FOOT REFLEXOLOGY
What is Foot Reflexology?
Reflexology is a non-invasive complementary health therapy that can be effective in promoting deep relaxation, wellbeing and reducing stress. This in turn can optimise good health and build resilience. It is a touch therapy that is based on the theory that different points on the feet, hands, face or ears correspond with different areas of the body and reflexologists work these points and areas.
History
Whilst the art of reflexology dates back to Ancient Egypt, India and China, this therapy was not introduced to the West until Dr William Fitzgerald developed ‘Zone therapy’ in the early 1900s. He believed that reflex areas on the feet and hands were linked to other areas and organs of the body within the same zone.
In the 1930’s, Eunice Ingham further developed this zone therapy into what is known as reflexology. Her opinion was that congestion or tension in any part of the foot is mirrored in the corresponding part of the body.
What happens during a treatment?
A full medical history will be taken on your initial appointment, and you will be asked to sign a consent form for treatment. This information will be kept confidential. Depending on the type of reflexology, the most clothing that will have to be removed will be your socks and shoes.
The therapist will use their hands to apply pressure to the feet, hands, ears or face, depending on the type of reflexology chosen. You may feel areas of slight tenderness during the treatment, but generally the experience should be relaxing. It is useful to give feedback to your reflexologist as this may show the response of your body to treatment.
The therapist may recommend a course of treatments.
Benefits
Deeply relax body and mind
Improve mood and wellbeing
Tension relief
Aids sleep
Revitalising
Improves circulation
Reduce stress in body
Stimulate sluggish organs
