What is Reflexology?
Reflexology
is a holistic therapy during which the
therapist uses their fingers and thumbs to massage specific areas of the
feet and/or hands called reflex zones. For every organ, gland and area
of the body a reflexologist can work a corresponding reflex zone on the
feet or hands- by working on those zones the whole body can benefit. It promotes the natural well-being of the body and may assist the body to do what it wants/needs to do naturally- whether that's to relax, boost immunity, ease pain, or alleviate stress.
The reflex zones were discovered and mapped out by Doctors who realised that pressure applied to one area of the body could have an anaesthetising affect on another area of the body that was within that same zone. The Doctors mapped out the zones according first of all to segments of the spine and spinal cord, followed by zones that run from head to toe called longitudinal zones. As the feet and hands are at the base of these longitudinal zones, the theory is that every body organ within that zone can be worked on. Each foot (or hand) contains 5 zones, making up 10 altogether that run through the body.
Reflexology can reduce stress by promoting feelings of relaxation and calm and it improves circulation, which can help the body to eliminate toxins. It can be a helpful treatment in managing long term conditions and in people suffering from stress.
When done correctly it doesn't tickle or hurt, the pressure used is tailored to each person's preference to ensure comfort.
Working on the reflexes promotes healthy circulation, can alleviate stress and imbalances in the body and can bring about a healthier state to the body and promote its own natural healing mechanisms. For this reason, reflexology treatments can benefit many different health conditions, whether they be emotional or physical.
The reflex zones were discovered and mapped out by Doctors who realised that pressure applied to one area of the body could have an anaesthetising affect on another area of the body that was within that same zone. The Doctors mapped out the zones according first of all to segments of the spine and spinal cord, followed by zones that run from head to toe called longitudinal zones. As the feet and hands are at the base of these longitudinal zones, the theory is that every body organ within that zone can be worked on. Each foot (or hand) contains 5 zones, making up 10 altogether that run through the body.
Reflexology can reduce stress by promoting feelings of relaxation and calm and it improves circulation, which can help the body to eliminate toxins. It can be a helpful treatment in managing long term conditions and in people suffering from stress.
When done correctly it doesn't tickle or hurt, the pressure used is tailored to each person's preference to ensure comfort.
Working on the reflexes promotes healthy circulation, can alleviate stress and imbalances in the body and can bring about a healthier state to the body and promote its own natural healing mechanisms. For this reason, reflexology treatments can benefit many different health conditions, whether they be emotional or physical.
How does a treatment feel?
Generally, reflexology is relaxing and pleasant to receive. Some people
worry it will tickle, but the pressure used is firm enough not to. Each
treatment is tailored for the individual, so areas can be avoided if the
customer wishes; some people don't like their feet being touched for
instance, and so could have a hand reflexology treatment instead.
When the reflexologist works on an area that corresponds to a problem in the body (for example, working the lower back reflex of someone who suffers lower back pain) that place on the foot or hand may feel slightly tender. The pressure of the treatment is adjusted according to the needs of the person receiving the treatment, so if an area is tender the pressure can be eased if the client wishes. The tender feeling is simply a sign that the particular area may be out of balance, and so having that area gently worked on may help put the corresponding area of the body into a better state of balance- so a little discomfort at the time can mean a reduction of discomfort in the problem area later on.
As the whole body can be worked on through the feet (or hands) in this way, reflexology goes beyond being 'just' a foot massage, and those trained properly in reflexology* can work holistically to bring benefits to the whole of the body, putting it into a better state of balance and harmony, so that you generally feel better after receiving a treatment.
* Always check the credentials of the person you are receiving the treatment from- make sure they are registered with the AoR which is the leading professional organisation for reflexologists.
When the reflexologist works on an area that corresponds to a problem in the body (for example, working the lower back reflex of someone who suffers lower back pain) that place on the foot or hand may feel slightly tender. The pressure of the treatment is adjusted according to the needs of the person receiving the treatment, so if an area is tender the pressure can be eased if the client wishes. The tender feeling is simply a sign that the particular area may be out of balance, and so having that area gently worked on may help put the corresponding area of the body into a better state of balance- so a little discomfort at the time can mean a reduction of discomfort in the problem area later on.
