Reflexology
What is it?
Foot reflexology is based on the premise that the feet are mini maps of the body and every reflex area on the foot relates to a part of the body. The philosophy behind the treatment is likened to Traditional Chinese Medicine whereby working on the principle that illness occurs when there are blockages and or imbalances in the body’s energy channels or meridians. A reflexology practitioner will experience this in different ways such as sensations in the reflexes of a gritty feeling or differences in the texture in the tissue. The reflexology practitioner will apply movement and pressure, assisting to disperse the congestion and help encourage the body to work naturally to restore its own healthy balance.
The experience is generally that of deep relaxation and well being.
What is its pedigree?
“Because of the parallel evolution of reflexology worldwide, no one culture is given sole credit for its development.”
Xanthe Ashton, Reflexologist
Reflexology has an esteemed history and has been practiced in China and India for over 5000 years. The oldest evidence for it has been found in Eygypt dating back to 2330BC, it has also been found to have been used by some Native American tribes and some nomadic tribes in Africa.
The reflexology that is known and used today has its origins from European medical doctors in the 1500’s, it was developed further by an American doctor in the early 1900’s and termed zone therapy. The method continued to be developed and used with great results but it was physiotherapist Eunice Ingham who was the first to describe reflexology in its modern form. Having access to hundreds of patients she was able to map out and refine exact reflexes on the hands and feet.
How the treatment works?
In order to obtain and maintain good health there must be an open flow of qi, prana or vital energy. Homeostasis and self healing in the body may be encouraged to take place by the alternating finger and thumb pressure on the hands and feet.
As reflexology techniques are practiced it stimulates the nervous system which is linked to every organ, gland and to all parts of our anatomy. It increases blood circulation, helping nutrients and oxygen get to the cells and taking toxins away. It improves lymph flow aiding the immune system. It stimulates the release of endorphins into the blood stream, giving relief from pain and elevating mood.
Reflexology brings about a state of deep relaxation, which re-vitalises, detoxifies and stimulates the immune system, returning the body systems to a state of natural equilibrium.
Response to treatments may be experienced as a sense of well being and relaxation, sometimes people describe feeling lethargic, nauseous or tearful, but this is passing and is part of the healing process. It is integral to share this with your practitioner as it shows how your body is responding to treatment.
Why choose reflexology for your health management?
Reflexology is a very safe yet effective method of treatment to overcome discomfort, disease or disharmony albeit mental physical or emotional, giving it recognition of a valid form of health care.
Reflexology may assist in the treatment of many conditions such as:
• Gastrointestinal disorders - IBS.
• Headaches & sinus disorders.
• Hormonal conditions - thyroid.
• High/Low blood pressure.
• Cystitis.
• Pregnancy, childbirth & infertility.
• Decreased body immunity & delayed healing.
• Musculo-skeletal disorders.
• Sleep disorders.
• Stress, anxiety & depression
and many others.
Reflexology should not be used as an alternative to seeking medical advice.
When should treatment not be given?
• Infections of the feet should be cleared up before treatments are given.
• If under the influence of alcohol or elicit drugs.
• Contagious diseases.
• 1st trimester of pregnancy.
• Unstable pregnancies.
• Caution should be exercised with deep vein thrombosis and close liaison with a GP is necessary.
Sydney Reflexologist
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Cosmetic Acupuncture
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