What is reflexology

Reflexology is a touch therapy where the practitioner treats the body via reflex points in the feet, hands, lower leg, face or ears.

It is a non-invasive complementary therapy that is safe and nurturing, promoting a deep sense of well-being and relaxation and enhancing the body’s own natural healing processes.

The underlying principle is that all of a person’s body – the systems, organs, glands and musculoskeletal structures – are precisely mapped in the feet, hands, ears and face and that these reflex areas respond positively to the skilful application of therapeutic pressure.

In particular, our nervous system, circulatory system and energy pathways respond well to this reflex stimulus, relaxing us deeply and promoting the circulation of oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body.

The professional reflexologist will use their sensitive hands to locate and treat reflexes that feel congested and then apply pressure in specific ways to release the congestion and promote the body’s natural healing process.

For the person receiving a reflexology treatment, an enhanced state of relaxation is experienced. This is an important benefit; although stress is a normal function of the body, chronic stress has been associated with many serious health conditions.

While little research has been conducted into how reflexology actually works, there are scientific studies that indicate its effectiveness for a range of health conditions.

Research and anecdotal evidence indicate that reflexology can reduce pain levels, improve sleep, boost the immune system, positively support mental health and improve or maintain the body’s functions.

Reflexology can be used as a general “tune-up” for the body or to address specific issues.

Reflexology does not replace the role of the general practitioner, medical specialist or allied therapist. It is a safe, non-invasive complementary therapy which taps into the body’s innate ability to strive to be in balance.

The benefits of reflexology

Reflexology treatments offer a range of benefits, which include:

Deep relaxation, which in turn reduces stress and tension – both emotional and physical.
Reduction in pain.
Helps with anxiety and depression.
Assists blood flow and the circulatory system.
Helps lymph flow and the lymphatic system, thus helping to eliminate toxins naturally which supports the immune system.
Improves foot function, especially if balance or pain is an issue.
Targets all of the body’s systems: nervous, digestive, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine, reproductive, urinary, cardiovascular, lymphatic and musculoskeletal.

Reflexology is suitable for almost everyone – including, children and pregnant women. We suggest speaking to your reflexologist before making a booking if you have a complex medical condition or history.

What to expect in a reflexology session

At your first session you will be asked questions about your health and lifestyle which guides the reflexologist’s treatment. There would be time to discuss the best style of reflexology and treatment plan suited to your needs.

Most treatments last up to one hour and a course of treatments may be recommended, depending on your body’s needs.

During the reflexology session you will remain clothed and lie on a massage table or comfortable recliner chair.

Treatments are very relaxing so you may fall asleep although most people do not want to miss the feeling as the various areas of the feet or face are palpated. Some points in the feet can be tender but it is important that the pressure is within your comfort zone.

The experienced reflexologist can detect subtle changes in the tissues of the feet, face, hands or ears as they relate to parts of the body under stress. An important part of every treatment is to identify these and work on these points to release stress in the corresponding part of the body.

And after the session?

Most people feel deeply relaxed after each session. If you arrive in pain or are feeling anxious, you may find that these symptoms are considerably reduced by the end of the treatment.

Many people feel energised and rejuvenated and while others initially feel a sense of fatigue.

Each person’s response is very individual as it depends on their state of health and stress levels. Although definite benefits can be noticed after the first session, changes are often subtle at first as the body begins to respond. Experience shows that longer term health benefits are experienced after about five sessions. Clients often comment on a renewed sense of wellbeing which is difficult to quantify but nevertheless significant.

Types of reflexology

With its rich history and ancient origins, it is no surprise that reflexology has emerged as a therapy with a wide range of methods and approaches. The East and the West have each developed their own quite different styles that are equally effective.

New approaches and techniques are rapidly evolving as therapists around the world develop and share their experiences and clinical findings.

Usually we think about the feet when we talk about reflexology but the same reflex areas exist in other parts of the body such as the hands, face, ears, head and lower legs. These are called microsystems as each map shows a projection of the body in miniature.

The following are simplified maps to give you an idea.