of the body could cause numbing effects elsewhere. After some research and practical work he published, with Dr Edwin Bowers, 'Zone Therapy or relieving pain in the home'. Later Dr Joe Shelby Riley mapped out eight horizontal zones to add to Fitzgerald's ten longitudinal ones. In the early 1930's Dr Riley's assistant, Eunice Ingham, developed the use of reflexes in the feet. After calling her work compression massage, she finally settled on 'Reflexology'. She published several books including Stories the Feet Can Tell' (1938) and 'Stories The Feet are Telling' in the early 1960's. She also held seminars, spreading the use of Reflexology. After retiring at 81, her nephew Dwight Byers carries on her work. Many other people have passed on the benefits of Reflexology - too many to mention them all, but research and tuition is going from strength to strength all around the world. (See links).

How Reflexology is carried out

Reflexology is a specific form of massage usually carried out on the feet or hands. Tiny reflex points are massaged with the thumbs, fingers or knuckles. The stimulation of these points balance specific parts of the body. Other massage techniques are also incorporated within treatments for relaxation.

Effects/benefits of Reflexology

Ideally Reflexology should balance the body/mind before dis-ease occurs. Relaxation is one of the main benefits of Reflexology; this helps the immune system stay healthy. Elimination of toxins and congestion, improved blood and lymphatic flow can also help rebalance the body and re energise.

People may feel tender points in their feet or body during a treatment or sensations such as tingling heat or cold. After effects may be varied such as feeling euphoric, energised, feeling tired, hot or cold, sleeping more or less, slightly more or less congested or achy. Any discomfort soon passes as toxins or more negative conditions pass out of the body. Usually acute conditions require less treatment than chronic.

Reflexology is a holistic treatment in that it balances all the systems of the body, such as hormonal, nervous, skeletal etc. and as all the systems are interconnected, generally all the reflex points are worked on (unless contra-indicated).

What to expect during a Reflexology session with me

I firstly, take down some details from you, to give me an overview of your past history and allow me to work out a treatment plan. Details will include past and present illnesses, accidents, medication, diet, social aspects, general fitness and emotional state.

You are then made comfortable on a massage couch, where I examine your feet, after which I use some general relaxing massage before commencing the specific reflexology massage. During the session I take note of any sensations and relevant observations. You may fall asleep: this is quite common and most likely your body will be in need of it. If appropriate I will use more subtle techniques such as linking and nerve tracking. These are particularly good for nerve problems such as sciatica or hormonal imbalances. Shiatsu points are also sometimes used. After the session I will discuss any observations with you. I may also show you self-help techniques such as use of specific Reflex points, visualisation and stretches to use at home.

The number and spacing of treatments will vary from client to client. Usually appointments are once a week, spreading to once a month or less as the client progresses. One off sessions are also valuable in certain cases. As with other therapies - prevention is better than cure - you do not have to be unwell to benefit!

Please allow up to an hour and a half for a first session, and approximately one hour for follow up treatments.