Treatments - what to expect?
Treatments last for an hour, however the first session will take longer as it involves an initial 30-minute consultation during which your medical history and lifestyle will be discussed (all information is treated confidentially). This allows me to tailor the treatment plan to suit your individual needs.
All you need to do is take off your shoes and socks and make yourself comfortable before the treatment starts. I will then freshen your feet before treatment by wiping them with tea tree oil foot wipes. The treatment usually takes place in a reclining chair which clients generally find extremely comfortable. Both feet will be given a few minutes of relaxing massage before the individual reflexology work begins. During the treatment, you will be able to lie peacefully or drift off for the ultimate in relaxation. I usually play soothing music to deepen your relaxation but this is optional.
Most sessions involve the feet, however, if you don't like your feet to be touched, or if you suffer from athletes foot which means we must avoid the feet, reflexology can be given on the hands. I use powder to help me gently massage the reflex points on the feet with my thumbs and index fingers; these reflex points relate to the main organs and parts of the body. The treatment is not ticklish; the pressure used is firm but soothing and whilst some areas may be sensitive to the touch, the tenderness is normally minimal and momentary.
If I find subtle changes in any of the reflex points, these are worked on for longer in order to remove congestion or blockages in the corresponding areas of the body, so restoring balance and good health.
At the end of the reflexology treatment, we will have a brief feedback session which will allow us to discuss areas of sensitivity or congestion felt in the foot and explore possible reasons for this. Then lifestyle suggestions are made to enhance the health benefits of the treatment; these will be simple for you to implement, but they are only suggestions and it is up to you whether you decide to act on them. The approach is holistic, treating you as a whole and so taking into account your lifestyle, nutrition, hobbies, medical history, family medical history and deal with the root causes of conditions rather than just the symptoms.
All information given is treated confidentially unless there is a need to share it with your GP, but I will only do so with your permission.
After reflexology, it is advisable to rest and relax where at all possible – you should find you sleep much more deeply that night. I would advise to avoid alcohol for 24 hours after a treatment and to increase your water intake to help flush out toxins.
How many reflexology treatments will I need?
I will assess your individual needs at the end of the first session and we will discuss the best treatment plan for you. The number of treatments will vary according to a number of factors; age, sensitivity to the treatment, the nature of your presenting condition (if any) and the length of time your condition has existed.
An initial set of 6-8 weekly or fortnightly treatments may be enough to get the body back into balance in some cases, after which your individual situation can be reassessed. Some people opt for more regular treatments; say for example on the lead up to an operation in order to have the body in its best possible condition before the operation.
Many people so enjoy the sense of wellbeing brought about by the therapy that they continue with monthly treatments to keep their body in a state of good health & natural equilibrium.
After-effects of reflexology
After a treatment, people generally report a feeling of deep relaxation and calm, whilst feeling uplifted and re-energised at the same time. However, some people may feel emotional, or fatigued, cold or hot, headachy or nauseous, or there may be a temporary worsening of the presenting condition. Others may notice an increase in bowel movements or need to urinate more frequently for a day or two afterwards. This is referred to as a healing crisis reaction; it is perfectly normal and in most cases lasts only a short while. It is a sign that the body is responding to the treatment and that the body has started to heal itself.
How can reflexology help me?
Reflexology is very relaxing and provides an excellent way of releasing stress and tension. It can be used to help restore and maintain the body's natural equilibrium. Reflexology works to encourage the body to restore itself. Its gentle nature makes it particularly valuable in aiding recovery after illness, operations and prolonged periods of stress, as well as helping those experiencing fertility problems.
