What is reflexology?
Reflexology applies pressure to a range of particular points on your hands and feet that correspond with all the organs, glands, tissues and muscles in your body.
We are all familiar with the classic 'knee-jerk' response - the doctor taps the patient below the knee, and his lower leg bounces up into the air - if you do something to one part of the body you can cause a reaction in another part.
Reflexology applies this response to the whole body. By applying pressure to points on your feet and hands, you can treat and heal problems elsewhere in the body.
Reflexology is based on similar principles to acupuncture and some types of massage - that our bodies are mapped by channels of energy, or "qi" (pronounced "chee'); we feel pain, or generally unwell, when the flow of that energy is blocked in some way. By putting pressure on one part of these channels, the reflexologist sends an impulse or message all the way along it, which unblocks it and encourages the energy to flow freely again.
This in turn brings us back into good health and a sense of balance and well-being, and stimulates our body's own healing responses.
What is reflexology good for?
Many people go to see a reflexologist as they might go for a massage: to help with their general health, and to make them feel relaxed and calm. But because it is such a comprehensive treatment, reflexology can help you in many other ways, with anything from a trapped nerve to depression.
Reflexology is recommended by doctors for a variety of conditions, including:
- back pain and muscle strain
- sports injuries
- stress
- anxiety and depression
- sleep and eating disorders
- poor circulation
- irritable bowel syndrome
- migraine
- pre-menstrual tension
- symptoms of the menopause
- breathing difficulties such as asthma
Before you go
It doesn't really matter what you wear when you go for reflexology, as they will focus mainly on your feet, and then hands. Out of courtesy and kindness of course, it is a good idea to make sure that your feet are clean and fragrant!
Precautions
You should always let your therapist know:
- of any medical conditions you have, and treatment or medication you are receiving
- if you are, or think you might be, pregnant
- if you have recently had an operation or surgery
- if you have had any injuries that might affect your treatment - such as a recently healed broken ankle
as this may affect the type of treatment you can have.
What to expect from reflexology
On the first visit, the reflexologist will chat with you about your general health and lifestyle.
Reflexology is not a foot massage. The reflexologist may massage your feet a little to relax you before they start, but the technique itself is about applying firm pressure to specific points on the foot.
The technique can feel a bit odd at first; it can also be a bit overwhelming. Imagine a pain you have had for years in your shoulder melting away in seconds as someone puts pressure on the ball of your foot! Tension can be released, and pain dissolved, very quickly.
A treatment session usually lasts for about an hour. You will probably get a lot out of a single session but you may want to have several more.
Hot tip!
It might sound crass but wash your feet before you go. Neither you nor your therapist should have to stomach your smelly feet. You'll both be distracted from the treatment if you can't breathe properly!
Afterwards
You are likely to feel very relaxed after a session; you may feel like having a snooze or a long bath, and luxuriating in the feeling a bit longer. On the other hand, depending on your treatment, you may feel really energised. Some people even feel tearful afterwards, just from the release of tension.
Your reaction is not always predictable but the likelihood is that you'll feel much better when you come out than you did when you went in. As with other treatments, it's a good idea to arrange a session when there aren't too many demands on you afterwards. You may not do a good impression of caring about this year's sales targets if you are rocking backwards and forwards on your office chair, singing gently to yourself.
It's better to have a session when you have time off, or at the end of the day, if you can.
Different types of reflexology
There are many types of reflexology. The common types of reflexology are:
- Standard Reflexology
- Zone Therapy
- Vertical Reflex Therapy (VRT)
- The Reflex Meridian Therapy
- 5 Elements Reflexology
- The Morell Technique
Courtesy of the Good Spa Guide
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