What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is the science or method of stimulating reflexes of the foot, hand or ear that correspond to each gland, organ and part of the body. Stimulation of these reflexes serves to relax and normalize all functions of the body in order to promote a natural balance and revitalization. In ancient times, walking barefoot over rocks and hard ground naturally stimulated these reflexes every day.
Does Reflexology cure diseases or ailments?
Reflexology is not intended to cure diseases or ailments. Reflexologists are not medical practitioners and are not allowed to diagnose ailments or treat disease. Reflexology can be a valuable way of indicating areas where higher stress or tension is present in the body and can assist to relieve that stress or tension which can promote or encourage the natural healing process.
What does Reflexology do?
Reflexology can relieve tension and promote relaxation. Medical studies show that over 75% of all health problems can be linked to tension and stress. Our modern lifestyles not only cause a great deal of this stress, but also do nothing to relieve it. In ancient times, we had stress of a different nature, and due to the ancient lifestyle, were able to naturally treat tension and stress without even realizing it.
How does it work?
There are many theories about how Reflexology works, but the most commonly held belief is that Reflexology acts to relax those reflexes that in turn are connected to various parts of the body, improving lymphatic drainage and circulation as well as relaxing muscles and stimulating nerve connections. Reflexology is primarily a relaxation technique, and while research clearly indicates that Reflexology benefits patients health in both chronic and other ailments, it is not a substitute for medical treatment, and should be considered as complementary to any type of medical treatment. Extensive research on reflexology has validated the effectiveness of Reflexology.
Is Reflexology new?
Although recently becoming much more popular and accepted in Western society, Reflexology has been practiced for thousands of years by Egyptians, Native American cultures and Mayan and Incan civilizations. It is widely accepted in many European countries as an accepted therapy. Modern Reflexology has its origins in the late 1930's, thanks to Eunice Ingham.
Is Reflexology the same as Massage, Acupuncture, Acupressure or Shiatsu?
Reflexology is not the same as massage, which involves tissue and muscle therapy to promote relaxation. Acupuncture, Acupressure and Shiatsu are similar in some respects to reflexology in their use of reflexes or meridians of the body as they relate to the gland, organs and parts of the body, however Reflexology focuses on relaxation of those reflexes through manipulation to reduce stress and tension. The other therapies are based on the belief that 'Chi' or energy flows through the meridians an that the therapy improves the flow of 'Chi' by reducing or eliminating blockages.
What are the benefits of Reflexology?
Reflexology primarily eases stress and tension, which in turn can improve blood circulation, lymph drainage, assist in the elimination of toxins, and strengthening of the immune system. It enables the body's natural healing processes to promote wellness.
Can Reflexology make a condition worse?
No. Reflexology is a non-invasive natural therapy that relaxes the body and is essentially harmless. On rare occasions, release of toxins as a result of the body's natural healing process may result in symptoms such as perspiration, nausea or headaches, however these symptoms are not directly related to Reflexology, and are temporary and not serious.
Maternity Reflexology
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From preconception . . . . to pregnancy . . . . . . .to birth . . . . . . . . . . . . to babies.
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I particularly enjoy maternity reflexology, from helping to create a relaxed and contented mum to be, to turning baby and preparing for the delivery. If anyone has any questions please do not hesitate to ask.
Reflexology, is one of the safest, most supportive therapies for pregnant women through all stages of pregnancy. It energises, giving a healthier pregnancy with a greater chance of a shorter, easier labour/delivery and recovery after the birth. You'll find that your Reflexology session is the perfect opportunity to unwind and focus on yourself and your baby. Pregnancy should be one of the most special times of your life. Reflexology can help to make your pregnancy an enjoyable, memorable experience.
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PRECONCEPTUAL CARE
Getting pregnant is often believed to be among the easiest and most naturally occurring life experiences. Looking forward to a pregnancy, planning a birth and anticipating parenthood can be an exciting, emotional, fulfilling and challenging experience. Both men and women are encouraged to have treatments for individual reasons, for example regulation of menstruation and stimulation of healthy sperm production.
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PREGNANCY
Under the influence of the hormones of pregnancy and the developing life within her, the woman undergoes enormous physical changes. Pregnancy for some is a long period of discomfort and fatigue, but it doesn't have to be! Research has shown that ten sessions of reflexology during pregnancy can reduce the length of time spent in labour, with fewer complications and interventions. The mother and baby recover quicker and are more relaxed. From the early stages of morning sickness to delivery discomfort, pregnancy can be physically demanding. Reflexology can help with relief of the following common complaints:
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Morning sickness
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Nausea & headaches
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Pain & discomfort
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Loss of bladder control
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Backache
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Stress & anxiety
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Lack of sleep & fatigue
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Digestive problems e.g. constipation
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Swollen/puffy ankles & legs
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Cramp
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Breach baby
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Reflexology is excellent in maintaining balance during the rapidly changing experience of pregnancy. The skill of the reflexologist is to balance and harmonise the whole being in preparation for delivery and motherhood.
Reflexology can help to make your pregnancy an enjoyable, memorable experience.
Breach Baby?
Don't worry, reflexology is an excellent way of coaxing baby to turn the right way round. Midwives regularly send mums to me to turn baby around to avoid an elective caesareans.
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And Dad can come too!
The father-to-be will also experience disruption to his everyday life and playing the supportive partner and the worry of fatherhood can be equally stressfull! There are worries about his wife's health, how much this new child will cost, the need to take over some of his wife's duties while she is pregnant. Reflexology can be a key to continuing communication, an important way to express your worries and thoughts.
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BIRTH
Reflexology can play an important role during the birth. Many women have reflexology to encourage labour, especially if they are overdue. Reflexology stimulates the release of oxytocin, the hormone that starts uterine contractions. So forget hot curries and long walks over bumpy paths and use your feet instead. During labour reflexology helps to keep the body relaxed and calm and may be useful for pain control. Basic routines can be taught to birthing partners so they can fully support the woman during delivery.
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CAESAREAN SECTION
For women, who are either planning an elective caesarean or who will have to have an emergency Caesarean, regular reflexology treatments are excellent in preparing the body for this and aiding a swift recovery.
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AFTER YOUR NEW ARRIVAL
Once your baby is born, your lives are thrown into unusual routines; loss of sleep, lactation problems, stress, frustration, tiredness, loss of energy, the list goes on. However, Reflexology can help put all these things into perspective, keeping you calm, in control and helping you to cope.
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It can help to:
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Calm & relax
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Increase energy levels
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Re-balance the body
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Stabilize body weight
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Aid lactation
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Prevent post-natal depression
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Speed up recovery from caesarean
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Improve back pain after epidural
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BABIES, TODDLES AND INFANTS
Babies, toddlers and children have short attention spans and tiny feet! Reflexology is brilliant for small kiddies as they enjoy the attention, it's relaxing for them and they haven't had a lifetime to pollute their bodies with toxins so they respond to treatment really quickly. It is a proven fact that being massaged, touched and caressed is more important to a newborn baby even than food.
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Constipation
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Diarrhoea
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Asthma
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Skin conditions
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Teething
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Ear infections
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Insomnia
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Colds
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Tonsillitis
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Stress
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Excessive crying
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Colic
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