What is Reflexology?

It is a natural preventative and holistic therapy which works on precise reflex points with gentle pressure on the feet.

The History of Reflexology

Reflexology was first practised thousands of years ago by the early Egyptians and Chinese. In 1913 Dr William Fitzgerald, an Ear, Nose and Throat surgeon, introduced this therapy to the West. He discovered that pressure on specific areas of the body could have an anaesthetising effect on a related area and he went on to develop this theory by dividing the body into vertical zones ending in the fingers and toes. In the early 1930's Eunice Ingham, a therapist, developed his further into what is now known as Reflexology.

What Happens?

Nerve impulses run through your whole body picking up and relaying information and noting any changes in health and general well-being. These nerves end in your hands and feet.

There is a direct link between a specific reflex point on the feet and hands which relates to corresponding areas and organs of your body. Information about your health is stored, often for many years as crystalline deposits or 'tender areas'.

Every BODY has the ability to heal itself; and by stimulating and massaging precise areas on the feet circulation will be increased and blood will flow to the specific areas of the body.

What are the Benefits?

Reflexology has been successful in relieving many conditions, the most important being STRESS.

Stress is difficult to avoid and a part of modern life, affecting everyone from children to the elderly. When we are exposed to long-term stress we begin to feel fatigue, anxious and depressed.

Our nervous system is made up of the sympathetic nervous system, the day nerve which allows us to work, and the parasympathetic nervous system which renews our strength, helps to induce sleep, aiding digestion, repair and regeneration. When we are stressed the sympathetic nervous system becomes stronger and parasympathetic nervous system becomes weaker causing an imbalance.

The nervous system becomes drained and the immune system depleted making us more susceptible to immune deficiency diseases.

Reflexology can have a calming and balancing effect on the nervous system.

Reflexology can restore your energies and encourage the whole body to naturally detoxify and regenerate.

Reflexology can also help alleviate:

- back pain & sciatica
- insomnia
- headaches & migraines
- menstrual conditions
- respiratory conditions
- digestive conditions
- and many more

Reflexology is beneficial both physically and mentally, creating a feeling of relaxation and well-being. Even for the healthy, as a preventative measure Reflexology can be very beneficial for maintaining good health. Your feet are a complete reflection of your health - a record of injuries, health conditions and emotional changes.

As part of your consultation, you will be shown - with the aid of a personal chart - how to treat yourself in between your appointments, a valuable aspect of this unique therapy. Self-help can assist in promoting relaxation therefore relieving stress and tension. Enhancing mental and physical well-being.

Reflexology suits all ages. It supports both conventional and complementary medicine and is used by many midwives and nurses, also in osteopathy, aromatherapy, etc.