Reflexology
is a natural and very relaxing, holistic therapy that works by
stimulating reflex points on the feet and hands, which are believed
to correspond with organs, systems and structures within the entire body.
Reflexologists
believe that by stimulating the circulation and autonomic nervous
system, Reflexology may help with the elimination of toxins, improve
circulation and help to boost the immune system, restoring energy and balance.
By putting
gentle pressure on the feet it brings about a state of deep
relaxation, and sense of wellbeing encouraging the body's own natural
self-healing mechanism to 'kick in'.
Reflexology is
not the same foot massage, although some massage techniques are
incorporated into a treatment session
Reflexologists
do not diagnose
Reflexologists
do not prescribe
Reflexologists
do not profess to cure (they believe it is the body that self-heals)
Reflexology
for the treatment of pain in people with multiple sclerosis: a
double-blind randomised sham-controlled clinical trial. Hughes
CM, Smyth S, Lowe-Strong AS. Source: School of Health Sciences,
Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, University of Ulster,
Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland. cm.hughes@ulster.ac.uk
A significant
& clinically important decrease in pain intensity was observed in
both groups and maintained for up to 12 weeks. Significant decreases
were also observed for fatigue, depression, disability, spasm and
quality of life............... Read full report here: Reflexology
Research
What to Expect
On arrival you
will be made comfortable in a reclining position on the couch. After
a preliminary consultation to determine your medical history and
lifestyle, the Reflexologist will examine your feet and begin the
treatment by applying gentle, but firm pressure to the reflex areas
of your feet. The reflexes cover the whole foot, each one believed to
reflect a body organ, system or area. Each of these points is
systematically targeted and stimulated to encourage 'balance' .
Everyone is
unique and may have different requirements, but the reflexologist
will cover the whole body as reflected in the feet - some areas may
be sensitive to touch, but this is normally momentary and any
discomfort will quickly pass.
A
professionally trained reflexologist will notice subtle changes in
specific points: sometimes congestion or crystal deposits may form
under the skin in the area of a reflex point. In this case there may
be a reaction such as a sensation of a pin prickiing but the
treatment is normally quite painless. If crystal deposits or uric
acid are detected, this does not necessarily indicate a problem, but
merely considered to be an energy blockage or imbalance, which can be
gently worked on in order to disperse and bring balance back to the
corresponding areas in the body.
How Many
Treatments Will I Need?
Your
reflexologist will assess your individual needs at the end of the
first session. The number of treatments will vary according to a
number of things: lifestyle, age, sensitivity to treatment, the
length of time the problem has existed etc. There is no hard and fast
rule, but ideally an initial set of four to six weekly treatments may
be enough to get the whole body back into balance in some cases,
after which the situation can be reassessed. Many people so enjoy the
sense of wellbeing brought about by the therapy, that they continue
treatments on a regular basis to keep their body in a healthy state
of natural equilibrium.
After Effects
The immediate
affects felt at the end of a session may be:
Deep relaxation
An emotional release
Light-headedness
A feeling of elation
A deep sense
of well-being
Increased energy
A really good
night's sleep
Egyptian wall
painting from a physician's tomb dating back to c.2330BC depicting Reflexology
Val
creates the perfect environment - it's clean, pysically comfortable
and I don't feel under pressure to stay awake and talk! I can just
relax and enjoy the whole experience
From
a pre-natal perspective, not only did reflexology relax me, but the
baby seemed quite contented too. So beneficial to both mother and child.
After the
first or second treatment your body may show that it has begun the self-healing
process. Although most people will feel very deeply relaxed by the
treatment, and experience a sense of well-being, sometimes people may
have an emotional release and feel tearful for a while, lethargic,
headachy or nauseous - these are often signs that the body is trying
to rid itself of toxins. They will be short-lived in most cases, and
show that the body is responding to the treatment. Of course, do not
ignore any worrying symptoms that you would normally see your GP
with. Refexology can often work well alongside conventional medical treatment.
It is
important that you relay this information to your reflexologist at
the next treatment session, in order to help them in formulating a
treatment plan that is unique to you.
Who Can
Reflexology Help?
Almost
everyone can benefit from the effects of Reflexology! It is suitable
for all ages - the reflexologist will adapt the treatment to suit the
'client' however young, old, frail, sick or nervous they may be.
Although reflexology is normally practiced on the feet, it can be
done on the hands if necessary, so there is no reason to miss out!
Valerie Lowe
is a fully qualified and experienced Reflexologist who holds The
Association of Reflexologists Practitioner Certificate and is also a
full Member of The Association of Reflexologists and Member of The
NHS Directory of Complementary and Alternative Practitioners.
If you
live near Ashford, Kent please email me to find out more about the
complementary therapies I can offer by clicking on the Email box
below or call 01233 623711
Therapists
Enhance your Treatments with Reiki ! Reikicomp
Therapy Gift
Vouchers (For Treatments in Ashford, Kent only) click on the link below:
All content within this website is provided for
general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute
for the medical advice of your own doctor. Please consult your GP if
you are in any way concerned about your health. Complementary
medicine can work alongside conventional treatment in many cases.
