What is reflexology?

Reflexology is the holistic understanding, study and practice of treating points and areas in the feet and hands that relate to corresponding parts of the body.
There are thousands of nerve endings in the hands and feet and by applying pressure to a specific area, other parts of the body can be affected (for instance, pressure to the fingertips affect the head and sinuses).
A reflexologist applies pressure to the point on the foot or hand, which relates to the part of the body that is cause for concern. The organs, which are for instance on the right side of the body, are represented on the right foot or right hand, whereas those that are on the left side of the body are represented on the left foot or left hand.
With the increased pressure, these parts get stimulated and there is increased activity and blood flow to these regions. The natural balance of the body is re-established, thus helping the natural healing process.

Who can benefit from reflexology?

Reflexology is suitable for all ages and may bring relief from a wide range of acute and chronic conditions. After you have completed a course of reflexology treatments for a specific condition, many people find it beneficial to continue with regular treatments in order to maintain health and wellbeing.
While many people use reflexology as a way of relaxing the mind and body and counteracting stress, at the same time many doctors, consultants and other health care professionals recognise reflexology as a well-established, respected and effective therapy.

Visit a reflexologist

On the first visit, the reflexologist will conduct a full personal consultation, taking into account your past and present health and lifestyle. The consultation enables the treatment to be tailored to your specific needs.
In some instances, it may be necessary to gain your doctor’s permission before treatment can commence. All this will be discussed on a confidential basis with your practitioner.
A reflexology treatment lasts for 45 minutes to an hour. As it is the feet that are generally treated, you will be invited to sit or lie bare foot on a comfortable treatment chair or couch. The reflexologist will then use their hands to apply precise pressure techniques to the feet treating specific points, which correspond to all organs and systems of the body.
The reflexologist will then start applying pressure to the different reflexes in your feet. When they touch a point that corresponds to the injured spot, you may experience some tenderness and discomfort.
The reflexologist knows by the tension in your feet where he needs to concentrate his massaging actions. Each individual is treated differently as every person has individual health needs. Following treatment, any significant findings will be discussed with you. As the effects of reflexology are cumulative, many people find it beneficial to continue with regular treatments.
After one or two treatments your body may respond in a very definite way. Most people note a sense of wellbeing and relaxation; sometimes people report feeling lethargic, nauseous or tearful, but this is transitory and is a part of the healing process. In any case, make sure to feed back to the reflexologist as it shows how your body is responding to the treatment. This will help the reflexologist to tailor a treatment plan specific to your needs.

Did you know?

Reflexology is a gentle healing art, which dates back to ancient Egypt and China. An indication that even then the benefits of this therapy were strongly acknowledged can be seen in Egyptian tomb artwork dating from around 2000 BC. This depicts a scene of the giving and receiving of foot massage.

Get the most from your treatment

• Try to rest and put time aside to relax during the week. This will help to boost the body’s natural healing abilities.
• Increase the amount of water you drink every day to help flush the toxins out of your system and help the detoxifying process of your body.

Health benefits

Reflexology has been shown to be effective for:
• Reducing stress and inducing relaxation
• Improving the circulation of both blood and lymphatic system.
• Helps with the removal of toxins and impurities
• Allowing the body to balance itself
• Revitalising energy
• Strengthening the immune system
• Back pain
• Migraine
• Infertility
• Arthritis
• Sleep disorders
• Hormonal imbalances
• Sports injuries
• Digestive disorders

This information has been reproduced with kind permission of Zahra Publishing, publishers of Easy Health, www.easyhealth.ie