Reflexology

Stress is at the root of around 75% of the illnesses facing us today. Sometimes it is unavoidable, so it is important to find ways to minimise its impact on our bodies. Reflexology can really help.
 
Reflexology is a specialist massage therapy with origins that lie in both ancient China and Egypt. It is a wonderful stress reliever and brings about a deep sense of relaxation, which is sometimes all we need to restore and maintain the body’s natural state of equilibrium. In turn this increases the effectiveness of the body’s self-healing mechanism. Other benefits include: improved circulation; increased energy levels; elimination of toxins; and a sense of wellbeing.
 
The theory behind reflexology is that there are reflex zones on our feet, hands and face that correspond to all of the body’s parts, organs and systems. By massaging these reflex zones, a therapist is able to stimulate the corresponding areas on the body and encourage the body’s own natural healing powers.
 
Conventional medicines primarily address the physical symptoms of illness, whereas reflexology - like most other alternative therapies – is designed to identify and address the underlying cause of the illness, thereby alleviating the symptoms.
 
Reflexology is ideal as a therapy both for pure relaxation and for the alleviation of specific conditions. Some of the conditions that reflexology has been shown to help include:
 
Digestive disorders (eg IBS or constipation)             Migraines
Anxiety                                                                              Insomnia
Muscular disorders                                                        Asthma
Back pain                                                                          Low energy levels
Hormonal imbalances                                                     High blood pressure
Arthritis                                                                           Sinusitus
PMS                                                                                   Pregnancy Discomforts
Infertility                                                                          Menopause symptoms
 
 
 
How many treatments will I need?
 
This very much depends on you. If you simply want to de-stress through deep relaxation, then a treatment once a month can work wonders. But for more specific concerns, a course of weekly or fortnightly treatments might be more beneficial.
 
How long does it take?
 
The treatment lasts approximately an hour. It’s a good idea to allow some extra time for the first session to discuss present and past health and lifestyle.
 
Is it painful?
 
Pressure applied to the foot is gentle but firm, and usually the treatment isn’t painful. Sometimes there can be areas of tenderness, however. These indicate areas of imbalance or weakness in the body and need to be worked on, but only within the pain threshold of the individual.
 
How will I feel afterwards?
 
Most people notice a sense of wellbeing and deep relaxation after one or two treatments. Sometimes people report feeling lethargic, nauseous or tearful, but these feelings soon pass and can be part of the healing process.
 
Tell your reflexologist how you feel afterwards, because your reaction to the treatment shows how your body is responding. Your feedback will help the reflexologist to tailor a treatment plan specific to your needs.