What can I expect during a Reflexology session?

A reflexology session lasts one hour.  The client sits with bare feet while the therapist applies pressure by hand to all areas of both feet.  Imbalances in the body are detected as tender spots on the feet and normally these become less tender after a few minutes massage.  However, it may not possible to remove all tender areas with one treatment.

Related Posts

  • Reflexology and Pain Management – Part 2

    In part 1, I explored what pain was, the pain response and briefly explained how reflexology helps manage pain. Much anecdotal evidence shows the benefits of reflexology in pain management and several studies indicate successful treatment outcomes including pain reduction. (See references at end of article). However I would like to focus on one recent study by Dr Carol Samuel and Dr Ivor Ebenezer of University of Portsmouth as this is the first time Reflexology has been scientifically evaluated as a study for acute pain.  The results indicate that reflexology may be as effective as pain killers for common conditions such as osteoarthritis, backache and cancer. Participants attended two sessions, in which they were asked to submerge their hand in ice water. In one of the sessions they were given reflexology before they submerged their hand, and in the other session they believed they were receiving pain relief from a Tens machine, which was not actually switched on.  The use of the Tens machine is equivalent of a sugar pill in drug trials. The researches found that people felt about 40% less pain, and were able to stand pain for about 45% longer, when they used reflexology as a method of pain relief. So if you are in pain now, by not book a reflexology session. References Booth L (1997) Vertical Reflex therapy: results of a reflexology trail in a Bristol residential home for elderly Khan S, Otter S and Springett K (2006) The effects of reflexology on foot pain and quality of life in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis: a case report, The Foot 16 pg 112-116 Brown CA and Lido C (2008) Reflexology treatment for patients with lower limb amputations and phantom limb pain: an exploratory pilot study, Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice 14 pg 124-131 Hughes CM, Smyth S and Lowe-Strong A (2008) Reflexology for the treatment of pain in people with multiple sclerosis: a double-blind randomised controlled trail, The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 14(1) S1-S109

  • 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.

  • Reflexology and Pain Management – Part 1

    Pain is a fact of life, it is a necessary part of being human.  Pain is a universal experience that serves the vital function of triggering avoidance. Pain is not a simple sensory experience, it can occur even in the absence of tissue damage. It involves emotional, social and cognitive beliefs. The four pillars of pain include

    1. Peripheral nervous system or the movement system
    2. Autonomic system, composing the sympathetic, parasympathetic, hormonal and visceral systems
    3. Central nervous system
    4. Psycho-emotional aspects, such as stress, anxiety, fear, social life and memory of pain.
    Physiological pain acts as a warning of actual or potential tissue damage and is usually transient.  It may be accompanied by an increase in heart rate, blood pressure and temperature.  Physiological pain of pathological origin results from tissue damage.  Tissue damage causes the release of neurotransmitters into the bloodstream creating inflammation, which can produce redness, swelling, and heat and further enhance the pain experience.  The area may also be sensitised, stimulating further neurochemical output and resulting in an ongoing cycle of pain - referred to as chronic pain. A growing evidence base for reflexology in pain management.  It is not yet fully understood how reflexology helps manage pain, although current opinion suggests it works on the neurological system through the release of endogenous opioids*. So if you are in pain, why not book a reflexology treatment.   * Sources Stephenson NLN and JA Dalton (2003).  Using Reflexology for pain management; a review, Journal of Holistic Nursing 21(2) pg 179 - 191 Mackereth P (2005) An explanation of therapeutic outcomes of reflexology and relaxation interventions for people with multiple sclerosis, University of Mancherster