I have long been a fan of Reflexology, my first experience was during pregnancy when I found it helped all manner of aches, pains and swellings, and in fact I had a reflexology with me during labour (or certainly just before, when I was at term) for each of my four births! That’s how important I thought it was. As nearly a quarter of the body’s bones can be found in our feet (26 bones per foot) there must be something in it, but it’s much more than just ‘fiddling with the feet’
I asked The FHT – The Federation of Holistic Therapists to tell us about Reflexology – they said…
With its roots dating back thousands of years, reflexology as we know it today is based on the principle that specific ‘reflex’ points found on the soles, tops and sides of the feet correspond to different areas of the body. In this way, the feet can be seen as a ‘map’ of the whole body. By applying specialised massage techniques to the reflex points, the aim of a reflexology treatment is to help restore balance to the body naturally and improve general wellbeing. According to a recent FHT member survey, after massage, reflexology is the most popular treatment with their clients. While most reflexology treatments are carried out on the feet, some therapists also work reflex points on the hands, ears and face.
I asked Miriam Kimche a Herts based reflexologist for her definition, she said..
Reflexology is a powerful therapy that uses massage of the reflex points on the hands and feet to stimulate the body’s natural healing energies. It can benefit many common physical complaints, as well as combat the emotional and physical pressures of today’s busy and stressful lifestyles.
Reflexology aims to treat the individual as an entity, incorporating the body, mind and spirit, working the whole person with the objective of inducing a state of balance and harmony.
Reflexology is based on the principle that the hand/foot is a hologram of the body so different parts of the body can be stimulated through massaging areas of the hand/foot. It has been used throughout history as a means of healing.
So what actually happens when you rock up for reflexology? Miriam says.
A Reflexology treatment is extremely relaxing and allows you time to centre yourself and you will leave the treatment feeling calm yet energised. The first session is usually 75 minutes as a case history will be taken, after that its usually an hour.
During the treatment you will remain fully clothed with just your shoes and socks removed. The reflexologist usually cleans the feet and applies a little oil / natural moisturising lotion and the treatment begins.
Reflexology as a treat can be as and when you feel like it! As a treatment is works well at weekly or fortnightly intervals, and the benefit develops on an ongoing basis. 6 sessions weekly is an optimum number. www.equilibriumforhealth.co.uk
And if you want to further look after your feet, here’s a top tip from the NHS
Shoe shopping? Do this in the afternoon – your feet swell during the course of the day, so buying shoes when your feet are at their largest should help to ensure comfort. ( https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/10-tips-on-foot-care/#shoe-shop-in-the-afternoon )
You can find a reflexologist near to where you live and work by going to the FHT’s site Find A Therapist