Reflexology is a gentle complementary therapy which works on the feet to help heal the whole person not just the prevailing symptoms.

By applying gentle pressure using the thumbs, fingers and hands to specific reflex areas on the feet, subtle changes can be detected. By working on these reflex points the corresponding organ or system of the body may be affected.

Blockages that interrupt the natural flow of energy can be removed enabling the body to restore and maintain its natural equilibrium. As all body systems are linked the whole body becomes balanced. Reflexology is a safe non-invasive therapy that can be used to complement conventional medical treatment. It is not intended to be a substitute.

The Association of Reflexology (A.O.R.) is the governing board of Reflexologists in the U.K. For a link to their website please click here www.aor.org.uk

The roots of Reflexology are found in many different cultures, from the tombs of ancient Egypt, evidenced here by inscriptions found in the tomb of the Royal Physician, Ankmahor, in Saqqara (dated around 2350 BC) to the earliest texts of traditional Chinese medicine. Ancient techniques of pressure to relieve pain were widely used.

Modern Reflexology can be traced back to the early 1900's when an ear, nose and throat specialist, Dr William Fitzgerald, first discovered the anaesthetising effects of applying pressure to certain areas on the hands and feet. He divided the body into ten zones and as he applied pressure to one part of the body realised that another part of the body would become numb, or anaesthetised. He called this ‘zone therapy' and this is still used within Reflexology today.

In the 1930's Eunice Ingham further developed this zone theory into what is now known as Reflexology. She observed that congestion in any part of the foot is mirrored in the corresponding part of the body. She was the first to map out charts of the hands and feet and these are used all over the world today by Reflexologists.

Doreen Bayly studied with Eunice Ingham in the United States of America and brought Reflexology to the United Kingdom in 1966.

In the 21 st century Reflexology is recognised as a complementary and holistic therapy working on the whole person not just the prevailing symptoms. Many doctors, consultants and other health care professionals recognise Reflexology as a well established, respected and effective therapy.

Reflexology is suitable for all ages and can bring relief to a wide range of chronic and acute conditions including;

•  Asthma
•  Arthritis
•  Back pain
•  Digestive problems
•  Headaches/migraines
•  Hormonal imbalances, e.g. menopause, PMT
•  Infertility
•  Stress

Once you have completed a course of treatment and your body is balanced, most people find it beneficial to have periodic treatments to help maintain health and well being.

You will need to allow an hour and a half for the first treatment as a full medical and lifestyle questionnaire has to be completed to determine your present and past health, and lifestyle. This will enable the Reflexologist to suggest a suitable course of treatment.

After cleansing your feet some Aloe Vera cream is applied and the treatment begins using some gentle massage and relaxation opening movements. The Reflexologist then works through all the body systems, spending more time in area's related to your specific needs. You may on occasion feel a little discomfort in certain areas of the foot, this will be an indication that there is an imbalance in the corresponding reflex area.

At the end of every session the Reflexologist discusses with you any relevant information and makes notes of their findings. Detailed records are kept of each visit so that a check can be kept on your progress. It is also important that you inform the Reflexologist of how you are feeling in between treatments as this shows how your body is responding.

Following a treatment most people feel calm and very relaxed with a general sense of well being. Some minor symptoms, either physical or psychological, may occur in the hours following a session, such as a mild headache or feeling tearful, but these are only tempory conditions and are a positive sign that the body is beginning to heal and detoxify itself.

After one or two treatments your body may respond in a very definite way. Most people report a sense of well being and relaxation with a more positive outlook on life.

 

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