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Reflexology is a way of activating the natural healing powers of the body.It creates deep realms of relaxation and peace and this allows the body to balance itself. It is based on the theory that every organ and system of the body can be mapped to different points on the feet and hands and also the face and even the ears. By working these points, the internal organs and systems are naturally stimulated and circulation is improved throughout the body. Reflexology works to relax the entire body, encouraging it towards a state of homeostasis and self-healing.It can help many health problems in a natural way, just like preventative maintenance. It is both old and new and is both a science and an art. There is evidence to show that 5,000 years ago, Chinese, Indians, Japanese and Egyptians worked on the feet in order to promote goodhealth. What connects the ancient techniques with the modern ones is the long-established theory that we have energy zones running throughout our body and reflex areas in the feet that correspond to all the major organs and systems of the body.
Zone Therapy
Reflexologists believe that there are 10 energy zones that run the length of the body, from head to toe, five on each side of the body, ending in each foot and running down the arms into the hands. Every part of the body lies along one or more of these zones and each zone is a channel for the life energy called Chi or Qi or Ki. Working (applying pressure with the thumbs and fingers) any area in a zone in the foot affects the entire zone throughout the body. For example, working the bladder reflex on the foot will revitalise and balance the whole zone and improve how the organ works.
In the early 1900s, Dr. William Fitzgerald, a senior Ear, Nose and Throat surgeon, developed the modern zone theory of the human body. He stated that parts of the body correspond to other parts and his evidence was the fact that applying pressure to one area anaesthetised a corresponding area.
In the 1930s, a physiotherapist called Eunice Ingham (who was to become known as the Mother of Reflexology) used zone therapy in her work with patients. She concluded that since these zones ran throughout the body, some areas might be more accessible and effective than others. She found that the feet were the most responsive areas for working the zones. They are so sensitive, partly because of the 7,000 plus nerve endings and partly because, unlike our hands, for most of the time we keep them covered and protected in shoes and socks. Eunice Ingham then mapped the entire body onto the feet and discovered therapeutic effects far beyond reduction of pain, which is what zone theory had previously been used for. And this is how Reflexology was born.
The Chakras
Reflexology places us in a deeply relaxed state and the body is harmonised as the seven energy centres, known as the chakras, are unblocked. All the systems of the body function more efficiently.
The natural energy flows unimpeded and mind, body and spirit seek homeostasis and the natural internal healing mechanisms of the body can do their own work. It is the body that cures. The reflexologist is a channel of healing through the 'laying on' of hands and the specific reflexology techniques which apply pressure to the feet and hands.
The start of your journey
All treatments start with a completely confidential telephone consultation (prior to your first treatment) - discussion and note taking of medical history to tailor your treatments to the individual and ensure safe practice. The initial consultation lasts a minimum of 30 minutes.
When you come in for your treatment you will just need to remove your shoes and socks. You will be invited to sit or lay down on the reclining couch. Once you are in a comfortable position I'll cover you with a blanket (asking clients to bring own at the moment) and start with relaxation techniques on your feet and lower legs. Please wear comfortable trousers or a skirt. Once I start the reflexology treatment I will check the pressure of the treatment with you and adapt to your personal preference. Some clients like a gentle treatment and others prefer firmer pressure. The treatments are tailored to the individual.
You may feel like chatting, or you may prefer to lay back, switch off completely and even take the opportunity to fall asleep. There is no right or wrong way, it is completely up to you as an individual. If any reflexes are sensitive, I will ease up to avoid any discomfort, but will work the area gently until it becomes less sensitive. If reflexes have felt sensitive or if I have felt crystals in the feet, this means there has been, is or may be an imbalance in the corresponding part of the body and indicates that a reflex is out of balance.
A full treatment takes about 45 minutes and then there will be aftercare and time to discuss the treatment and findings.
Please get in touch to book an appointment or if you have any questions.
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