As the whole body can be worked on through the feet (or hands) in this way, reflexology goes beyond being 'just' a foot massage, and those trained properly in reflexology* can work holistically to bring benefits to the whole of the body, putting it into a better state of balance and harmony, so that you generally feel better after receiving a treatment.
* Always check the credentials of the person you are receiving the treatment from- make sure they are registered with the AoR which is the leading professional organisation for reflexologists.
How does it work?
Pressure and special massage techniques are applied to the reflex zones.
The trained reflexologist can feel crystal deposits or other signs of
potential imbalance in these zones; when the areas that feel out of
balance are worked on, the corresponding area of the body relating to
that zone can also benefit. For example, working on crystal deposits on
the shoulder reflex zone on the foot can alleviate discomfort in the
shoulder itself.
It may sound hard to believe but it was even shown in an MRI scanner that when a reflex zone was stimulated, not only did the area of the foot that pressure was applied to light up in the brain, so did the area of the body to which this reflex correlated!
The full study can be found here:
http://www.jubileecollege.co.uk/forum/reflexology_trial_MRI.pdf (PDF file).
By stimulating the reflex zones and working on any crystal deposits or areas that feel out of balance, (using pressure or massage), reflexology can improve circulation and promote free-flow of energy. Blocked energy can result in ill health and feelings of dis-ease, discomfort and tiredness. When the blockage is released, energy can flow more freely, stimulating the body's natural healing mechanisms, eliminating toxins, transporting nutrients: bringing health throughout the whole body.
For this reason, reflexology can benefit most people. It's relaxing and pleasant to receive a treatment and can bring improved health and well-being to the whole body, including the mind and emotions.
Advertising restrictions prevent me from making any specific claims as to how effective reflexology can be, but I can point you in the direction of some articles and studies and leave you to make up your own mind!
It may sound hard to believe but it was even shown in an MRI scanner that when a reflex zone was stimulated, not only did the area of the foot that pressure was applied to light up in the brain, so did the area of the body to which this reflex correlated!
The full study can be found here:
http://www.jubileecollege.co.uk/forum/reflexology_trial_MRI.pdf (PDF file).
By stimulating the reflex zones and working on any crystal deposits or areas that feel out of balance, (using pressure or massage), reflexology can improve circulation and promote free-flow of energy. Blocked energy can result in ill health and feelings of dis-ease, discomfort and tiredness. When the blockage is released, energy can flow more freely, stimulating the body's natural healing mechanisms, eliminating toxins, transporting nutrients: bringing health throughout the whole body.
For this reason, reflexology can benefit most people. It's relaxing and pleasant to receive a treatment and can bring improved health and well-being to the whole body, including the mind and emotions.
Advertising restrictions prevent me from making any specific claims as to how effective reflexology can be, but I can point you in the direction of some articles and studies and leave you to make up your own mind!
STRESS
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18940715
BACK PAIN
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18346623
CONSTIPATION AND IBS
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?
SLEEP DISORDERS
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19577829
HELP WITH CANCER TREATMENT
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19906525
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17562639
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10660924
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15684846
BLOOD PRESSURE AND CIRCULATION
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15502439
DEMENTIA
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18370580
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18640629
ARTHRITIS
http://eprints.brighton.ac.uk/884/
RESPIRATORY DISORDERS
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16648092
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18940715
BACK PAIN
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18346623
CONSTIPATION AND IBS
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?
SLEEP DISORDERS
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19577829
HELP WITH CANCER TREATMENT
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19906525
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17562639
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10660924
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15684846
BLOOD PRESSURE AND CIRCULATION
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15502439
DEMENTIA
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18370580
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18640629
ARTHRITIS
http://eprints.brighton.ac.uk/884/
RESPIRATORY DISORDERS
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16648092
How might I benefit from having reflexology?
Reflexology is relaxing and pleasant to receive, there's no doubt about that. So, even if you don't get anything other than that, you will have benefited. However, it can give so much more than just relaxation. If you've read a little about what reflexology is and how it works, you'll understand that it works on reflex points on the feet that it's believed correspond to all the different organs and structures in the body. So, if there is an imbalance in part of the body, reflexology may help it simply by working the corresponding reflex zone of the foot or hand.
Please note that due to advertising restrictions I cannot say or imply that reflexology will benefit you if you suffer with any of the following conditions- hence frequent use of the word 'may'! The truth is it is a brilliant treatment that may or may not help you with a vast range of things- if you're interested in it then give it a try and you can make up your own mind- no one can put restrictions on your own thoughts as evidenced from your own experiences!
