WHAT IS REFLEXOLOGY ?

Reflexology is considered to be a form of ancient Chinese medicine involving treatment by massage of reflex areas found in the feet. Every part of both feet corresponds to a part of the body with the right foot representing the right side of the body and the left foot representing the left side of the body. There are reflex areas on the soles of the foot, the top of the foot and on the sides of the foot and the reflex areas (reflexes) are arranged to form a map of the body in the feet. There are similar reflex areas found in the hands.

Reflexology is based on the theory of longitudinal zones that exist in the body. It is thought that the body can be divided into ten longitudinal zones with five zones on either side of a central line in the body and each zone corresponding to the fingers and toes. Zone 1 extends from the thumb up to the head and down to the big toe and Zone 5 from the little finger up to the head and down to the little toe. Within the zones there is a flow of energy linking various body organs in the same zone. These zones were first described by Dr William Fitzgerald in the 1900’s and it was Eunice Ingham who first described the existence of reflex areas in the feet that are the basis of modern day reflexology. In general, in whichever zones an organ is found in the body, a corresponding reflex area will be found in the same zones in the feet.

WHAT DOES REFLEXOLOGY TREATMENT INVOLVE ?

The reflex areas will be massaged in a particular way using the hands and mainly the thumbs. If the area being worked on is out of balance, a sharpness or tenderness will be felt in the foot as pressure is applied and the degree of tenderness will determine how out of balance the particular area is. The treatment should not, however, be very painful since if the feet are extremely sensitive, a lighter pressure should be applied. Reflexology can not be used to diagnose medical conditions but may be able to determine imbalances in the body.

When receiving Reflexology treatment, in all cases all the areas of the feet will be massaged so that the body is treated as a whole. Reflex areas which appear tender, indicating an imbalance, and those specifically related to the conditions present will receive extra massage and a treatment session will last approximately one hour. Treatment is usually given at weekly intervals and a course of between three to six treatments is normally required. For relaxation and maintaining good health, treatment at four to six weekly intervals is recommended.

WHAT IS REFLEXOLOGY TREATMENT APPROPRIATE FOR ?

There is little scientific evidence to prove the efficacy of Reflexology treatment but surveys carried out by the British Reflexology Association showed benefits to those presenting with symptoms of stress, insomnia and irritable bowel syndrome.  According to Nicola Hall in her book 'Reflexology for Women'  help may be given for 'a wide range of disorders including headaches, migraine, sinus congestion, stiffness in the neck and back, digestive problems, hormonal problems'.   There are certain conditions when treatment should not be given or where extra care is needed and for this reason treatment should be given by a trained practitioner.  Although it is not necessary for a GP referral to try reflexology treatment, reflexology can not give a medical diagnosis and a patient would not be discouraged from visiting their GP.

Therapeutic reflexology may be particularly helpful to stimulate relaxation and reduce tension and to give an improved sense of well-being.

WHAT HAPPENS AT A TREATMENT SESSION ?

Your initial treatment will start with a medical history being taken to ensure it is safe to give treatment and to determine the required approach to treatment. You will then sit back in a recliner chair or on a massage couch with your feet up and can either talk or sit quietly and sleep whilst your feet are massaged using precise reflexology techniques. Treatment involves a firm but not heavy pressure so it will not be uncomfortable. It is an opportunity for an hour of relaxation in a comfortable and relaxed environment.

IS REFLEXOLOGY TREATMENT ALWAYS GIVEN TO THE FEET ?

Reflexology treatment is usually described as treatment to reflex areas in the feet but there are also reflex areas found in the hands and though not quite as responsive as the feet, the hands can be worked on if it is not appropriate to treat the feet and are also most useful for self-treatment being more readily accessible.

Some practitioners may also work on points found in the face and the ears.