Reflexology Treatments
What is Reflexology?
Reflexology also known as Zone Therapy is a traditional form of foot massage used to activate specific energy channels in the body to promote self-healing. Foot massage, already used 5000 years ago by Chinese and Egyptians, was rediscovered by Dr. William H. Fitzgerald (1872-1942) in 1915 and further developed by physiotherapist Eunice Ingham in the 1930s.
Zone Therapy is the
practice of massaging, squeezing, or pushing on parts of the feet, or sometimes
the hands and ears, with the goal of encouraging a beneficial effect on other
parts of the body, or to improve general health.
Some people consider foot
reflexology to be just about a foot massage. However reflexology dates back at
least 5,000 years ago and has a history in culture of India, Egypt, China and Native American cultures. Nowadays famous stories continue to be
presented by the tabloid press reports about Princess Diana and the English
royal family’s use of foot reflexology since 1985. Princess Diana appeared to
have gotten manicures, pedicures, and foot reflexology three times a week.
Foot reflexology is an alternative science that deals with the reflex areas in the feet, which correspond to all of the organs and systems in the body. For this alternative therapy the body is divided into 10 vertical energy zones that run from the feet to the head and from the hands to the head. A dysfunction within one of this area is reflected in the corresponding zone of the feet as crystalline deposits and/or tenderness. A dysfunction in the feet may also affect the energy flow in related organs. Practitioners apply pressure and friction to the reflex points of the feet to assess and treat the whole body.
These points are worked on in specific foot massage manipulations that are generally pleasant and are done while you relax. But doing reflexology means far more than working on your feet. It is actually more like working with the person, attempting to mobilize inner energies: physical, mental and spiritual energies. The goal is to fight any imbalance in the system. Reflexologists do not diagnose illnesses, we are not doctors. We can only advise on the imbalances that are discovered during treatments.
What happens in a typical Reflexology session?
In a typical session, the entire foot is worked on by applying an exercised pressure upon reflex areas to improve the body’s nerve, blood, and lymphatic supply. Throughout the session, whenever a trouble (sore) spot shows up, more time is spent on that area of the foot reflex. By working on that area, the corresponding part of the body receives improved nerve, blood and lymphatic supply, in addition to working all 12 systems of the body: cardiovascular, central nervous, digestive, endocrine, immune, lymphatic, muscular, reproductive, respiratory, sensory, skeletal, and urinary.
Why are improved nerve, blood and lymphatic supply so important?
Every nerve in the body begins and ends in the hands and feet with the main purpose of carrying messages that instruct the body to function properly. When the nerves improve, the messages will improve and then be communicated correctly to every part of the body. The average human’s central nervous system is 45 miles in length, it produces over a hundred thousand messages per second, traveling at a speed of 248 mph and without it tasting, smelling, seeing, hearing, thinking, dreaming, breathing, heart beating, moving, running, sleeping, laughing, singing, remembering and feeling pain or pleasure wouldn’t be possible. Therefore, proper functioning of nerve messaging is essential to life and its malfunctions are the leading cause of autoimmune diseases.
The purpose of the blood is to transport nutrition, glucose, and oxygen to all parts of the body. The blood travels approximately 168,000 miles per day to supply about 60 trillion cells in the body. The heart pumps about 103,000 times per day and it is in the hands and feet that blood transfers from arteries to veins to return back to the heart. Stress, which can be responsible for 80 percent to 90 percent of ailments, can act like a tourniquet, wrapping around the body, squeezing so tightly that it causes a restriction of blood flow. Improving your blood supply allows improved transportation of nutrition, glucose and oxygen which the body needs to function and to regulate properly.
The lymphatic system flows in one direction only, toward the heart, with every lymphatic vessel beginning and ending in the hands and feet. The purpose of the lymphatic system is to cleanse and purify the body as well as lubricating the muscles.
A healthy person’s body will rid itself of at least eight pounds of toxic waste per day through the four channels of elimination: kidneys, bowels, skin and the breath. A weak flowing or congested lymphatic system cannot assist in the essential daily cleansing of the body, resulting in ill health and disease.
Conditions that have responded well to Reflexology include:
Why should I make Reflexology a regular part of my health care?
Imagine a healthy body that has a strong and well-toned nerve, blood and lymphatic supply. Reflexology can enable the body to obtain and maintain this healthy condition. It is a safe, no-risk, non-evasive highly effective therapy that helps your body work as it is designed to do.
Reflexology is a healthy alternative to drug therapies that only put a gag on symptoms which are your body’s cry for help or disables your body’s natural functions. Therefore, Reflexology should be seen as a necessity, not a luxury.
Reflexology During Pregnancy?
Reflexology can
also be used in pre-conception care, pregnancy care and during labour. It is
effective in helping reduce the nausea in pregnancy, backache and oedema. It is
also one of the top three complementary therapies recommended for use during
pregnancy and pain-relief during labour.
Used during labour figures show that the birth time can be reduced and the
mother recovers more quickly after birth by using Reflexology as an aid.
Is there any reason why I can’t receive a treatment?
Reflexology does not claim to cure, and you will never be asked to amend or stop taking any medication prescribed by any medical practitioner. If you are under a doctors care, you will always be advised to inform your doctor that you are receiving Reflexology and in some cases written confirmation from your medical practitioner may be required prior to carrying out a treatment. I am more than happy for you to pass on my details to your G.P. or if you prefer, I can contact your GP on your behalf prior to you receiving a treatment.
Reflexology is perfectly safe at all times during your pregnancy. However, to put your mind at rest no treatments will be carried out during your first trimester of pregnancy, and until your first scan confirms your pregnancy is stable.
If you have any queries at all, please contact me to discuss your medical condition prior to making your appointment.
Please contact Karen Wakefield on 07801 400008 or email at here for more information or to make a booking.