Free Prayer List

Be included in a group distance healing session

Mailing List

Reflexology

Reflexology is one of the best known complementary therapies and is becoming widely available.

It's what we call a holistic therapy, which means that it treats the whole person, body, mind and spirit, rather than just focussing on a particular condition or symptoms. By stimulating the nervous and immune systems and clearing blocks in the energy channels, the person is brought towards a state of balance and harmony, and the body is more able to heal on all levels.

I would normally work on your feet, although I can also work on your hands if that's more appropriate for you. The techniques used are similar to massage, mostly stroking, rubbing and pressing on particular areas of the feet (or hands). Most people find the experience very pleasurable and relaxing.

Reflexology is very good for relieving stress and tension, and improving circulation. A wide variety of conditions can be treated using reflexology, including musculo-skeletal problems (e.g. arthritis, back pain); breathing problems (e.g. asthma); digestive problems (e.g. IBS, constipation); sleep disorders; women's problems (e.g. PMS). Reflexology does not claim to cure, diagnose or prescribe.

How it works

The main principle of reflexology is that all the structures and systems of the body are reflected in miniature in the feet and hands. The whole body, including all structures and reflected points, or reflexes, is divided into ten longitudinal zones, or energy channels. When pressure is applied to points within a zone, it causes a reflex action within the same zone, stimulating healing and pain-relief to all areas within that zone, most strongly to the specific point being stimulated. Reflex points relating to organs and structures found on the left side of the body will be found within corresponding zones on the left foot and hand, and likewise with the right side of the body. The hands and feet are further divided into five transverse zones, representing the head and torso, to enable reflex points for structures to be more easily located.

For example, the head points are in your toes (or fingers), and the stomach and kidneys are about half-way down the foot (or hand), as they are in the torso, and the spine runs the full length of the inside edge of both feet which represents the centre of the body. In this way, the reflexologist is able to work on specific organs or structures in the body, as well as promoting a general state of improved health and balance.

Top

History of Reflexology

Reflexology originates from various forms of foot and hand therapies carried out around the world in ancient times. The earliest record of this type of therapy comes from an Egyptian papyrus from around 2500 BC, in which there is a picture of two people receiving treatments. Around the same time, the Chinese were using massage techniques which focus particularly on points on the feet, and were developing acupuncture. In India a form of pressure technique on the feet was being used, and there is an ancient foot chart with Sanskrit symbols that appears to have a similarity to modern reflexology charts. Native American Indians (Cherokee) have passed down through the generations a tradition of treating the feet in order to treat the whole body. They still do this today. Similar forms of treatment have been developed throughout the world.

Reflexology in the UK really begins with the introduction of acupuncture to Britain in the 1800's. Following this, various studies were done on reflex actions, and how stimulating one area of the body has an effect on others.

In 1913 Dr William Fitzgerald, an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist, noted that pressure on specific parts of the body could have an anaesthetising effect on a related area. Developing this theory, he divided the body into ten equal and vertical zones, ending in the fingers and toes. He concluded that pressure on one part of a zone could affect everything else within that zone. Dr Jo Shelby-Riley learned the technique from Dr Fitzgerald, and went on to teach his wife, Elizabeth, and a young massage therapist, Eunice Ingham.

In the 1930's, Eunice Ingham further developed and refined the zone therapy into what is now known as reflexology. She observed that congestion or tension in any part of the foot mirrors congestion or tension in a corresponding part of the body. For example, when you treat the big toes there is a related effect in the head, and treating the whole foot can have a relaxing and healing effect on the whole body.

Top

Having a Treatment

The first session begins with a consultation, when I will ask you about your medical history, so I can tailor the treatment to you, and avoid working on any areas that are contraindicated, if applicable (for example if you have a heart condition, or are pregnant - see FAQ for more details).

You remain fully clothed apart from your shoes and socks. For home visits, I bring a recliner chair for you to lie on. If you come to a clinic, we may use a massage couch instead. The treatment starts with gentle massage strokes to warm the foot up, then I work on one foot for about 20 minutes, then repeat the process on the other foot. Most people find the treatment very relaxing.

After the treatment, it is important to drink lots of water to flush out any toxins that may have been released, in order to keep any possible side-effects to a minimum (e.g. runny nose).