Reflexology
Reflexology
Reflexology is a science that deals with the principle that there are reflexes in the feet and hands which correspond to all of the glands, organs and parts of the body.
Essentially, it is a form of Bodywork using a unique system of manual techniques designed to therapeutically stimulate these reflexes, allowing the Reflexologist to locate and dissipate stagnant energy in the body to facilitate a more balanced energy flow. This aids the body in returning to a state of wholeness and homeostasis.
As well as facilitating “energetic” flow and balance, Reflexology actively promotes physical and emotional detoxing, releasing and unblocking and it is often found that a sound sleep follows a session.
A Reflexology treatment can be one of the most relaxing experiences imaginable, easing the body into a state of least resistance and thereby allowing a process of natural and uninterrupted “self-healing” to occur.
Reflexology techniques can also be incorporated into other Approaches, including massage, thermo-auricular therapy (Hopi Ear Candling) and holistic hypnotherapy. With my client’s agreement, I will often integrate Reflexology with other work, where appropriate.
Depending on your specific needs, targeted sessions, e.g., weekly or fortnightly may be advised. Regular monthly sessions throughout the year are a powerful way to utilise the benefits of Reflexology, supporting a healthy immune system and “taking the edge off” the challenges of our busy lives.
Frequently Asked Questions – Reflexology
The following questions and answers are based on my experience of working with Reflexology – the questions that are most frequently asked. Should you be unable to find the information that you are looking for within the site, please use the General Enquiry Form and I will reply as soon as I can.
It is important with all medical conditions, particularly where prescription medicines are involved, that any changes you experience are monitored and discussed with your GP or consultant.
Do I need to have anything wrong with me to have Reflexology?
Absolutely not! Many of my clients come regularly (monthly or more) to benefit from Reflexology on many levels – it facilitates a positive and healing change of state, affording the body time and space to rebalance, let-go and recharge. Over the course of a year, clients recognise the resultant and cumulative benefits of regular sessions on their overall health and wellbeing, stress and anxiety levels and mood.
Can you diagnose medical conditions using Reflexology?
No. Unfortunately, this is a common misconception about Reflexology. A Reflexologist is not medically qualified or insured to diagnose medical conditions. Reflexology does, however, provide an indication of which areas in your body may be out of balance. I will provide you with feedback and also invite you to share any feelings or sensations you experience in your session.
Is Reflexology beneficial for stress, anxiety and feeling “lost”?
Yes. The main reason that I decided to train as a Reflexologist was due to the powerful way in which it helped me through a period of work stress and breakdown. As well as working on a physiological level with hormonal balance and regulation, Reflexology offers support on a deep emotional level, allowing space and time to notice, acknowledge and process what’s going on and how it’s affecting us.
I am pregnant - can I have Reflexology?
Yes. Reflexology can be used safely, by an experienced Reflexologist throughout your pregnancy, unless there are any medical reasons to the contrary (which may or may not be directly connected with your pregnancy). Reflexology can also be extremely beneficial in preparing your body before pregnancy and with fertility issues.
I have extremely sensitive or ticklish feet - will I be able to have Reflexology?
Yes. In all the years I have been working with Reflexology, there has been no-one who hasn’t been able to have a session because of sensitive or ticklish feet. The touch is deliberate and intentful and can be adjusted to suit you. Reflexology can also be successfully executed on the hands should there be any areas of the feet which are causing discomfort.
I have had clients who do not have sensitive or ticklish feet, but prefer to have their hands worked on.
Is Reflexology painful?
Depending on your overall health, physically and emotionally, there may be areas of the feet which will feel tender, sore, as if bruised. You may also experience sharp sensations, almost like tiny electric shocks which usually disappear very quickly.
I often describe each session like “breaking down layers”, where with each session, the feet release more, become more relaxed and therefore the reflex points become more accessible, allowing “deeper” work.
Like having a massage, any discomfort felt is usually described as a “good” or “therapeutic” pain or feeling and is usually short-lived. What we feel in the feet is an indication of where there may be blockages, tightness, holding and imbalance in the body, which when worked on will facilitate release and balance.
Shorter sessions of Reflexology can be offered where any discomfort or emotional release initially feels too much in a longer session. This is not uncommon where trauma and deep-held tension exist. For a few people, a 30 min session is often optimum.
Is Reflexology relaxing?
Most people find that having Reflexology is one of the most relaxing experiences they have had. The sense of deep relaxation which can be felt is often difficult to describe and a session of Reflexology will often promote sound sleep.
Is Reflexology good for hormonal balance?
Reflexology can be extremely helpful with hormonal issues such as menopause symptoms, PMT, thyroid imbalance, etc. It is important with all medical conditions, particularly where prescription medicines are involved, that any changes you experience are monitored and discussed with your GP or consultant.