Reflexology
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked “what is reflexology?” or “why should I have a treatment?”, so this article is written with the intention of explaining how a treatment works and who would benefit from a treatment.
What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is a very gentle therapy that encourages the body to balance and heal itself. During a treatment finger or thumb pressure is applied to specific points on the feet and/or hands. These points or reflexes mirror particular organs and structures of the body as well as a persons emotional health.
This method of healing goes back many centuries and has been part of several cultures. The earliest evidence of hand and foot massage was discovered in an Egyptian tomb dated back to approximately 2330 BC, some of the medical reliefs contained in this tomb show people receiving hand and foot massages in order to ‘give strength’ and also ‘do not cause pain’.
The ancient Chinese also worked the hands and feet in order to remain well and prevent disease. They developed Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which includes acupuncture, acupressure, herbalism and exercise. At the core of TCM is the theory that our ‘vital energy’ runs through 14 major meridians in the body, twelve of these meridians either being or end in the tips of the fingers or toes. Massage of these areas stimulate the flow of energy and clears congestion of these meridians, allowing harmony in the body.
Foot massage is also significant in Ayurvedic Medicine which was developed in India and is thought to be the oldest recorded system of healing dating back some 5000 years.
Who can have a treatment?
Reflexology can be enjoyed by anyone at any age, from newborns to those receiving end of life care and everyone in-between. As with all treatments there are certain situations/conditions which are contraindicated, if you are concerned as to whether or not you can be treated, give us a call.
Reflexologists do not claim to cure, diagnose or prescribe. Our treatments are very individual and are tailored to you as a whole person. The best way to find out if it works for you is to try it. You should expect reduced tension and feel generally relaxed after a treatment. You may also find that you sleep better and that your mood and sense of well-being improves. You may have other benefits also, but these happen on an individual basis.
Life can be stressful, it is important to take responsibility for our health and among other therapies, reflexology may be one of the ways to reduce the effects of stress on our bodies.
Thanks for reading,
Orla
