Reflexology

What Is Reflexology?

Reflexology is a complimentary therapy involving the treatment of various disorders by applying pressure to the feet. Precise areas of the feet relate to particular parts of the body; the whole body can be treated via points on the feet, which are called “reflex areas.”

Treatment involves applying pressure to the precise reflex points with the tip of the thumb, or the fingers. The pressure applied is firm but not heavy, and in different parts of the feet the client may feel different sensations.
The different feelings experienced by the client can be interpreted by the therapist to indicate which parts of the body need working on. The reflexologist can help release these blockages to encourage the body to heal.

Like all complimentary therapies, reflexology offers clients time to talk about themselves with the therapist, which allows a better understanding of the clients needs within the reflexology treatment.

What Should I Expect?

A treatment session last about an hour and begins with a consultation so that the therapist can understand how you are feeling. They will need to know about your medical history, any accidents and if you have had any operations. If you are on medication, let your therapist know.

The therapist will explain how the therapy works, to discuss a realistic outcome and, if appropriate, ask you to inform your doctor about your reflexology treatment.

You will lie fully clothed (apart from your shoe’s and socks), on the reflexology bed and will be covered with a blanket making sure you are warm and comfortable. There will be relaxing music played in the background to help calm and relax you into your treatment. The treatment will start with massaging your right foot, which will lead into the reflexology treatment. That foot will then be covered to keep It warm while the treatment is repeated on the left foot.

The number of treatments varies from client to client but normally between six to eight sessions are required. Weekly intervals to each treatment are advised. You may, of course, continue to have treatments as a top up or just for the relaxation and enjoyment it brings you.

How Will I Feel?

After treatment you may feel tired. Some people go through a ‘healing crisis’ which means your symptoms may get worse before they get better. Do not worry, as this will soon pass, normally in twenty-four or forty eight hours.

After treatment, it is advisable to try not to do too much but relax as much as you can. You should drink plenty of water to hydrate your body and to flush out any toxins from your system. Try and have light meals for the rest of the day as this will enable you to have full benefit of your reflexology treatment, and for your body to start to self heal itself.