How does Reflexology work?

Different areas of the feet (or reflex areas) correspond to different parts of the body and the whole body is represented.  By working on these reflex areas, a balancing effect can be brought about in the corresponding part of the body.  The right foot corresponds to the right side of the body and the left foot to the left side.   By working on both feet the whole body can be brought back into harmony.

Related Posts

  • Are their any side effects of Reflexology treatments?

    The aim of Reflexology is to restore harmony within the client and instil a sense of well being.   During a Reflexology treatment, some clients experience fleeting sensations in their body.   As part of restoring the body to balance some clients may notice subtle changes in their appetite, changes to their sleeping pattern, dream more often, go to the loo more often or feel tired.   All of these reactions are short lived and the vast majority of my reflexology clients simply report that they felt tired after the treatment and then slept better.

  • I am pregnant, is Reflexology safe for me?

    Obviously when you are pregnant you want to make sure everything you do is safe for both you and your baby.  Reflexology is generally considered safe if you are pregnant providing all is well with the pregnancy and you tell the Reflexologist you are pregnant. Reflexology should be avoided by women with a risk of pre-eclampsia or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and they should seek medical advice before having Reflexology.  It is not suitable if:

    • you have a history of miscarriages
    • you have been diagnosed with Placenta Previa
    • you have been diagnosed with Hydroamnios
    The Association of Reflexologists says, "Nearly everyone can benefit from having Reflexology during pregnancy."  The benefits include helping you cope with the emotional changes during pregnancy plus the physical changes to your body including tiredness.  Reflexology also helps with the side effects of being pregnant e.g fluid retention, swelling, constipation, aches and pains including backache. Reflexology can also help new mothers cope with the demands of their new baby.

  • What is the history of Reflexology?

    A 2,300 B.C wall painting in the tomb of Ankmahor, known as the physicians’ tomb, shows a series practitioners giving patients reflexology treatments. In addition, there is evidence that reflexology was known to some early African tribes and the American Indians. Dr William Fitzgerald and American ENT (ear nose and throat) consultant rediscovered it in the early 1920s. He found that by applying pressure to reflex points on the feet, he could anaesthetize a patient’s ear and this enabled him to perform minor ear operations. Eunice Ingham, a nurse, publicised much of Dr Fitzgerald’s research by treating patients, lecturing and training practitioners including Dorean Bayley who introduced the therapy into England in the early 1960s.