• A History of Reflexology
  
• What is Reflexology?
  
• How does Reflexology work?
  
• Why choose Reflexology?
  
• What you can expect during a treatment
  
• What can you feel during a treatment

A History of Reflexology
A form of acupressure was practised in India and China 3-5,000 years ago. Pictures of physicians with hands on feet were found in the tombs of Egypt. Also, the Cherokee Idians of North Carolina have concentrated on the feet in healing, believing that the feet, which walk on earth, connect the spirit to the universe. A European form of reflexology was practiced as early as the 14th century and was used by both rich and the poor.

But reflexology as we know it today was introduced at the beginning of this century by an American ear, nose and throat specialist Dr William Fitzgerald who founded the zone therapy. This concept was developed further by a fellow American, a therapist, Eunice Ingham, who is regarded as the pioneer of Reflexology in its modern form. Further developments continued and in 1960 reflexology was introduced to Great Britain by Mrs Doreen Bayly, a nurse by background. Nephew of Eunice Ingham, Dwight Byers is the President of the International Institute of Reflexology and continues to teach the orginal Ingham Method  (return to the top)

How Does Reflexology Work?
Reflexology works on a system of energy zones throughout the body ending in the feet and the hands. It is possible to detect imbalances in these energyzones and to correct the flow of energy within the zone by working on the reflex areas in the feet or hands.

When reflex areas are worked on there is an increase in the blood circulation to the corresponding part of the body and this is beneficial since it is through the blood circulation that the various parts of the body receive their supply of nutrients, and the blood also carries away from the areas waste products which can then be removed from the body through one of the eliminating systems. It is possible to reduce the nerve tension present in the corresponding parts of the body by working on the reflex areas. It is thought that a large percentage of all disorders are due to nervous tension. (return to the top)

Why Choose Reflexology?
Reflexology is a preventive medicine, enabling problems to be discovered and treated before they become chronic; but it is also used for those suffering or recovering from illness, stress, injury or disease. At this time the body is in a state of imbalance with vital energy pathways blocked, preventing the body from functioning correctly. The treatment can be used to restore and maintain the body's natural equilibrium and encourage healing. The treatment works well with other forms of medicine. People on prescribed drugs or other medical treatment, for instance, find that it reduces or eliminates side effects and so enhances the benefits of orthodox medicine and it has been known to stimulate healing after surgery. Reflexology does not claim to be a `cure all' but good results are obtained with asthma, headaches, hormonal imbalances, breathing disorders, digestive, circulatory, menstrual and back problems and tension and stress conditions. (return to the top)

What You Can Expect During a Treatment

During a foot reflexology treatment you will be asked to sit in a reclining chair with your feet towards the therapist.

During a hand reflexology treatment, you will be asked to sit in a 'kneeling chair', which supports your whole body weight and allows you to present your hands to the therapist.  The therapist will cleanse your feet or hands and then work on one foot or hand at a time applying pressure to all of the reflexes.

Reflexology is not a typical massage and you may feel slight discomfort as imbalanced reflexes are touched. Some people find reflexology extremely relaxing, so don't worry if you fall asleep during the treatment!  Treatment usually lasts for approximately one hour and a few treatments may be necessary as the benefits of Reflexology build up gently and gradually. Weekly treatments are usually recommended and the number of treatments will depend on each patient's individual requirements. As with some other complementary medicines, where the body is being assisted in healing itself, some reactions may occur. A patient may feel lethargic or emotional; develop a cold or a skin rash. These reactions are temporary and a sign that the body is going through the natural healing process, clearing out toxins and working towards its own balance. Other patients may have a positive reaction, with an increased feeling of vitality and well-being. It is very relaxing and suitable for all ages from a young baby to a frail elderly person. (return to the top)

What Can You Feel During A Treatment?
Grainy crystal deposits, which may cause pain during treatment, maybe felt in the nerve endings of the feet. These are believed to be calcium deposits which have settled beneath the skin surface at nerve endings. Excess acidity in the bloodstream increases calcium deposits in the nerve endings of any organ in the body. These deposits develop into acid crystals which can impede good blood circulation. The feet are the prime areas of congestion, due to the amount of nerve endings, shoes restrict natural movement and the normal nerve and blood supply to the feet is slowed down.  Again, as the feet are at the end point of circulation, congestion and force of gravity impede the flow and toxins will tend to stagnate. Crystals can be broken down by reflexology and the residue removed by the blood. (return to the top)

Nia is an AoR qualified Reflexologist

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