Reflexology is a complementary therapy based on the belief that there are reflex areas in the feet and hands which are believed to correspond to all organs and parts of the body. Some practitioners may also include work on points found in the face and ears. Reflexology works on an individual basis and may alleviate and improve symptoms such as everyday stress and tension.

During a typical reflexology session the reflexologist will take a detailed medical history. Sessions are usually performed in a comfortable chair or couch. If it is to be performed on the feet, the client will be asked to remove footwear and socks but other forms of reflexology require no removal of clothing. The practitioner will make a visual and tactile examination of the area to be worked before beginning the precise reflexology massage movements. The particular types of movements involved require the application of an appropriate pressure using the thumb and fingers.

Reflexology can be a wonderfully relaxing experience where you can take time out from everyday pressures. The therapist’s expert touch will help you relax which can help improve mood, aid sleep and relieve tension. The result is an overall sense of well-being. Depending on the reasons for you wanting Reflexology.

A short history of Reflexology

The earliest evidence of foot massage dates back to ancient Egypt. Some inscriptions, from Ankhmahor’s tomb at Saqqura, were found and dated circa 2150 BC.

It is possible that over the centuries reflexology travelled through the Roman Empire to Egypt, Greece and then to Europe. It has been written that Mark Anthony gave foot massages to the Egyptian Queen.

Foot therapy was also used in Ancient China alongside Traditional Chinese Medicine where it was used to find energy imbalances.

The Chinese discovered that by applying pressure to certain points of the body pain was alleviated in other locations of the body.

Pressure points are applied in acupuncture and shiatsu and play a major role in reflexology. In ‘Historical Records’, a book dating from the 2nd century BC, Sima Qian writes of a doctor called Yu Fu. Yu in Chinese means healing and Fu means foot. The healing foot doctor treated patients with no medicine only massage.

It was introduced to the western world in 1917 by Dr. William Fitzgerald who was an ears nose and throat specialist in America. Further research by Eunice Ingham, a Physical Therapist, who was interested in his work, started practising foot reflex techniques in the 1930’s. This became better known as reflexology.

How will I feel after a treatment?

Usually after a treatment you may feel relaxed and your tension might be reduced. You may also notice that your sense of well -being is improved. Some other conditions may improve too. However this happens on a very individual basis. Sometimes people report feeling nauseous, lethargic, and tearful but this is usually temporary, and reflexologists believe it is part of the healing process. After one or two treatments you may find your body responds in a very noticeable way. It is useful to give feedback to your reflexologist as this in turn will help them to tailor a course of treatments to your individual needs.

PRICE:

60 Minute Treatment £40