“What actually is Reflexology and what does it help with?”
The other day I was asked the above question, and I thought it was such a good question. It really got me thinking that I assumed that everyone would know what reflexology was and what it could help with.
Reflexology is a complimentary touch therapy where applying pressure to an area, either on the feet, hands, face, ears. For me I mostly work the feet and occasionally the hands. These points or reflexes are sectioned into what we call zones, The reflex areas or the sensors if you like is related to particular systems, glands or organ in the body . E.g – the digestive system, endocrine system, shoulders, elbows etc…
In doing this and working all systems of the body it will have an effect on related zones in the body. Working the nervous system for example will encourage the body to relax and by doing this stress can be reduced and in turn helps the body to come back into balance (homeostasis)
To get technical for a moment… The sympathetic and the parasympathetic nervous system plays a vital role in the bodies response to what going on around us. Our sympathetic nervous system would be our bodies fight or flight response and the parasympathetic nervous system is the rest and digest. When having reflexology the sympathetic nervous system is relaxed and the body is no longer in fight or flight which allows parasympathetic nervous system to take over and allow the body rest and come back into a natural balance.
If all those words were too technical as they can be let me tell you what many of my clients have reported.
They have reported:
– reduction in the feeling of stress and anxiety
– relief from pain.
– improved mood, feeling more energetic and positive
– reduced sinus issues
– improved sleep
– improved digestive complaints
– better focus
– relieved tension in back neck and shoulders
– reduction or improvement in sciatic pain
What to expect from a reflexology session?
At your first session your reflexologist will take a brief consultation a few details about yourself and a general medical history.
The sessions generally last 60 minutes. You will be comfortable lying on your back or seated position.
For the hour you can totally relax, most people will sleep, you may feel some tenderness in the area but it’s not painful. A few of my clients have tried reflexology stating that they have very ticklish feet or don’t like anyone touching their feet but gave it a go and loved the reflexology.
How to know if reflexology is for you?
If you’re looking for an alternative treatment for pain, stress or anxiety, reflexology might be worth a try. Reflexology is deemed safe and effect treatment for all ages.
If you are thinking of having reflexology – it would be best to check with your doctor before having reflexology if you have any of the following conditions:
– circulatory problems of the feet
– inflammation or blood clots in the leg veins
– gout
– foot ulcers
– fungal conditions of the feet
If you’re pregnant, have diabetes or have a pacemaker, you need to tell your reflexologist before the session as they’ll need to take this into account when treating you. If you have cancer, speak to your doctor before having reflexology treatment.
If you would like to try a reflexology session please reach out to me and we can arrange a time that suit you.
Sinead.