Stress and related problems
Reflexology is really beneficial for you if you are stressed in any way. Stress causes the body to be put under strain both physically and emotionally. Having regular reflexology treatments may help you to cope more calmly and capably with stress and to feel happier in yourself. It may help you if you suffer with tension, aches and pains, headaches, sleep difficulties and low moods. You may benefit from the relaxation it brings, and also because it can help put your body back into balance so that you feel happier and healthier.
Reflexology simply for relaxation
Many people are originally attracted to reflexology because they want to relax and be pampered- and if that's you- great! It really is a lovely treatment to have. Whilst your feet are massaged and your reflexes worked on, you will be reclining back in a comfortable chair, listening to gentle music if you wish, with a lovely view before you. Afterwards, you may feel much more calm and like the cares of the day have melted away. Your feet may also feel really nice- in daily life they get so much abuse and very little TLC- so they can feel really good after reflexology. The relaxed feeling can last after the treatment for a while too, and many people have reported they sleep so much better following reflexology.
Reflexology is enjoyable, so even if you don't need it for any particular reason, it is still nice to have- so why not treat yourself? If you are a new customer to me, you can have a £10 'taster treatment' which is a mini reflexology treatment to give you an idea of what it's like. If you become a regular customer, you can be assured that I look after and very much value my customers and want your experience of reflexology with me to be something you love to have time and again- simply to relax, have some time out and feel good!
Chronic Illness
Reflexology may really assist you if you suffer with chronic illness. I know this from personal experience- I myself suffer with an uncommon nervous system disorder and through having reflexology, I discovered that my symptoms were much more stable and manageable. This made me really enthusiastic about working with people who have chronic illness, as I can empathise with the physical and emotional struggle it can be, as well as help with reflexology.
Reflexology is believed to work on the whole body through the foot reflexes. When the body has a chronic illness to contend with, it becomes more easily out of balance- which results in feelings such as fatigue, aches and pains, difficulty thinking clearly and inabilities in body functions such as digestion. Whatever your own chronic illness is, it will have its own symptoms and reflexology can help to alleviate those symptoms.
Whilst it does not cure chronic illness, reflexology is a brilliant treatment to have which may help you feel better despite your illness. If you suffer with backaches the spine reflex can be worked which may help relax and soothe the spine, if you suffer with digestive troubles the digestive system can be worked which may help promote good digestion and absorption of nutrients, if you suffer from sleeping difficulties, the pineal gland can be worked (it controls the daily wake/sleep cycle) which may help to balance sleeping patters, if you suffer with fatigue the adrenals can be worked which may help energise you.
Whatever is out of balance in the body may be worked on in reflexology, which promotes the body's own natural healing mechanism to do what it can to re-balance the body and have it functioning as optimally as possible- despite the underlying problem.
I have also found that having reflexology not only may alleviate and calm the troubling symptoms of chronic illness, but it can also promote relaxation, calm and an uplifted mood- which is helpful in dealing with the emotional aspects of living with chronic illness. Also, seeing me- someone who truly understands- can really help you to feel supported through the ups and downs of your own particular illness.
Aches and Pains
We all get them. We all try to ignore them, but what if your aches and pains are affecting your day to day life? You might not have known that reflexology could help, but why not give it a try? I can't claim (due to advertising restrictions) that it can but you can always have a treatment and see for yourself how you feel afterwards! You can book a mini taster session of reflexology with me for just £10 to ease yourself in gently to what reflexology is all about.
Many people are sitting working at computers all day long. This can lead to back and neck aches due to muscles around the spine holding tension. When the spine reflex on the foot is worked, along with all the muscles and nerves alongside it, you may be pleasantly surprised to find that your actual spine and muscles relax and let go of the tension they were holding.
Reflexology may also benefit you if you have hip or knee problems or stiffness in your legs- in fact any joint in your body may benefit from a treatment. It is remarkable, because reflexology concentrates on the feet, but the rest of the body may respond and feel the effects of a treatment and problems with pain and stiffness may be eased.
Please note that due to advertising restrictions I cannot say or imply that reflexology will benefit you if you suffer with any of the following conditions- hence frequent use of the word 'may'! The truth is it is a brilliant treatment that may or may not help you with a vast range of things- if you're interested in it then give it a try and you can make up your own mind- no one can put restrictions on your own thoughts as evidenced from your own experiences!
