What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is a holistic therapy incorporating body, mind, and spirit. If focuses on treating the body as a whole, as it is a magnificent machine with thousands of parts that work together to keep the body functioning at its optimal level. It endeavours to get to the root cause of the congestion or disease and to treat at this level, rather than treating the symptoms.

Regular reflexology treatments facilitate the achievement of health, harmony, and homeostasis on a physical, emotional, and spiritual level. Reflexology is non-invasive and assists the body in maintaining a state of relaxation, helps boost the immune system, encourages lifestyle changes, and does not discriminate, nor does it do any harm. Reflexology thus stimulates the body’s own healing mechanism.

How does Reflexology work?

The feet are a microcosm of the body with various reflex points. The organs, glands and body parts are represented as a reflex area on the hands, face and ears but mainly on the feet.

Pressure is applied to these specific areas, stimulating the sensors, and sending waves of relaxation through the body. It assists in relieving the congestion and eliminates toxins restoring the free flow or energy to the vital organs and systems within the body.

Reflexology unblocks congestion in the electrical system of the body allowing the life-giving energy to flow without being impeded.

It is an antidote to stress and encourages an opening and clearing of the neural pathways. Circulation is improved with contributes to an uninterrupted supply of oxygen and nutrients to the cells. This assists the body to heal itself, bring it to into balance again.

Reflexology facilitates a hormonal balance in the body, helps to relieve pain and with the breakdown of crystal deposits and removal of toxins from the body. It improves the quality of life for terminally ill patients.

How many treatments are needed?

Every patient is unique; thus, the number of treatment sessions will vary according to the patient’s health and reason for seeking treatment. Results are often subtle and cumulative. You could generally see a result after three to four treatments of approximately 45 minutes once a week for short-term conditions. Well-established (chronic) disorders will take longer to treat and may initially require treatments twice a week for optimal results.

The frequency, duration and number of treatments will be determined after the first treatment and during subsequent treatments. The efficacy of the treatments is influenced by how quickly the patient response to the treatments, the commitment from the patient to make lifestyle changes, if required, and the frequency of the treatments. Once the conditions start to subside and the body reaches a better state of balance, the treatments can be spaced out to fortnightly and then to monthly maintenance sessions.

How can Reflexology help me?

Reflexology is known to:

• Act as an antidote to stress and tension
• Enhance sleep
• Improve circulation
• Help the body to detoxify
• Improve gland and organ function
• Restore balance in the body
• Reduce and eliminate pain
• Normalize body functions such as blood pressure and blood sugar levels
• Improve wellness
• Aid the healing process after surgery

What can I expect to experience during a reflexology treatment?

At the first consultation the practitioner will conduct a brief health history by gathering some information for an overview of your general health. This will allow for an individualized treatment plan and to serve as a base against which the efficacy of the plan can be measured. The practitioner will explain how reflexology works and what you could expect to happen during the session. You will also be informed that reflexology is not a substitute for medical treatment and does not treat a specific illness.

The duration of the reflexology treatment is approximately 30 – 60 minutes. Although the treatments include stimulation of all the systems of the body and the corresponding organs, specific areas will be reworked according to the ailments and history presented. You should feel comfortable to communicate and ask questions during the treatment.

Initially the feet will be cleaned with a mild disinfectant followed by some stretching and relaxation techniques to release any tension. The Therapeutic Reflexologist will then stimulate the reflex areas on both feet. During the treatment you will mostly experience a calming and comforting sensation and a general feeling of well-being, relaxation, rejuvenation or even feel energized.

Some reflex areas may be sensitive, sore, or even painful depending on the level of congestion or the duration of the illness or symptoms.

The treatment is concluded with a relaxing foot massage using herbal cream or aromatic oil and finally, deep breathing.

Why does a reflex hurt?

A reflex will not necessarily hurt but could be sensitive. When tenderness is experienced in a particular area, it could be an indication of congestion or a lack of balance in the corresponding body part or associated meridian, crystal deposits on the nerve endings or an injured or recovering area or organ. The pituitary reflex is a common sensitive reflex area. The sensitivity will diminish as the reflexologist works on the area. This is an indication that balance in the area is being restored.

Is a reflexologist able to cure or heal a condition?

A reflexologist will not be able to heal a condition but will be able to assist the body to heal itself. The body will nurture and repair itself once it is released from stress and nurtured with good quality food.