Reflexology, what is it and how is it done?

I am a Complementary therapist that offers Reflexology along side other treatments.

I qualified in 2005 and since then have practiced on and off but have always loved coming back to Reflexology, I find the effects of reflexology and presentation of issues within the feet still always amazes me.

What is Reflexology?

*Reflexology is a treatment usually performed on the feet, though it can also be performed on the hands, face and ears. (The reflexes of the feet are larger and easier to pin point and work on)

*It is based on zone therapy.

*It can be thought of as a therapeutic foot massage.

*It is a holistic treatment meaning it works on the person as a whole, not just parts, though specific areas can be worked on; the whole person is taken into consideration during the treatment.

*Issues tend to show up as slight pain and or crystal like ‘sand’ in the reflex point, we normally say it feels ‘crunchy’.

*This crystally ‘crunchy’ feeling is said to be due to calcium deposits on the nerve endings under the skin of the feet, they are a result of excess acidity in the blood stream, and these crystals can build up in the nerve endings in any organ of the body.

*I have personally had people feel, in real time, a change in their body whilst working on their feet, for example; ears popping or clearing and stomach relaxing and gurgling, though this can also be due to the general relaxation that they get from the treatment.

How is it done?

*We use pressure on certain points of the feet that correspond to organs, glands and parts of the body, to bring about relaxation, rejuvenation and a healing response in the body. The treatment can cover the whole foot and therefore all reflexs or it can be done on specific points.

*We always start and finish with relaxation techniques.

*A method called finger or thumb walking is often used, especially within the teachings of Eunice Ingham which is the type of Reflexology I trained in. The pressure is usually quite firm but can be adapted dependant on the receiver’s pain threshold and what might be occurring within the reflexes.

*A full consultation will be taken and an in the initial treatment all the reflexs will be covered to determine any sensitivities or issues, subsequent treatments may then work more on specific areas or, if treatment is simply to keep a balance within the bodily systems a regular ‘full body’ treatment can be performed.

*It is usually recommended to have a course of 6 treatments every 1-2weeks, especially if working on a specific issue or goal. Generally you can just have a treatment every 4-6 weeks to maintain health and wellbeing.