Reflexology from Relax and Enjoy
What is reflexology?
Reflexology is a gentle, non-invasive complementary therapy that encourages the body to heal itself.
If you have been ill or injured, or under stress, or if you are suffering from a chronic condition, your body will be in a state of imbalance. Vital energy pathways will be blocked. In short, your body will be unable to function efficiently.
Reflexology can be used to restore and maintain the body's natural equilibrium and encourage healing.
How does it work?
Congestion or tension in a particular part of the body is mirrored in congestion or tension in a particular part of the foot. The sensitive, trained hands of a reflexologist can detect tiny deposits and imbalances in the feet. By working on these areas of the feet, using hands only, the reflexologist can release blockages and restore the free flow of energy to the whole body.
The way the therapy is applied, and the effect it will have on the body, are unique to each individual client. But normally tensions in the body will ease, and circulation and elimination will improve. Reflexology can often counteract a lifetime of neglect.
Elsewhere on this page you can read about the history of reflexology - how it was discovered and developed.
What happens during a reflexology session?
Your first visit will begin with a consultation to discuss any health issues you may have, and to check that you are a suitable candidate for the therapy. You will then make yourself comfortable in a special reclining chair, in the relaxing environment of the treatment room. Your reflexologist will begin to work on your feet, or your hands if necessary, noting problem areas.
Any discomfort you may feel will be fleeting, and will be an indication of congestion or imbalance in a corresponding part of your body. For the most part, you will find the sensation pleasant and soothing. Many clients actually fall asleep during their treatment.
A reflexology session usually lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. Depending on your body's needs, the reflexologist may recommend that you undertake a course of treatment.
What sort of people can benefit from reflexology?
Since reflexology treats the whole person, not just the symptoms of disease, most people benefit from treatment. Reflexology has been shown to be an effective treatment for:
- back pain
- migraine
- infertility
- arthritis
- sleep disorders
- sports injuries
- hormonal imbalances
- digestive disorders
- stress-related conditions.
Reflexology acts as a complement to conventional medical diagnosis and treatment. It may help with a wide range of both acute and chronic conditions, and is suitable for children and adults. With the development of babyreflex, infants as young as four weeks can benefit from treatment.
An ever increasing number of people from all walks of life are turning to this safe, natural therapy as a way of relaxing, balancing and harmonising the body.
What happens after the treatment?
After the first treatment or two your body may respond in a very definite way. Most people have a feeling of wellbeing and relaxation. Some may feel lethargic, nauseous or tearful - a transitory phase that is part of the healing process.
Whatever the nature of your reaction, it is vital that you feed this information back to your reflexologist: it will tell them how your body is responding to treatment, and will enable them to devise a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
The history of reflexology
Although we think of reflexology as a recent development, it is believed to date back to Ancient Egypt, India and China. But it wasn't until 1913 that Dr William Fitzgerald introduced reflexology to the western world, as “zone therapy”. He showed that applying pressure to a specific part of the body could have an anaesthetising effect on a related area.
Building on his findings, Fitzgerald divided the body into ten equal and vertical zones, ending in the fingers and toes. He concluded that pressure on one part of a zone could affect everything else within that zone.
In the 1930s and 1940s Eunice Ingham, a nurse and physiotherapist, further developed and refined zone therapy into what is now known as reflexology. She observed that congestion or tension in any part of the foot mirrored congestion or tension in a corresponding part of the body. Thus, for example, treating the big toes produces a related effect in the head, and treating the whole foot can have a relaxing and healing effect on the whole body.
