What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is a relaxing treatment for the feet involving massage and pressure to points called ‘reflexes’. It is suitable for most people because it is non-invasive and can be carried out almost anywhere and adapted to suit a client’s needs and preferences. However Reflexology can be particularly beneficial for those suffering from stress or tension, sleeping problems and for expectant and overdue mothers and the elderly.
A treatment can be carried out with the client either lying on a massage couch, seated in a reclining chair or with feet resting on a footstool. The client always remains fully clothed and simply needs to remove shoes and socks to give the therapist access to their feet and lower calves. It is a totally relaxing experience, offering the client the opportunity to completely unwind and take time out from the everyday stresses and strains of modern life encouraging the body’s own innate healing ability.
What are the main benefits of reflexology?
What happens during the treatment?
A typical Reflexology treatment can last between 30 minutes to an hour and is adapted by the therapist to suit the client’s individual needs. Before the first treatment the Reflexologist will take time to chat with the client and complete a detailed health questionnaire. In this way a treatment can be individualised to help each client with any health issues identified. The therapist can plan which reflex points on the foot to concentrate on to restore balance to the body. After this initial client consultation a treatment starts with the therapist examining and cleansing the feet and looking for any problem areas. A treatment usually involves a combination of massage techniques and what is called ‘finger walking’ over the feet. This technique of small movements of pressure to the feet using either the thumb or finger ensures all the reflex points of the feet are covered by the treatment. As the feet represent all areas of the body this technique ensures that all areas of the body are treated. The therapist carries out further work on areas of the feet that have been highlighted as possible problem areas during the consultation or can give a general relaxing treatment if no particular problems have been highlighted. Throughout the treatment the Reflexologist may notice crunchy feelings under the skin which can highlight other potential problem areas and these can be discussed with the client after the treatment. This can quite often be surprising for the client as the therapist may identify issues that the client has not mentioned during the consultation!
