Reflexology
What is reflexology?
The art of reflexology dates back to ancient Egypt, India and China. In 1913 Dr. William Fitzgerald noticed that reflex areas on the feet and hands were linked to other areas of the body. He introduced “zone therapy”, as it was called, to the West. In the 1930s Eunice Ingham developed this further and “zone therapy” became reflexology. Simply put, reflexology is the art of applying pressure to particular points in the feet or hands with specific thumb, finger and hand techniques.
What does a reflexology session offer?
Reflexology is a safe, non-invasive therapy that offers stress reduction, improved circulation and relaxation. Reflexology does not replace conventional medical help but can be used as a complementary therapy. The purpose of a reflexology session is to support the body in its own healing process. Commonly reported benefits following a session are stress relief, an increase in mental and physical well being and reduction in pain and discomfort.
What do I need to know before the reflexology session begins?
On your first visit you will begin with a short meeting to discuss your general health and lifestyle. After this socks and shoes are removed, you will relax in a comfortable reclining chair, and soft sprays to rinse the feet will be applied. Depending on your preference, small amounts of lotion or a massage oil with just one or two drops of relaxing essential oil essences may be massaged into the feet. The session may also take place with dry feet,.
Gentle pressure will be applied in sequence to specific areas of the feet. These points correspond to all the parts, glands and organs of the body. The entire right foot will be worked first followed by the left foot. If you wish at the end you may have a soothing massage with your choice of lotion. After your session you will probably wish to rest for a few peaceful minutes in the chair and then drink a glass of water before getting ready to leave.
In all, the first session takes about 75 minutes and subsequent sessions take about 50 minutes. It is sometimes recommended that you have two or three sessions fairly close together at the beginning if you are working on a specific health problem. This should give you an indication if this therapy will be helpful for you. You may also wish to consider having reflexology at regular intervals to help you stay balanced.
Each person’s response to reflexology is individual. You will probably feel very relaxed and may fall asleep in the chair. It is beneficial to drink good quality water for the few days after a session. You may also find yourself to be quite tired as toxins are released from the body.
