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Reflexology Information
What is reflexology and how does it work?
Reflexology is a holistic complementary therapy which helps to balance the body and stimulate the body's own natural healing abilities. The treatment involves gentle pressure point massage to the reflex areas on the feet which correspond with the various parts of the body. Consequently not only symptoms but also their causes receive treatment. Click the image to download a foot diagram (150KB) Contrary to popular belief, a properly trained Reflexologist will not diagnose disorders, but will advise clients wanting a diagnosis to consult a qualified medical practitioner. Reflexology has been around for thousands of years and was used by the ancient Egyptians and Chinese. An American, Dr William Fitzgerald introduced it into the West in the 1920s. The late Doreen Bayly, the pioneer of reflexology in Great Britain subsequently took up, developed and popularized Dr Fitzgerald's notion of "zone therapy". How does Reflexology work?Reflexology helps to balance the body by bringing it back into a state of harmony and equilibrium; the state in which the body's own healing powers can work most effectively. As yet there is not scientific proof of exactly how this happens. It is generally understood that reflexology works on subtle energy channels in the body similar to the acupuncture miridian pathways. There is research by the neuroanatomist Harold Burr and from Kirlian photography which shows that the subtle energies exist. Also experiments by the French researcher Pierre de Vernejoul to show the existence of the meridian pathways. In practice reflexology has proved to be very safe and effective way of helping the body to heal itself. What is a reflexology treatment like?Here are comments from some of my clients: "Wonderful, calming and deeply relaxing". Kathy Ramshaw "Our feet bear so much and Susanna's reflexology gives comfort and healing to my feet and in consequence to the whole of my being". Pamela Bowes An appointment will last about 1 hour. The first appointment will be a little longer as I will take details of your medical history. Everything you tell me as part of your medical history or during a treatment is entirely confidential. After taking your shoes and socks off I may give you a short VRT treatment while you are standing up. After this I will invite you to sit in my reclining chair and be tilted back to a position where it is easy to relax and even doze off - many people do! The reclining part of the treatment involves applying firm pressure to the soles of your feet and more gentle pressure to the top of the feet with my thumbs and in some cases my fingers. Contrary to many people's expectations, because the pressure is firm, it is not ticklish. While I am treating you I either play relaxing music or give you the option of silence. At the end of the treatment your feet should feel warm and you should feel calm and relaxed. In the day or two following the first treatment you may experience a mild healing reaction as the body systems balance themselves and clear unwanted toxins. It is possible that you may feel unusually tired (most people sleep very well after a treatment) or conversely more energetic. You may also feel quite thirsty. These reactions should not be severe; they are quite normal and are a sign that the treatment is working. After the treatment you should drink plenty of water and rest when you can. Could reflexology help you?Reflexology does not claim to be a cure for all illnesses, but many disorders can be successfully treated by the method. These include migraine, sinus problems, hormone imbalances, breathing disorders, digestive and circulatory problems, back problems, insomnia and stress and tension related disorders. In more serious disorders, which may not respond fully to conventional medicine, Reflexology can help considerably with alleviating symptoms and increasing the patient's sense of well-being. A reflexology treatment relaxes the whole body; this in itself helps to promote the body's own healing powers. The number of treatments needed varies depending on the condition being treated. Reflexology is a pleasant and relaxing way of helping maintain good health. Many people who experience reflexology continue to have regular treatments after their initial conditions have been treated. A few people have conditions for which reflexology is not an appropriate treatment. I, or any other reflexologist, would need to know before considering treating you whether you suffer from a serious medical condition or epilepsy, or if you are pregnant. These conditions do not necessarily mean that reflexology is not suitable for you, but your reflexologist will need to be aware of them. If you would like more information about whether reflexology might be helpful for you please email me at susanna@susanna-riviere.co.uk Vertical Reflex Therapy (VRT)VRT is a technique discovered and developed by British Reflexologist Lynne Booth. Unlike conventional reflexology where the treatment is mainly on the soles of the feet with the client reclining or lying down, VRT is carried out on the top and sides of the feet with the client in a standing position. It is a quick and profoundly effective addition to a conventional treatment. VRT allows deeper accesses to the reflexes and has proved particularly useful for orthopaedic or chronic muscular problems, insomnia and ME. It is also effective for balancing hormones and the entire endocrine system. I have attended the Basic, Advanced and Endocrine VRT courses. I use VRT regularly where appropriate at the beginning of a conventional reflexology treatment and have had good results with it. I have also had success in self- treating my own lower back problems with VRT. For further information about Vertical Reflex Therapy contact: Other Reflexology linksIf you would like more information about Reflexology or training courses contact one of:
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