Reflexology can be carried out on the feet, hands, face and even the ears! Foot reflexology is the most popular, and lots of reflexologists think that the sensitivity of the feet makes them especially appropriate for treatment. Hand reflexology exercises can be given to customers to use between therapies as ‘homework’.

Let’s see…

Very rarely the case! The moment you relax you’ll realize that the company, sure touch employed by the therapist does not tickle. I’ve never lost a customer because they discovered the remedy ticklish, and lots of men and women who have been bracing themselves for an ordeal have been very pleasantly surprised. Before beginning a remedy, a reflexologist will examine your feet. If they believe you may require treatment from a chiropodist or physician for a foot illness eg veruccas or corns, they will let you know.

Aside from that they’re there to do a job and are not judging your toes, or really you. Your feet have their own form and structure, and are nothing to be ashamed of. After a day on my feet they are not too fresh! Again, your reflexologist is not there to judge you. All of us lead busy lives and there is not always the chance to wash your feet before your appointment.

Did you know?

Most reflexologists will freshen up the customer’s feet before starting the treatment. Reflexologists aren’t trained to diagnose, nor claim to cure medical problems. We do not have medical training, and in any case that’s your physician’s job. Having said that, reflexology obviously supports your body, emotions and mind and enables them to heal by themselves, and it may have some astounding results.

Reflexology has origins in Ancient Egypt, India and China. For centuries scientists have researched the concept that the body has energy zones running through it. In 1913 an American hospital consultant, Dr William Fitzgerald, established that reflex areas on the feet and hands were linked to organs and regions in the body by means of a zone network. In the 1930s a physiotherapist, Eunice Ingham, developed Dr Fitzgerald’s work and called her method ‘reflexology’.

Keep in mind

Sum up reflexology in a sentence, please! Reflexology is the technique of applying gentle pressure to reflex points on the feet and hands to bring about a state of deep relaxation, stimulate the body’s own healing process and help a person return to a state of equilibrium and well-being (homeostasis). What does reflexology actually do for you? A massage therapy works through every organ, gland and body system. Among the many advantages it can provide are comfort, stress and pain relief, improved circulation and nourishment, stimulation of the nervous and immune systems, and balance for the mind, body and soul.

Reflexology is a holistic therapy, since the entire person is treated rather than singling out a symptom. Digestive disorders eg Irritable Bowel or acid reflux; migraines; sinus problems; PMS and hormone related issues; pregnancy, fertility and menopause related issues; joint and back pain; and insomnia, are simply a couple of the conditions reflexology might help to relieve.

Take note

How fast does reflexology work? Reflexology is not a miracle cure, although I’ve seen some astonishing results after only a couple of treatments. How quickly you’re likely to react to reflexology depends upon all kinds of factors, like how long you’ve been living with a specific condition. Very broadly speaking, we would expect to see some improvements in your health and well-being following 4-6 sessions, and it’s normally a good idea to start the plan of therapy with weekly treatments.

How do I get the most from reflexology? Your body is somewhat like a car – if you treat it with respect and love, have it MOT’d and serviced regularly, wash it, give it water and oil, and take out the proper health checks, it should serve you for ages! I often realize that the men and women who get the most out of reflexology are people who put in a little effort themselves to boost their overall well-being and wellness.

Your reflexologist will have an in-depth lifestyle conversation with you, and you may pinpoint ways that you can help yourself to better health. These might include things like drinking more water and cutting back on caffeine beverages, eating a more balanced diet, seeking advice on nutrition, searching for ways to improve your sleep, or finding ways of relaxing and lowering your stress levels.

Final note

What happens when you like reflexology? You do not need to undress to have reflexology, merely to remove your socks, shoes and spectacles. Men might want to loosen their tie, and tight straps could be removed for your personal comfort. Ladies need to eliminate their tights or stockings. After a consultation with your reflexologist, you sit in a particular chair or lie on a sofa. This places you so that you’re comfortable and your toes are in the ideal place for the reflexologist to function. After some foot comfort, they will normally work on one foot at a time in a unique sequence.

The reflexologist’s fingers and thumbs work softly around your toes pressing, thumb walking and using different methods to stimulate the flow of energy through all of the zones and discharge any blocks or energy imbalances. If they detect a potential energy imbalance they may ask you questions to learn what it may relate to. It’s common that you feel deeply relaxed, and you might fall asleep. After your treatment you’ll be given a glass of water and the opportunity to break and ground yourself. Who can have reflexology? From newborn babies to the very elderly, everyone can benefit from reflexology treatments. Your age and state of health are taken under account by the therapist when planning the nature and length of your therapy, and the pressure he or she uses will be adjusted to satisfy your unique needs better.