Reflexology

More Than Just a Fabulous Foot Massage!

Reflexology is a holistic, complimentary healing therapy, which works on the whole person from inside out, working beyond physical symptoms straight to their source within the body. Reflexology is based on the principle that reflex areas in the feet and/or hands correspond to all of the various organs, glands, and systems of the body. Stimulating these reflexes properly can relieve internal stresses and tension from all parts, glands and organs, aiding the natural healing processes and, thereby, restoring balance.
Reflexology is wonderful because it is non-invasive, it complements all other therapies. Rather than treat the symptom, reflexology works to stimulate the body's parts, glands and organs to remove the root cause of the underlying issue. We need not even know what the cause of the symptoms are. Reflexology is an excellent preventative therapy. By stimulating the body systems, we can prevent illness before it occurs. Stress is a major cause of illness... so sit back, put your feet up, and help your body to help itself! Reflexology not only positively affects our physical bodies, but has a positive balancing effect on the mental, emotional and spiritual parts of ourselves. Reflexology can be enjoyed by all ages, from babies to seniors!
 

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During the Session
Reflexology is performed with the client relaxing comfortably on a generously padded massage table or reclining in a comfortable chair and covered in a cozy blanket if desired. Only the shoes and socks will need to be removed. The treatment involves light, but firm, compression massage to the specific areas on the bottom, top and sides of the feet. One foot will be worked at a time with the other foot covered to keep it warm. If the session cannot be performed on the feet due to health issues(contagious conditions, etc.), the session can be performed on the hands rather then the feet, which will achieve the same results. No oil is used for this session, but a cream will be applied during the pampering massage at the end of the treatment unless you request otherwise.
During the treatment you may discover that some areas of the foot may feel a little tender. These sore spots will correlate with the problem areas in the body. The reflexologist will ask you to inform her of any areas where you feel tenderness during the session so that she can give this area of the foot the extra attention that it requires. Some people experience quite a dramatic reaction to the first treatment in various forms such as increased bowel movements, cold type symptoms or skin problems. This is a very healthy sign which tells you that the treatment has encouraged the release of harmful toxins from the body. Most people find that reflexology is a very pleasant, relaxing and rejuvenating therapy. Don't worry if you have ticklish feet, the treatment is very precise and quite firm.

Each Reflexology session will last 1 hour. 

Reflexology can benefit nearly all health problems. Although all reflex areas will be stimulated, the reflexologist will pay specific attention to the actual problem area. For example; for migraines, strokes, multiple sclerosis, etc. pressure will be applied to the reflex point in the foot that relates to the head and other correlating areas.


The Benefits of Reflexology Include:

• Promotes Relaxation

• Helps reduce tension & stress

• Induces a sense of deep relaxation

• Helps improve blood circulation

• Improves sleeping patterns

• Strengthens the immune system

• Revitalizes energy levels 

• Increases mental/physical well being

• Improves digestion

• Relieves pain and discomfort

• Encourages the unblocking of energy/nerve pathways

• Stimulates lymphatic circulation

Conditions for which Reflexology can be beneficial include:

• All stress related conditions

• Hormonal imbalances

• Menopause

• PMS / Menstrual Discomforts

• Puberty

• Depression

• Bronchitis

• Asthma / respiratory complaints

• Sinusitis

• Shoulder & neck tension

• High/low blood pressure (hypo/hypertension)

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome

• Arthritis

• Fatigue

• Sluggish circulation

• Pregnancy (after 1st trimester)

• Digestive problems

• Aches and pains

• Emotional issues

• Sexual Dysfunction

• Among Many Others....

How Many Sessions Will I Need?
It is important to note that if your body has taken a long time to become unhealthy and it will take time to put it back into a condition that is more in tune with nature. Each person is unique and not everyone will respond to the treatments at the same rate so there is not a "one size fits all" treatment regimen in regard to Reflexology. The following will give you a general idea of how often one should receive Reflexology but it is not set in stone.
If you have a health condition that is being assisted with reflexology you would probably start with a session once every 3 or 4 days then as your condition improves you would taper your sessions down as you feel you need to.
If you are a relatively healthy person and you're using reflexology as preventative maintenance then you may only want a session once every two weeks or once a month.
Even though reflexology feels so wonderful you'd like to have it done everyday, it is best not to have a full reflexology session more than once every 3 or 4 days.


Reflexology & Pregnancy

Pregnancy, Labour and Post-partum Recovery
Pregnancy, although not an illness, can be physically demanding and for some, stressful. The truth is that it doesn’t have to be this way—many women have relatively painless and easy pregnancies. This is strong evidence to suggest that when the body is functioning well, having children can be a pain free and enjoyable experience. For the body to be healthy, all systems need to be working together; reflexology synchronises body systems, allowing them to operate harmoniously, thus creating optimum health. Reflexology can be used safely after the 12th week of pregnancy.
 

Caution

Women experiencing a high risk pregnancy or the following conditions you should seek medical advice before having reflexology.
These include:
•Women with a risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

•Women with a risk of pre-eclampsia

Common complaints during pregnancy that reflexology can help with:
•Nausea & Headaches•Swelling & fluid retention•Indigestion & heartburn•Sore breasts & cramps•To help position the baby•Fatigue & low energy levels•Reduces high blood pressure •For relaxation •Back aches & pain

• Insomnia •To induce labour•Hemorrhoids•Dizziness & Constipation•Improves circulation
Reflexology also plays a vital role in recovering after the birth. It can help to increase milk production, remove excess body weight, increase energy levels and strengthen pelvic floor muscles.
Reflexology promotes relaxation throughout pregnancy and reduces pain during labour. Research has shown that women who used reflexology during their pregnancy and labour didn’t need as much drug intervention, and the incidence of surgery under general anaesthetic was reduced. Regular treatments throughout pregnancy also help prevent post natal depression after the birth.

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Contraindications for Reflexology

While Reflexology is a very safe therapy, it is to be avoided with certain health conditions:

Local Contraindications (can not work on affected area)

• Varicose veins

• Undiagnosed lumps and bumps

• Bruising

• Abrasions

• Sunburn

• Undiagnosed pain

• Acute inflammation

Total Contraindications (can not proceed with treatment)

• Fever

• Contagious diseases (including a cold and flu)

• Under the influence of Alcohol or Drugs (including pain medication)

• After a recent operation (within the last 6 months)

• Infectious skin diseases

• Athletes Foot

• Warts

• Deep vein thrombosis

• Severe undiagnosed pain

• Diarrhea and/or vomiting  

• Gangrene

• Hemorrhage

• Unstable heart conditions

Cautions for Reflexology – requires doctors written consent

• Neuritis (inflammation of the nerve pathways)

• Arthritis

• Asthma

• Cancer

• Cellulitis

• Diabetes mellitus

• Epilepsy

• Heart disease and cardiovascular conditions (Thrombosis, Phlebitis, Hypertension, Hypotension)

• Kidney infections

• Nervous/Psychotic conditions

• Nervous system dysfunctions (Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Motor Neurone disease)

• Edema (swelling)

• Osteoporosis

• Prescribed medication