Reflexology

Written By Jean Mallard
Revive Natural Living Helston
Dated: March 16, 2007

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Reflexology is a Complementary Therapy in which gentle pressure is applied to the feet or hands to treat a wide range of conditions and maintain optimum health and well-being.  The feet and hands are mirrors of the body and by applying pressure to specific points (reflexes) treats corresponding areas of the body.

From ancient illustrations and artefacts, we know that the early Chinese, Japanese, Indians and Egyptians worked on the feet to promote good health.  In the early 20th Century in America, Dr. William Fitzgerald developed a method of Zone Therapy.  He found that by applying pressure to one area of the body, it anaesthetized a corresponding area.  In the 1930’s another American, Eunice Ingham took this theory further and mapped out the entire body, discovering that the feet were the most responsive areas for working on the zones as they were the most sensitive.  Reflexology was introduced to the UK in 1960 by Doreen Bayly, one of Eunice Ingham’s students, where it quickly spread to other parts of Europe.  The long established principle between the ancient and modern technique is that there are energy zones that run throughout the body and reflex areas in the feet, which correspond to all the major organs, glands and body parts.

Reflexology is both an art and a science.  As a science it requires the Therapist to undertake the careful study of Anatomy and have a sound knowledge of the techniques and skill in Reflexology. As a healing Art, the Therapist should work with dedication, patience, focused intention and most important of all, with loving care.

A reflexology session will usually last between 45 minutes and an hour, the environment should be warm and relaxed. Before the treatment begins, the Therapist will carry out a consultation with you, this is to understand your health history and present lifestyle, any medication you are taking and to be sure that the treatment is right for you. He or She will then ask you to remove your footwear and relax on a reclining couch or chair and then cleanse the feet with moist wipes.  The Therapist will then use their hands to apply firm but gentle pressure to the feet, starting with a soothing massage to help you relax following on with the actual Reflexology.  Some Clients prefer to chat with their Therapist during the treatment and some prefer to relax and maybe drift into a light sleep, at the end of the session the Therapist will then discuss their findings and ask you for feedback.

Most people experience a feeling of relaxation and well-being after the treatment, however sometimes you can feel lethargic, nauseous or emotional, this is only temporary and is a natural part of the healing process, after another session you will then become more relaxed and your body will re-gain its natural balance.

Reflexology is suitable for all ages and may bring relief from a wide range of conditions, such as back pain, migraine, stress related conditions, infertility, hormonal imbalances, problems during pregnancy, Arthritis, circulation problems, sleep disorders, sports injuries and many more. Reflexology does not claim to cure, diagnose or prescribe.

Clients should seek medical advice before a treatment if they suffer from Diabetes, Heart Disease, if they have a pacemaker, unstable blood pressure, cancer, mental illness, gallstones or kidney stones, and should avoid Reflexology if they suffer from a recent fracture or unhealed wound to the treatment area, active Gout or Athletes Foot.

To find a registered qualified Reflexologist in your area contact the Federation of Holistic Therapists at www.fht.org.uk.