|
|
The healing art of reflexology is a holisitc treatment. Holistic is a term taken from the Greek word "holos" meaning "whole". Therefore, this treatment aims to treat the person as a whole being, incorporating mind, body and spirit. Reflexology is also known under the heading of "preventative medicine" and "complementary medicine". The term "preventative" is used because often a reflexologist can detect an area of imbalance via the reflex points and will work to help correct the imbalance thus helping to prevent the development of some form of dis-ease. The term "complementary" is also used because reflexology can be used effectively alongside other forms of treatment. It is important to bear in mind that even if you are in good health reflexology will help your body to function more efficiently.
Reflexology is as much an art as it is a science. Much depends upon the practitioners knowledge and skillful and precise application of their technique. It is a science which is based on physiological and neurological study and will bring about physiological effects to the body during and following a treatment and can provide far reaching therapeutic benefits. Treating the person as a "whole" means that we work to bring balance back across all body systems, rather than treating an individual system, organ or gland, this is because the body systems as a whole work in conjunction with each other.
The ancient art of reflexology is a precise technique applied to specific points throughout the feet (or hands). The principle of this therapy is that the two feet (or hands) as a whole represent a mini-map (microcosm) of the entire body incorporating each body system and including every gland and organ. The layout of the reflex points of the feet are similar in arrangement to the corresponding areas of the body. The reflexologist will use their thumbs and fingers to apply a firm pressure known as acupressure (finger pressure). This application stimulates the bodies own healing process as physiological changes are activated.
Reflexology should not be confused with a basic foot massage or indeed body massage, as it is a precise pressure technique applied in a detailed and structured way.
Who can benefit from reflexology
People of all ages will derive positive benefits as reflexology can be used effectively for everyone without limitations, boundaries or discrimination. Reflexology is suitable for babies and small children, men and women and the elderly.
Reflexology has come back into it's own over the past two decades and many doctors, consultants and other health care professionals recognise reflexology as a well established, respected and effective therapy. People will use reflexology for many different reasons, for some it will provide relief from stress by deeply relaxing both mind and body, others may use this therapy to help correct and address imbalances.
Reflexology has proved itself to be effective, but as no two people are the same, the effects may be experienced differently, but because reflexology treatment works in a holistic manner the effects will only be beneficial.
Relaxation can be a luxury in our 21st Century lifestyles. Even with so many time saving devices we still overlook the importance of allowing ourselves to truly step off for a moment. Approximately 70% of disorders can be related to stress and nerve tension. However, stress is manufactured in our bodies and not absorbed from outside sources. Reflexology is extremely adept in reducing our stress as it expels the suppressed emotions of stress bringing about relaxation of our bodies and altering our attitudes to life.
Abnormal tension leads to tightening of the muscles throughout the spine causing nerves to be affected often resulting in pain. Relaxing this tension will cause the muscles to cease contracting. Blood vessels are also relaxed, reducing vascular constriction and allowing circulation to flow freely, in turn conducting necessary oxygen and nutrients to all the tissues and organs of the body. This in turn helps cleanse the body of impurities and toxins.
Long term symptoms of continued exposure to stress can be fatigue, depression and anxiety. An increasing number of people suffering with high blood pressure, heart disease and digestive complaints is evidence of the more obvious stress-related dis-eases. With prolonged stress the nervous system becomes depleted, the immune system eroded, thus making us more susceptible to immunodeficiency dis-eases.
Few of us can escape the consequences of stress, although not all stress has negative effects. In fact short bursts of stress can be highly stimulating as the human body is designed to cope with short bursts of invigorating stress. It is the constant, long term exposure to stress which can be devastating for our health and well-being.
Reflexology induces a deep trance like state of relaxation, helping to alleviate the effects of stress by allowing the nervous system to function normally whilst freeing the body to find it's own homeostasis. When the body is relaxed it can heal itself, reflexology is a powerful and guaranteed method of relaxing the body and balancing the biological systems. Ultimately the recipient will experience a surge of vitality and overall increase to well-being extending to the mind and the subconscious.
A reflexology treatment will help take you out of the mind-set and back to the senses, in a gentle, supporting and all encapsulating way. Having no unpleasant side-effects, this therapy will help release the mind from it's shackles and bring about a more grounded experience to everyday life and stresses.
Why do people use Reflexology?
Although used often to aid deep relaxation a relatively small percentage use reflexology purely for relaxation or leisure. An even larger number of people use reflexology for a wide range of specific conditions including sub-fertility, back problems and asthma, stress is one of the most common conditions being treated. When used in the treatment of specific conditions most patients do not see reflexology as a "last resort". For many reflexology is being used alongside conventional allopathic medicine and not necessarily instead of it.
How can reflexology help me?
Reflexology can be used to help in restoring and maintaining the body's own natural equilibrium. This gentle and effective therapy will encourage the body to work naturally to restore it's own healthy balance.
Reflexology has been shown to be effective for many conditions including the following:
- Stress and anxiety
- Back pain and muscular pain
- Pregnancy
- Thyroid imbalance
- Adrenal imbalance
- Fertility issues
- Joint pain
- Sleep disorders
- Hormonal imbalances
- Sports injuries and post performance recovery
- Digestive disorders and or problems
- Seasonal or hormonal affected mood fluctuations
- Mental health issues
What happens when I go for a treatment?
Your first visit to a reflexologist will involve a preliminary talk with your practitioner who will be able to determine your present and past health and lifestyle.
The reflexologist will use their hands to apply pressure to the feet. The application and the effect of the therapy is unique to each person.
A professionally trained reflexologist can detect subtle changes in specific points throughout the feet (reflex points), and by working on these points may effect the corresponding body system, gland or organ.
A treatment session usually lasts for about one hour. A course of treatment may be recommended depending upon the individuals health, requirements and body's needs.
Although traditionally a treatment will last for approx one hour, Andrea has created a unique variety of alternative treatment lengths, which will work in accordance with individual requirements (see "Services" page).
How will I feel after a reflexology treatment?
After one or two treatments your body may respond in a very definite way. Mostly, people sense an improvement in their well-being and relaxation. Sometimes people may report feeling lethargic, nauseous or tearful, but this is only transitory and a part of the healing process in itself. This is vital information to feed back to the reflexologist as it shows how your body is responding to treatment. This will also help the refleoxlogist to tailor a treatment plan that is specific to your needs.
Reflexology is always effective and should leave the person feeling lifted, peaceful, centred and very pampered.
The treatment itself is deeply rejuvenatory, bringing an immediate release of tension with numerous positive results and prolonged health benefits.
