what is Reflexology and how does it work?
Reflexology is a gentle therapy that aims to restore balance to the body. It works by detecting and addressing (correcting) imbalances in the body using specific reflex areas on the feet or hands.
Your nerves end in your feet, making them one of the most sensitive areas of the body, despite the fact that we keep them covered up so much of the time.
Your body’s organs and systems are mapped on to these reflex areas and imbalances in different areas can be addressed using precise therapeutic techniques. The treatment works by relaxing or stimulating certain points, addressing specific imbalances or ailments, helping you to relax and speeding up your body’s healing process.
Reflexology is an ancient therapy believed to have been used centuries ago in places as diverse as Egypt and China. More recently, it was revived by an ear, nose and throat specialist, Dr William Fitzgerald, who discovered the anaesthetic properties of stimulating certain areas of the feet. Eunice Ingham further developed the therapy and was the first to map the body on to the feet.
It’s not just a massage and nor is it a substitute for medical treatment. It helps improve circulation and promote relaxation enabling the patient’s body to help itself.
It can be used to address specific issues or, more generally, to promote vitality.
how does reflexology work?
The treatment will bring your body into balance by focusing on reflex points on the feet that relate to specific areas of the body. There are thousands of nerve endings in the feet which correspond to and send messages about specific parts of the body to the brain. Blockages or imbalances in particular areas relate to various health issues.
The reflexologists works on the feet to release these blockages to boost circulation and release trapped nervous energy, helping your body to help itself.
what can reflexology treat?
Reflexology is particularly beneficial for the relief of stress and tension. Given that an estimated 75% of all illness is related to stress the health benefits of using reflexology to combat stress are clear.
I have had a great deal of success with reducing stress, inducing relaxation and womens fertility. I have wide range of patient experience and have treated people recovering from nervous breakdowns and from the after effects of cancer treatment.
what ailments can it alleviate?
It’s rare that reflexology cannot be used to improve health issues. Common ailments that respond well to reflexology include;
- Asthma
- Anxiety
- Arthritis
- Back and neck pain
- Bowl problems
- Circulatory problems
- Depression
- Digestive disorders
- Hormonal imbalances
- Infertility
- Long term (chronic) illness
- Migraine
- ME
- MS
- Muscular or Skeletal problems
- Pregnancy related conditions
- Relaxation
- Sinusitis
- Sleep disorders
- Skin problems
- Sports injuries
- Stress & related conditions
can a reflexologist diagnose my ailments?
A reflexologist should never diagnose symptoms as this is beyond their training. They could offer opinions but should always refer the client to medical experts where it is beyond their training.
what does treatment involve?
Your first treatment will include a complete health review taking no more than about 15 minutes.
We will complete a simple questionnaire that covers your lifestyle and any relevant health issues. By reviewing your health and identifying any current areas of concern we will be able to tailor your treatment to your exact needs.
Once this has been done it’s time to lie back under warm towels and let your feet do the talking. Reflexology should always be enjoyed in a relaxed and comfortable setting to make the most of a treatment.
I will make a general assessment of your feet, noting temperature, colouration and areas of dryness and factoring this into your treatment plan.
I will start the session by cleaning your feet and then we will use relaxation techniques to ensure you’re ready for the treatment. We will begin with your right foot, treating all of your organs and systems and paying particular attention to those highlighted in your treatment plan.
Mainly using my thumbs I will precisely massage and apply pressure to areas that require stimulation or relaxation.
what techniques does a reflexologist use?
Precise massage and pressure techniques help to identify areas that require treatment and then stimulate or relax them as necessary.
will the treatment hurt?
The treatment should never hurt and pressure can be increased or decreased according to your needs. In fact, most people describe the sensation as very pleasurable as vastly improved circulation makes them feel like they’re walking on air.
what can reflexology treat?
Reflexology is particularly beneficial for the relief of stress and tension. Given that an estimated 75% of all illness is related to stress the health benefits of using reflexology to combat stress are clear.
I have had a great deal of success with reducing stress, inducing relaxation and womens fertility. I have wide range of patient experience and have treated people recovering from nervous breakdowns and from the after effects of cancer treatment.
what should I do before a treatment?
It’s a good idea not to eat within an hour of starting a treatment and you shouldn’t drink alcohol either but, other than that, there is nothing else to worry about.
If at all possible you should not be wearing nail varnish and should not have washed your feet.
what happens after treatment?
Once the treatment is completed you will be given a hand chart with some recommendations of areas to work on in between sessions and some suggestions for prolonging the effects of the treatment.