Stress and related problems
Reflexology is really beneficial for you if you are stressed in any way. Stress causes the body to be put under strain both physically and emotionally. Having regular reflexology treatments may help you to cope more calmly and capably with stress and to feel happier in yourself. It may help you if you suffer with tension, aches and pains, headaches, sleep difficulties and low moods. You may benefit from the relaxation it brings, and also because it can help put your body back into balance so that you feel happier and healthier.
Reflexology simply for relaxation
Many people are originally attracted to reflexology because they want to relax and be pampered- and if that's you- great! It really is a lovely treatment to have. Whilst your feet are massaged and your reflexes worked on, you will be reclining back in a comfortable chair, listening to gentle music if you wish, with a lovely view before you. Afterwards, you may feel much more calm and like the cares of the day have melted away. Your feet may also feel really nice- in daily life they get so much abuse and very little TLC- so they can feel really good after reflexology. The relaxed feeling can last after the treatment for a while too, and many people have reported they sleep so much better following reflexology.
Reflexology is enjoyable, so even if you don't need it for any particular reason, it is still nice to have- so why not treat yourself? If you are a new customer to me, you can have a £10 'taster treatment' which is a mini reflexology treatment to give you an idea of what it's like. If you become a regular customer, you can be assured that I look after and very much value my customers and want your experience of reflexology with me to be something you love to have time and again- simply to relax, have some time out and feel good!
Chronic Illness
Reflexology may really assist you if you suffer with chronic illness. I know this from personal experience- I myself suffer with an uncommon nervous system disorder and through having reflexology, I discovered that my symptoms were much more stable and manageable. This made me really enthusiastic about working with people who have chronic illness, as I can empathise with the physical and emotional struggle it can be, as well as help with reflexology.
Reflexology is believed to work on the whole body through the foot reflexes. When the body has a chronic illness to contend with, it becomes more easily out of balance- which results in feelings such as fatigue, aches and pains, difficulty thinking clearly and inabilities in body functions such as digestion. Whatever your own chronic illness is, it will have its own symptoms and reflexology can help to alleviate those symptoms.
Whilst it does not cure chronic illness, reflexology is a brilliant treatment to have which may help you feel better despite your illness. If you suffer with backaches the spine reflex can be worked which may help relax and soothe the spine, if you suffer with digestive troubles the digestive system can be worked which may help promote good digestion and absorption of nutrients, if you suffer from sleeping difficulties, the pineal gland can be worked (it controls the daily wake/sleep cycle) which may help to balance sleeping patters, if you suffer with fatigue the adrenals can be worked which may help energise you.
Whatever is out of balance in the body may be worked on in reflexology, which promotes the body's own natural healing mechanism to do what it can to re-balance the body and have it functioning as optimally as possible- despite the underlying problem.
I have also found that having reflexology not only may alleviate and calm the troubling symptoms of chronic illness, but it can also promote relaxation, calm and an uplifted mood- which is helpful in dealing with the emotional aspects of living with chronic illness. Also, seeing me- someone who truly understands- can really help you to feel supported through the ups and downs of your own particular illness.
Aches and Pains
We all get them. We all try to ignore them, but what if your aches and pains are affecting your day to day life? You might not have known that reflexology could help, but why not give it a try? I can't claim (due to advertising restrictions) that it can but you can always have a treatment and see for yourself how you feel afterwards! You can book a mini taster session of reflexology with me for just £10 to ease yourself in gently to what reflexology is all about.
Many people are sitting working at computers all day long. This can lead to back and neck aches due to muscles around the spine holding tension. When the spine reflex on the foot is worked, along with all the muscles and nerves alongside it, you may be pleasantly surprised to find that your actual spine and muscles relax and let go of the tension they were holding.
Reflexology may also benefit you if you have hip or knee problems or stiffness in your legs- in fact any joint in your body may benefit from a treatment. It is remarkable, because reflexology concentrates on the feet, but the rest of the body may respond and feel the effects of a treatment and problems with pain and stiffness may be eased.
If you would like to make an appointment or simply find out more about how reflexology might benefit you, please get in touch!
LAURA
*NO LONGER IN SERVICE*
LAURA
*NO LONGER IN SERVICE*