About Reflexology

Reflexology is one of the most powerful and effective complementary therapies to learn not only to help others but to heal yourself.

Reflexology has been around since 4000-5000 years ago when the Ancient Civilisations of India, China, Egypt and even the Indigenous tribes of North American Indians all had some form of stimulating ‘foot or hand massage’ that would bring about a better state of health.

The longevity of this practice proves its effectiveness, as it has stood the test of time and now with more research undertaken into its efficacy, the scientific results are becoming more robust, with anecdotal evidence of the effects on the nervous system, circulatory systems of blood, lymph and cerebral spinal fluid, meridian pathways and fascia.

It is an exciting time to learn Reflexology as it being introduced into many G.P's practices with patients being referred via Social Prescribing. It is an invaluable tool to be able to treat yourself, family and friends and if you wanted to become a professional practitioner you can make a successful and rewarding career practicing Reflexology.

So what exactly is Clinical Reflexology and how does it work?

Clinical Reflexology is a form of stimulating Reflexology, using authoritative pressure on ‘reflexes’ on the hands and feet which are precise, each one corresponding to an organ, muscle, tissue or nerve ending of the body specifically mapped out to represent every part of the anatomy of the body. The practitioner is focused and has intent on relieving any congested reflexes to bring about a response in the client.

Every part of the body has a reflex on the hands and feet, it is just knowledge of where to find them all. It is almost like nature has expertly given us a microcosmic map of the whole body to be addressed and re-balanced through all of the thousands of nerve endings in the hands and feet.

Reflexology is also a deeply relaxing treatment that stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system to be in charge and promotes ‘rest and digest’ for the body to be able to heal itself.

Essentially, it is not the Reflexologist ‘healing’ the client, it is the client’s own amazing body healing itself. We are stimulating all of the body through the reflexes and if there is any areas of congestion or stagnant energy, precise Reflexology techniques decongest the area and restore efficient circulation of both blood and lymph, improve nerve impulses and therefore promoting the body to re-balance the area itself.

It is an incredibly powerful tool to promote self-healing and restore HOMEOSTASIS (The body’s natural state of Equilibrium) without the use of medication.

Benefits include :

Deep Relaxation
Relieves stress and muscular tension
Improved Blood Circulation
Improved Lymphatic Circulation
Promotes Neurological activity

Effective in Pain Management
Balancing of the Endocrine system

Improved Sleeping Patterns

Boost Immune System function

HOMEOSTASIS (noun)

Homeo = Latin for same/similar

Stasis=Latin for state/staying the same

In Biology, Homeostasis is the state of steady internal, physical, and chemical conditions maintained by living systems. This is the condition of OPTIMAL FUNCTIONING for the organism and includes many variables, such as body temperature, fluid balance, blood pressure and stress hormones being kept within certain pre-set limits. WIKIPEDIA.

To maintain our health and well-being as human beings we need to have a balance of our body, mind and spirit-Reflexology works on all these levels and is a HOLISTIC therapy, treating the whole person, not just the physical symptoms but the mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of the self.

HOLISTIC (adj)

Philosophy: Characterised by the belief that the parts of something are intimately interconnected and explicable only by reference to the whole.

Medicine: Characterised by the treatment of the whole person, taking into account mental and social factors, rather than the symptoms of a disease.