Reflexology

What is Reflexology

Reflexology uses foot massage to effect physiological changes which then may have psycho-emotional benefits. The stimulation applied acts to clear nervous and tissue congestion, removing accumulated toxins from them and encouraging the body’s own innate healing ability.
Furthermore, Reflexology:

  • Reduces stress and induces deep relaxation
  • Improves circulation
  • Cleanses the body of toxins and impurities
  • Balances the whole system
  • Revitalises energy
  • Boosts immune system
  • Stimulates creativity and production
  • Nurtures relationships

How does Reflexology Work?

Reflexology is both old and new; massaging the feet, hands and body to stimulate or relax internal organs and muscles has been a basic technique of medical practice since ancient times. It is these same techniques that have been developed into the modern scientific method now known as reflexology. What joins the old and new is the long-established principle that there are energy zones that run throughout the body; therefore making it possible to access all parts of the body via the feet.

In working the reflex areas corresponding to other areas of the body on the feet it is possible to detect imbalances in the energy zones and through pressure be able to help correct the previously reduced or blocked flow of energy. When the reflex areas are worked there is an increase in blood circulation; which is beneficial since this circulation supplies various parts of the body nutrients and a way of removing waste products from body tissues to organs to be excreted.

Reflexology induces deep relaxation allowing the nervous system to calm down and de-activate the ‘fight or flight’ syndrome reducing the bodies’ adrenaline levels which allows healing to begin.

In some areas of the feet it may be possible to feel the presence of crystal deposits which represents an imbalance in the corresponding part of the body. By massaging these crystals it is possible to cause them to breakdown and be eliminated from the body. In opening up the energy path-ways the self healing properties of the body are stimulated and allows neurological and circulatory systems to do their work. Energy starts to flow correctly again, the mind, body and spirit and brought back into balance and harmony.

What To Expect

To begin you will be asked questions about your diet, lifestyle, health and medical history; which will be recorded. For the treatment you lie with bare feet on a treatment couch. The therapist will examine your feet, paying particular attention to their texture, colour and temperature, as the condition of your feet and the condition of your body are strongly related. A session begins with your feet being cleansed with wipes and an all-over foot massage to relax you and ends with one too.

Massage on the specific points on the feet can re-dress imbalances, improve circulation, induce deep relaxation, cleanse the body of toxins, and boost the immune system. The treatment lasts approximately 1 hour with both feet being massaged twice. Moisturising cream is often used in the massage (however this is optional) every area of the foot is worked systematically with the thumb and finger. Sometimes, pressing a specific reflex causes pain or tenderness, which indicates a blockage or imbalance in a particular organ or body part. To the therapist, problem areas are often indicated by taut or spongy reflexes or grainy crystalline deposits under the skin. The pain goes away as soon as the pressure is taken away.

After the session you may feel the characteristic light sensation in your feet, often accompanied by warmth, and will probably feel very relaxed and tired. However, some people do experience a sudden burst of energy; although this energy should be utilized by the body to balance itself, it is still important to relax, rather than using this new-found energy to do the housework or gardening!

Furthermore after a treatment you may experience:

  • A desire to urinate more frequently. Your urine may have a different colour or odour. It is advised that patients drink plenty of fresh water after a session to flush out the excess toxins from the body.
  • Increased bowel activity and/or flatulence
  • Increased perspiration
  • The nose, throat and lungs may increase secretions of mucus, causing a blocked nose and coughing

It is important to remember that these are short term reactions as your body attempts to clear excess toxins and congestion to regain balance within the whole system.

Our Reflexologist

Kirsty Myles

Reflexologist