Reflexology is a relaxing massage that involves applying pressure to different areas of the feet or hands.
Feet and hands can be divided into different zones and each zone “reflects”, or is associated with, a different part of the body. When an area of the feet (or hands) is stimulated using gentle pressure it causes an unconscious healing action in a corresponding part of the body.
Physical and mental stresses of day to day life cause imbalances in our bodies and minds, and reflexology helps to restore our internal balance.
It is so effective that many reflexologists have a history of medical training and have noted how reflexology has helped their patients. In fact, most of the people who were on my reflexology course were nurses or healthcare providers who had regularly witnessed the benefits.
The Benefits of Reflexology
One of the key benefits of reflexology which is prevalent in the way we all live these days is its ability to reduce stress.
When we rush about on a daily basis our adrenal glands are forced to produce excessive adrenaline over a long period of time. This hormone puts our bodies into ‘Fight of Flight’ mode which is fine for a short period of time but they are not designed to be permanently on. In fight of flight mode our bodies shut down all our ‘non essential’ functions and focus on getting blood and oxygen to the important organs, the heart, lungs and brain. This means our digestive system, endocrine system (hormones), reproductive system and immune system get forgotten. They can’t function properly. People start to feel poorly and think it is because of an illness, however most of the time we are actually suffering from chronic stress which presents as digestive issues, hormone problems, depression etc. By reducing our constant stress levels, by slowing down we can restore balance to our bodies and relieve all the associated ailments that go with living highly stressful lives.
Reflexology is a holistic treatment, which means it treats the whole person rather than a single symptom. It wakes the body up to areas of imbalance and helps to restore general well being across all of our ‘essential’ and ‘non essential’ systems. Although it cannot cure an illness or disease it can help the body to run more efficiently which in turn offers relief from things such as:
- Migraines
- Premenstrual symptoms (a trial showed that symptoms were significantly decreased in women who were given true reflexology treatments rather than a placebo treatment)
- Hayfever
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Fertility issues
- Circulation problems
- Constipation
- Fluid retention
- Arthritis
- Stress & anxiety
However you do not have to be suffering with any particular symptoms to benefit from a treatment. Reflexology offers an hour of ‘me time’ to escape from your everyday chores, get cosy and stop multitasking! We could all do with a bit of that!To find out about the treatments I offer click the ‘Treatments‘ link.