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Reflexology

 

The theory underlying Reflexology is that the organs, glands and other parts of the body have corresponding reflex points in the feet and hands, and that by applying pressure to these, balance and harmony (known as ‘homeostasis’) can be established in the body. 

 

Reflexology is a holistic therapy and so works on the principle that the whole body is treated in order to encourage its own healing systems. The right foot and hand represent the right hand side of the body and the left foot and hand represent the left.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The reflexologist can feel problem areas as crystals, gritty areas and also as ‘air bubbles’ in the feet. The techniques of thumb walking, milking, etc are used to work the 7000 nerve endings in the feet, breaking down crystals of accumulated toxins and so clearing the energy pathways throughout the body. Normally these are worked out gently, several times, during a treatment.

 

These tender areas may relate to current health problems, sites of old injuries or surgery, ‘cured’ problems which may still exist but not to a level to cause symptoms, more insignificant problems such as mild indigestion, and future health problems which have not yet manifested themselves as symptoms.

 

What does a Treatment Involve?

 

A typical treatment lasts for 30-45 minutes and clients will usually feel relaxed following a treatment; reflexology treatment encourages a generally healthier and fitter body by facilitating the proper functioning of the nervous and circulatory systems, improving the supply of nutrients and oxygen t o the whole body. It is therefore a therapy which can facilitate more vital energy, help boost the immune system and create a stronger body and calmer mind.

 

 

What Are the Benefits?

 

  • Increases energy levels

  • Improves digestion

  • Sense of positive well-being

  • Encourages body's own healing

  • Improves fertility

  • Boosts immune system

  • Relieves anxiety, tension and stress

  • Deeper relaxation and sleep

  • reduces aches and pains

  • Reduces headaches and migraines

 

 

The History of Reflexology

 

Eunice Ingham, who developed this theory in the 1930s, realised that all the nerves of the body ended in the feet and made charts by mapping the areas of the body on to the feet. For example, the head reflex in the big toe can be worked in order to alleviate headaches.

 

 

The oldest evidence of the beginnings of this therapy was found in 1897, when the tomb of Ankhm’ahor was discovered in Saqqara, Egypt, thought to be dated as far back as 2330 BC. A series of pictures found on the walls of the tomb depicts a foot massage and manipulation to the foot and leg, and also a hand massage.

 

Also important in the history of Reflexology are the Chinese, who believed that each of the organs can be treated by using pressure on the points connected with it. They believed that treating the end of the meridians was particularly powerful, ie the feet, hands and head, which is in complete agreement with reflexology theory.

 

Foot massage was also very important to the native Americans, for whom the massaging of feet was a method of maintaining mental, physical and spiritual balance. This is thought to have been passed down by the Incas, who practised as long ago as 12000 BC.

 

The art of massage and manipulation of the body comes also from Greece, Rome, North Africa and the Arabian peninsula. In 1893, Sir Henry Head, a neurologist, proved the direct relationship between pressure applied to the skin and its effect on internal organs, and went ahead to publish his findings.

 

Dr William Fitzgerald was an ears, nose and throat specialist who, during his research into pain relief, discovered that pressure applied to one part of the body could have an anaesthetic effect on another part. He published a book on zone therapy in 1917, the theory on which modern Reflexology is based and he is considered one of the first pioneers of modern Reflexology.

 

 

Price list 

 

Treatments include: 

Reflexology, back/neck/shoulders massage, full body massage, Indian Head massage (clients can chose to be seated and clothed - or unclothed on treatment bed - oil is used during this latter treatment), head/face massage, any combination of arm/leg/hand/foot massage. 

 

 

 

30 minutes - £20 

 

45 minutes - £25 

 

1 hr              - £30 

 

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