------------ THERAPEUTIC REFLEXOLOGY -----------

A reflexology treatment is one of the most relaxing ways to spend an hour on yourself. It involves deep pressure on the soles of the feet -- a very intense foot massage.  It's almost like having an all over body massage and only exposing your feet! There is no need to get undressed, no turning over, no fussing with towels -- you just lie back and relax.

Egypt 2500 BC
"Do not let it be painful", says one of the patients

WHAT IS REFLEXOLOGY?
Reflexology is an ancient science practiced by many cultures that has been physiologically and neurologically studied  and brought to life once again in the last century by curious and dedicated practitioners the world over.

The science is based on the premise that on the soles and on top of the feet there is a complete map of the human body. There are zones and reflex areas in the feet which correspond to all glands, organs, parts and systems of the body. The act of reading signs on the feet, understanding the client and of applying pressure using thumb, finger and hand techniques through specialized combinations of pressure are an art.

The therapist assists the body through the applied pressure which stimulates all the reflexes, nerve connections and energy pathways that extend from the feet to the rest of the body encouraging homeostasis.  The whole body is treated rather than treating symptomatically isolated problems which is unfortunately often the case.  The reflexologist assists the whole person body, mind and spirit with the object of inducing a state of balance.

The human being is a complex organism.  If imbalance occurs. The result is illness, pains, weariness and indisposition. Reflexology often helps restoring the balance.

Many people take reflexology treatments, even without having health problems. They do this in order to maintain a good state of health, and as a preventive measure.

BENEFITS

Early detection of health problems shown on the foot can prevent more serious illness from occurring later.

Relaxation is the first step to normalisation.  When the body is relaxed healing is possible.

Balances all body systems - an underactive system is stimulated into action and an overactive system calmed.

Revitalizes Energy – it opens up the energy pathways in the body which may be blocked causing physiological changes within the nerves and assists proper functioning of the endocrine and thus hormonal system.

Reduces stress, nerve tension and associated physiological changes such as high blood pressure, fatigue, anxiety, depression, cardiovascular problems,  anorexia, palpitations, headaches, immuno deficiency and infectious diseases, gastro-intestinal problems, and headaches.

Better Circulation assists with the providing of oxygen, flushing toxins, improving the  elimination systems, improves the cardiovascular system and nutrient supply to cells.  Normalises blood pressure.

Pain Control as reflexology interrupts the pain cycle and promotes release of endorphins – natural pain killers.

Terminal Diseases In  diseases such as cancer, multiple sclerosis and AIDS, reflexology makes the patient more comfortable, the pain more bearable and improves the patient’s general condition, activates the excretory organs, stimulates the respiratory system, and helps the patient achieve better control of bladder and bowels.  With AIDS reflexology assists the immune system.  Counteracts the side-effects of drug and radiation therapy.

Pre-Operatively reflexology can bring increased resilience during the surgery if done before.

Crystal Feet Deposits These crystals are broken down and moved by circulation during treatment.

Post-Operatively Reflexology after the surgery is very important as it could help to prevent adhesions forming and aid the healing process.

From the fourth month of Pregnancy related conditions such as back pain, morning sickness, fluid retention and constipation are all things which reflexology may alleviate during pregnancy.

THE TREATMENT

On the first appointment the reflexologist will take a medical case history, in order to establish the pathway of illness and to determine where there are imbalances within the body and what the causes of these imbalances may be.

She or he will do a foot reading where your feet are looked at to determine where these imbalances are and to determine that they correspond with the case history and to see whether there are any additional health signs. The feet are a perfect mirror of your health.  A little crevice can say so much!

The reflex treatment which takes up 30 to 50 minutes will begin with relaxation techniques on the feet and then into the treatment itself, there may be some discomfort depending on the state of your health and where imbalances are located in the body.  The reflex treatment ends with relaxation techniques and the therapist will then advice on future treatments and any other factors which may contribute to your well being.  In chronic cases two sessions per week are recommended until improvements are seen.  Once a week is recommended in milder cases.  It generally takes four weeks of treatment to assist with one year of illness.

WHEN REFLEXOLOGY SHOULD BE DONE WITH CAUTION

Like any other health-care professional we have a responsibility to our clients and in some instances the feet and body need to be treated with care or another health care professional referred.

If the client has been immobile for some time reflexology should be introduced gradually to invigorate the body.

If the foot has stitches we do not work on that particular area. AIDS  we stay away from broken skin and open sores. In hip or knee injures the leg must be held firmly in position.  Diabetics should have something small to eat prior to treatment and monitor blood sugar levels after treatment.  Osteoporosis is treated gently.  An epileptic patient should be on medication.

WHEN REFLEXOLOGY CAN NOT BE DONE

Internal bleeding e.g. from accident or stomach ulcer. Conditions such as swellings of the calf or leg need immediate specialist referral. Also ulceration’s, phlebitis or thrombosis of the lower leg would denote caution on the part of the therapist. Severe conditions (e.g. bad varicose veins in the leg, open sores in the leg, oozing, cracked athlete’s foot would not be appropriate. Fracture in foot/ankle area or swelling due to break or sprain.  Infectious illness – to avoid cross-infection with other clients e.g. colds, flu, etc. In the first Trimester of pregnancy  it is not recommended not because reflexology is bad  but because it is safer for the reflexologist, should there be a complication, the reflexololgist does not wish to be liable.

YOUR HEALTH BELONGS TO YOU
Even though treatments can restore the body balance, you will not seriously get better until there is an overall balance. Your emotional well-being, lifestyle and nutrition are important factors, which all play important roles in connection with your health.

In the reflexology treatment the therapist indicates which factors may be likely causes of possible imbalances. By following the advise of the therapist, you play an important role in achieving and maintaining your good health.

The therapist readily co-operates with doctors and other therapists.

REACTIONS WHICH MAY OCCUR AFTER TREATMENT

The object of all true natural healing is to assist the body to eliminate waste and poisonous matter. When the vitality has been raised to sufficient strength the body will create conditions necessary to throw off this morbid material. The term for this reaction is a ‘healing crises’.

When you have a ‘healing crisis’ it means that the vitality of the body has been increased by the sessions, subsequently creating detoxification. The body will only be able to create the necessary conditions to bring about a healing crisis if it has enough available vitality.

Reactions may be different.  Any reaction is connected to a better balance and general condition. It is impossible to predict exactly how the body reacts, as the reactions are individual. Herrings Law of cure states that “all healing takes place from within, out, from the head down and in the reverse order that they appeared”.  It is important not to suppress these healing symptoms as it is the body’s way of healing and suppressing will create further congestion.

Some typical reactions may be:

• Relaxation, tiredness and deep sleep

• Headaches

• Increased discharges ie. Catarrh, sinuses, vaginal

• Turbid, dark urine

• Increased bowel movement

• Change in bowel movement pattern

• Secretion from nose, throat and ears

• Previous disorders, which have not earlier been healed, may reappear

•  Mood changes

• Painful reflexes in next reflexology treatment (because your vitality was low it caused the reflexes to be dull or seemingly non-existent. To create a painful reflex the body needs to have vitality, or at least the organ or gland has to) Therefore this is also an improvement.

These reactions should not be regarded as worsening, on the contrary they are signs of the treatments showing results, and that improvement is on the way.

A NEW WAY TO LOOK AT YOUR FEET!

Each foot has over 7,000 nerve endings, 26 bones, 107 ligaments and 19 muscles. This type of drugless therapy creates a physiological change in the body by naturally restoring homeostasis.