Restorative Reflexology
What is reflexology?How does reflexology work?
What conditions will it help?
Does it really work?
Restorative Reflexology & Acupressure
What happens at a treatment?
Self help
What is reflexology? The standard definition...
Reflexology is the application of pressure to specific points on the feet (or hands) which causes an involuntary reflex or reaction in the associated body organs and systems.
Restorative Reflexology. A more effective treatment...
Restorative Reflexology is a powerful fusion of several of the proven, established theories. This incorporates zone theory, neural pathways, energy meridians, acupressure points and the reflexes on the feet relating to the energy chakras.
This seems to make the reflexology more effective and more beneficial. And it leaves you feeling wonderful!
Restorative Reflexology & Acupressure
Reflexology seems to have much in common with Eastern medicine. The neural pathways mentioned above frequently follow the lines of the energy meridians used in acupunture, shiatsu and other complementary therapies.
Traditional Chinese Medicine calls this energy 'chi'. You may have seen programmes on television where people perform amazing feats of strength by managing and focusing their 'chi'.
I believe in energy meridians because I once saw my dog respond to acupuncture, and you can't tell a dog how it is supposed to react - it just happens.
In the same way as an acupuncturist can balance the body's energy pathways and so help various complaints, acupressure - using the fingers instead of needles - can have the same therapeutic result.
Acupressure points are places on the energy meridians which have been found to be especially effective. There are six main energy meridians and many acupressure points on the feet, ankles and lower legs. These can be worked on by a reflexologist who understands meridians to help with many health issues.
Specific meridians and acupressure points have been found to be effective in different health situations. For example there is an acupressure point on one meridian just under the ankle bone which is particularly calming, and another on a different meridian on top of the foot which is indicated for relief from migraines.
'Spaced out'
Usually my clients leave my treatment room feeling calm, positive and energised. Sometimes they describe the sensation as being 'spaced out' and I worry about them driving home, so I offer a cup of tea and a sit-down!
Sensations felt in other parts of the body
Many people feel a reaction in their body when I am working on a reflex point on their feet. For example a client with breast cancer felt a pulsating in the left breast area when I was working on the breast reflex on the left foot. A feeling of tingling up the spine and in the head is very common during a treatment. I take this as an indication that energy work on the feet is definitely reaching different parts of the body.
How does reflexology work?
It is said the reflex points on the feet are linked by the nervous system to various parts of the body. There are more than 7000 nerve endings on the feet. The special pressure technique used in reflexology improves the working of the nerves/neural pathways and encourages the related body organs and systems to release tension, release toxins and so work more effectively.
What conditions will it help?
Practitioner experience has shown reflexology to be particularly helpful for:
Restoring energy and managing stress
Headaches & migraines
Poor sleep
Hormonal imbalances (menstrual irregularities, PMT, menopausal symptoms)
Stress related conditions
Musculo-skeletal pain
Infertility
Pregnancy
Bowel disorders (constipation, IBS)
Sinus problems
Living with cancer
Complementary therapies, as the term suggests, should be used to complement the use of conventional medicine and should never take the place of appropriate medical advice.
Does it really work?
Reflexology is very well accepted in many areas. Many large companies have a reflexologist visit regularly to reduce absenteeism due to stress.
Hospitals, hospices and clinics also use reflexology and Reiki. Some medical practitioners including midwives will refer patients to a reflexologist and many health insurance companies include cover for complementary therapies.
More conventional, controlled research is taking place and I will be including results of these trials on this page in the future.
In my own experience reflexology DOES work. (But I would say that, wouldn't I?!)
However, everyone is different. Like conventional medicine no result is guaranteed. You should feel good after a first treatment and find a noticable improvement after about 3/4 weekly treatments. You would generally then start to spread out the treatments to a frequency we found suited you.
What happens at a treatment
Restorative Reflexology is performed entirely on the feet, ankles and sometimes the lower legs up to the knees. Only the feet need to be undressed!
The first session includes a consultation period so the treatment can be tailored specifically for you. You will be with me for about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Subsequent treatments including a review of progress, take about one hour.
During the treatment you will lie on a couch or reclining chair, with soft pillows and covered in a fluffy blanket – bliss…..The lights will be lowered and soft music can be played.
Many complementary therapies use the concept of energy - the flow of a 'life force' or 'chi' through the body. Six of the main energy meridians start or end in the feet. Your reflexology treatment will be specifically designed for you, activating the appropriate energy pathways to address your personal health issues. Often there can be an immediate improvement after just one treatment.
The reflex points and acupressure points are stimulated with a specific type of massage so the energy moves more freely and organs and systems are encouraged to release toxins, release tension and so work more effectively. All treatments are slightly different, depending on the results of the consultation, but every treatment is a very relaxing experience.
Ticklish Feet
Reflexology does not tickle - promise! Even people who say they do not like their feet to be touched can enjoy the benefits of reflexology. I have seen all shapes of feet, so don't be embarrassed if yours are less than perfect. And if you come straight from work, I have wipes available for you to freshen-up your feet.
Self help
After your first treatment I will show you acupressure points you can work for yourself on your hands and feet. If you do this between treatments, it should help maintain the improvement for longer.