After treatment you should drink lots of water and stay as relaxed as possible.
what results can I expect?
Reflexology balances the body and promotes self healing. Most people feel the benefit both during and after treatment, however for more longstanding issues it may take more treatments. Reflexology promotes improvements to health by:
· Enabling you to achieve deep relaxation
· Boosting your immune system
· Stimulating circulation
· Removing toxins
· Stabilising breathing
· Boosting energy levels
· Inducing calm in mind and body
Many people describe the sensation as very pleasurable as vastly improved circulation makes them feel like they’re walking on air.
are there any cases (known as contraindications) where Reflexology is not appropriate?
There are very few cases in which reflexology is unable to help. However, I would recommend that your consult your doctor if any of the items on the following list apply to you:
· You have circulatory problems, including any heart conditions, varicose veins and a history of haemorrhages
· You have an infection such as athlete’s foot
· You have a contagious disease or conditions such as veruccas
· You have cancer
· You are a woman in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy
· You suffer from epilepsy
· You are diabetic
Reflexology may be able to alleviate pain and suffering caused by any of the above but the approval of your doctor will give you peace of mind before commencing treatment.
is Reflexology safe in pregnancy?
Yes it’s totally safe and really beneficial during pregnancy, however you do need to wait until your 13th week when the placenta is fully established. Pregnancy discounts are available to help you with the costs.
how many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments you will need depends on what you are hoping to achieve.
If you are focused on a specific health issue I would recommend that you book four treatments over a four-week period. You should experience improvements within this time (although they can sometimes be felt much sooner).
If you are having treatments to promote general relaxation or health maintenance a session once a month is optimum but you can have sessions more or less frequently.
how much should I pay?
The standard rate for a session is currently £40. You may be asked to pay more for an initial treatment as this takes more time than the subsequent treatments. You may also find that treatments cost less or more if the practitioner works from home or travels to you.
how much does a treatment cost?
The initial session including the health check should take no more than one-and-a-quarter hours and will cost £40.
Subsequent treatments will cost £40 for one hour and will include recommendations for self treatment in between sessions to help prolong the effects.
Please give me a call on 07800 636259 or pop me an email to discuss your needs.
what’s the best way to choose a reflexologist?
Always make sure your reflexologist is qualified. Ideally they should be registered with a professional body such as the Association of Reflexologists (AoR), Complementary Therapists Association (CThA) or Federation of Holisitic Health Professionals (FHT). You can verify their membership through these associations websites.
Practitioners should also be fully insured.
Besides all the above you should choose a practitioner you feel comfortable with.
what qualifications do you have?
ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Reflexology (ITEC – International Examination Council). I qualified at Wilbury School of Natural Therapy, which has been training therapists for more than 25 years. The qualification includes reflexology practise with a particular focus on anatomy, physiology and professional conduct.
I am registering with the NHS and currently work to the standards set about by the National Health Service.
I am also a member of both the the Association of Reflexologists and the Complementary Therapist’s Association, committed to continual professional development and fully insured to practise.
how long does a treatment last
Your first treatment can last up to 1 hour and a quarter as I need to take background information on your general health. Subsequent sessions will take between 45 minutes to 1 hour.
how do I book a treatment?
please contact me on 07800 636259 or pop me a n email.
what are your treatment times and availability?
I treat between the hours of 8am and 8pm most days of the week. Availability of slots changes week by week so please get in touch and I’ll do my best to accommodate your requirements.
where can I have a treatment?
Treatments can take place at your home, or at clinics in Seven Dials, Hove or Kemp Town.
how should I pay?
Payment should be made in either cash or cheque. Paypal payments will be possible soon.
what should I wear?
Whatever you are comfortable in! That’s the most important thing, that you’re comfortable and relaxed. Just bear in mind that you’ll need to have your feet and ankles accessible.
cancellations
Unfortunately, I do need to charge for cancellations. Ideally cancellations should be made at least 24 hours prior to the treatment time otherwise a cancellation fee will apply. Please call me on 07800 636259 as soon as you know you need to cancel. Thanks.
what’s the history of reflexology?
Reflexology is an ancient therapy believed to have been used centuries ago in places as diverse as Egypt and China. More recently, it was revived by an ear, nose and throat specialist, Dr William Fitzgerald, who discovered the anaesthetic properties of stimulating certain areas of the feet. Eunice Ingham further developed the therapy and was the first to map the body on to the feet.
