Reflexology
The ancient Chinese practice of reflexology, which is a manual therapy focusing predominantly on the feet, and hands has recently enjoyed a surge in popularity as a modern holistic therapy to relieve pain and stress.
Reflexology is based on the Chinese principle that certain areas on the soles of your feet or hands – known as reflex zones – containing millions of nerve endings, correspond to other parts of the body.
It can boost a sluggish circulation and is useful for treating stress, anxiety, back pain, migraine, poor digestion, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), respiratory problems, asthma, headache, bladder problems, menopausal symptoms and period pain.
It is available in some National Health Service Trusts, and has been approved by ‘NICE’ ‘The National Institute for Clinical Excellence’ for use in the relief of pain for multiple sclerosis sufferers, but provision is very patchy and is very limited.
On your initial consultation, your reflexologist will ask you about your medical history, health issues, lifestyle and diet.
Pressure will then be applied to your feet using the thumbs and forefingers to identify which areas of your body aren’t functioning properly. The pressure applied will be well within your tolerance zone, and you will not experience any pain.
Chinese medicine teaches us that that our bodies are composed of the opposing forces of Yin and Yang that need to work in harmony for us to achieve health and vitality.
In Chinese medicine, reflexology works on a similar principle to acupuncture, where the body is divided into 12 pairs of energy zones called Meridians ( pathways ).
It is believed that it is when these energy channels become blocked a person will begin to feel unwell.
Both reflexology and acupuncture aim to dissolve any blockages causing ill-health by encouraging the free flow of vital energy through the body.
Reflexology and Acupuncture are quite complimentary, and whilst acupuncture focuses on points along the Meridians, situated all over the body, and stimulates them with needles, reflexology focuses on the Meridians in the feet and works on them with finger pressures, and can be very helpful for people with needle phobias for example.
Conditions which are treatable by reflexology
This gentle massage therapy may bring relief from a wide range of both acute and chronic conditions; in particular reflexology has been showing to be very effective and assist self-healing in conditions such as:
Allergies, Arthritis, Asthma, Back pains, Blood Pressure abnormalities, Bowel disorders, Constipation, Eczema, Frozen Shoulder, Gynaecological problems, Insomnia, Knee pains, Muscle tension, Neck strain, PMS/Hormonal imbalance, Respiratory disorders, Sinusitis, Stress disorders, Thyroid problems and many, many more.
However, the therapy is not suitable for everyone and shouldn’t be used by people who suffer from verrucas, athlete’s foot, osteoporosis, a recently broken or fractured bone in your ankle or foot, or any injury involving broken skin.
How will I feel after the reflexology sessions?
You are highly likely to feel very relaxed, energised and invigorated after a reflexology session, because amongst other things reflexology helps the body to remove waste products and toxins. When this happens you may experience a slight reaction such as increased bowel movements, increased urination or perspiration, or even a runny nose. You may also feel tired or emotional. This is a sign that the treatment is working well and is known as a ‘healing crisis’. A healing crisis generally only lasts for around two to three days, depending on the individual person and the level of their condition. It is a well documented reaction to the beginning of a course of therapy.
Reflexology
The ancient Chinese practice of reflexology, which is a manual therapy focusing predominantly on the feet, and hands has recently enjoyed a surge in popularity as a modern holistic therapy to relieve pain and stress.
Reflexology is based on the Chinese principle that certain areas on the soles of your feet or hands – known as reflex zones – containing millions of nerve endings, correspond to other parts of the body.
It can boost a sluggish circulation and is useful for treating stress, anxiety, back pain, migraine, poor digestion, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), respiratory problems, asthma, headache, bladder problems, menopausal symptoms and period pain.
It is available in some National Health Service Trusts, and has been approved by ‘NICE’ ‘The National Institute for Clinical Excellence’ for use in the relief of pain for multiple sclerosis sufferers, but provision is very patchy and is very limited.
On your initial consultation, your reflexologist will ask you about your medical history, health issues, lifestyle and diet.
Pressure will then be applied to your feet using the thumbs and forefingers to identify which areas of your body aren’t functioning properly. The pressure applied will be well within your tolerance zone, and you will not experience any pain.
Chinese medicine teaches us that that our bodies are composed of the opposing forces of Yin and Yang that need to work in harmony for us to achieve health and vitality.
In Chinese medicine, reflexology works on a similar principle to acupuncture, where the body is divided into 12 pairs of energy zones called Meridians ( pathways ).
It is believed that it is when these energy channels become blocked a person will begin to feel unwell.
Both reflexology and acupuncture aim to dissolve any blockages causing ill-health by encouraging the free flow of vital energy through the body.
Reflexology and Acupuncture are quite complimentary, and whilst acupuncture focuses on points along the Meridians, situated all over the body, and stimulates them with needles, reflexology focuses on the Meridians in the feet and works on them with finger pressures, and can be very helpful for people with needle phobias for example.
Conditions which are treatable by reflexology
This gentle massage therapy may bring relief from a wide range of both acute and chronic conditions; in particular reflexology has been showing to be very effective and assist self-healing in conditions such as:
Allergies, Arthritis, Asthma, Back pains, Blood Pressure abnormalities, Bowel disorders, Constipation, Eczema, Frozen Shoulder, Gynaecological problems, Insomnia, Knee pains, Muscle tension, Neck strain, PMS/Hormonal imbalance, Respiratory disorders, Sinusitis, Stress disorders, Thyroid problems and many, many more.
However, the therapy is not suitable for everyone and shouldn’t be used by people who suffer from verrucas, athlete’s foot, osteoporosis, a recently broken or fractured bone in your ankle or foot, or any injury involving broken skin.
How will I feel after the reflexology sessions?
You are highly likely to feel very relaxed, energised and invigorated after a reflexology session, because amongst other things reflexology helps the body to remove waste products and toxins. When this happens you may experience a slight reaction such as increased bowel movements, increased urination or perspiration, or even a runny nose. You may also feel tired or emotional. This is a sign that the treatment is working well and is known as a ‘healing crisis’. A healing crisis generally only lasts for around two to three days, depending on the individual person and the level of their condition. It is a well documented reaction to the beginning of a course of therapy.