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. A treatment begins with relaxing massage techniques, then tiny reflex points are massaged with the thumbs, fingers or knuckles. As detailed above, historically these points are believed to have links to specific organs and areas of the body.

Effects/benefits of Reflexology

Relaxation is one of the main benefits of Reflexology which helps reduce known health effects of stress promoting a healthy immune system. 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 and many people report an improvement in symptoms or a feeling of increased general well being

Reflexology is a holistic treatment in that it aims to treat the whole person and bringing health back into balance rather than focusing on specific symptoms.

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. After the session I will discuss any observations with you.

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