Foot Reflexology

The History of Reflexology

Widely accepted as the first evidence of the practice of reflexology in ancient culture was the discovery of the wall painting depicting the practice of hand and foot reflexology in the tomb of Ankhmahor (highest official after the Pharaoh) at Saqqara, which is also known as the physicians tomb. This Egyptian wall painting is dated at the 6th dynasty, about 2350 BC. Prior to this discovery it was widely believed that reflexology had ancient origins and frequent conjecture was made about its relationship to and development alongside the ancient Oriental practices of shiatsu and acupuncture. Similarly, North American Indian medicine men are believed to manipulate and stimulate the feet as a part of their healing practice.

What is Foot Reflexology (FR)

Foot reflexology is the practice of stimulating areas of the feet that correspond to the glands, organs and parts of the body with specific hand, thumb and finger techniques. Correct stimulation of reflex areas relieves stress and tension, deeply relaxing the whole body from head to toe. This stimulation is believed to have a positive effect on a person's health and well-being. We know that foot reflexology is very relaxing, and periods of relaxation are important in our lives. This therapeutic relaxation serves to normalize the body's functioning, effectively facilitating the body's healing process, revitalizing and enhancing your total health.

Foot reflexology is relaxing. When you relax, your breathing and thinking slows, which helps to improve circulation, and allows your body to use more oxygen. When you are relaxed, endorphins (the body's painkillers) get to where they're needed.

The body has the ability to heal itself. Following illness, stress, injury or disease, it is in a state of "imbalance", and vital energy pathways are blocked, preventing the body from functioning effectively. Reflexology can be used to restore and maintain the body's natural equilibrium and encourage healing.

FR is not a substitute for medical care. While FR will help enhance over-all health and well-being, a sick person should also seek medical attention.

FR reduces stress and induces relaxation

Most people who try reflexology for the first time find it far more relaxing than a general body massage. During a treatment, your only requirement is to lie down, face up, with your feet exposed. There is no rolling over, no fussing around with towels and sheets -- you stay completely still. This in itself induces a sense of deep peacefulness. Combined with soft music, the treatment will be the most relaxing hour you will have that day! Many people fall asleep during a treatment, and feel very refreshed on waking.

There is much documented on the effects of a stressful life on the body's health. 75% of illness is said to be stress related. This can be anything from general headaches, neck and shoulder tension, colds and 'flu, even through to cardiac illness, respiratory problems and cancer. Reducing stress is the best preventative measure one can take.

Reflexology improves circulation

We all know that blood carries vital nutrients through the body, and also carries away toxins and waste products. One of the symptoms of a stressful life is a decrease in blood circulation. An improvement in circulation will allow the body to receive the nutrients carried in blood, and also eliminate the waste products more effectively.

Reflexology helps the body remove toxins

Other than the circulatory system, the body has other methods for removing waste products (e.g. the lymphatic system and the digestive system). A stressful situation will cause these systems to operate below par. Reflexology has the effect of increasing the flow and movement of these systems by helping to decrease the stress held in the body.

Reflexology revitalizes energy

Most of us complain of 'low energy' from time to time. It can appear as an inability to concentrate, a lack of motivation for things that usually excite us, or a physical feeling of tiredness. FR, in making us feel better about ourselves, opens the pathways to increasing the energy levels and renewing us -- both immediately after the treatment and for several days afterwards.

Reflexology is preventative health care

We are all aware of the importance of preventative health care. Reflexology clients find they are less susceptible to colds and 'flu, feel generally more able to cope with stressful situations, and have a broader, happier outlook. Preventative health care can save a great deal of time, money and frustration!

How can reflexology benefit you

A reflexologist uses hands only to apply gentle pressure to the feet. For each person the application and the effect of the therapy is unique. Sensitive, trained hands can detect tiny deposits and imbalances in the feet, and by working on these points the reflexologist can release blockages and restore the free flow of energy to the whole body. Tensions are eased, and circulation and elimination is improved. This gentle therapy encourages the body to heal itself at its own pace, often counteracting a lifetime of misuse.

The advantages of FR lie in the fact that the whole system, the whole person –physical, mental, emotional and spiritual benefits from the treatment. FR goes to the root cause of a problem, rather than cure a symptom.

Who can benefit from reflexology

Since reflexology treats the whole person, not the symptoms of disease, most people benefit from treatment. The therapy brings relief to a wide range of acute and chronic conditions, and is suitable for all ages. Once your body is in-tune, it is wise to have regular treatments in order to help maintain health and well-being.

What can I expect in a reflexology session

On your first visit there is a preliminary talk with the practitioner. The reflexologist then begins to work on your feet, noting problem areas. As the reflex areas of your feet are stimulated you may from time to time  experience pin-prick-like sensations. These sensations result from sensitivity that frequently reflects the presence of tension in the corresponding part of the body. For the most part, the sensation is pleasant and soothing. Reflexology will relax you while stimulating the body's own healing mechanisms.

If you have never had a foot reflexology treatment before, there is no cause for concern. Certain points may be painful if there is a particular imbalance but the pain will never last long and the overall impression after a treatment is of pleasure and relaxation. For the ticklish minded, the pressure exerted is firm enough for this not to happen.

There are no dangerous side-effects from reflexology but in trying to re-establish a healthy balance, and as the energies readjust, it is possible for the patient to feel a little worse, especially the day after the treatment, before he starts to get better.

At the end of the treatment you will be given water to drink to help speed up the elimination of toxins from the body.

How many treatments will I need

Usually a treatment session lasts for about one hour. A course of treatment varies in length depending on your body's needs, but in general it is advisable to receive at least three weekly sessions before deciding whether you think that the treatments are having the desired effect. Your reflexologist will discuss this with you at the first session. After the first treatment or two your body may respond in a very definite way: you may have a feeling of well-being and relaxation; or you may feel lethargic, nauseous or tearful, but this is transitory. It is, however, vital information for reflexologists, as it shows how your body is responding to treatment.