What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is a safe, natural, non-invasive complementary health therapy. During a treatment, Reflexologists administer a therapeutic touch by applying pressure with their hands. It is is a holistic therapy, treating the person as a whole, not just the symptoms of disease.
It is an ancient therapy dating back over 5000 years. In more recent years, due to ongoing scientific research into its therapeutic outcome, it is being recognised more and more as a ‘health treatment’ as opposed to simply a ‘treat’.
Reflexology is based on the theory that different points on the feet, lower leg, hands, face or ears correspond with different areas of the body. These areas are often referred to as ‘reflexes’. It is most commonly performed on the feet. It is believed that the feet are the mirror image of the human body and that different parts of the feet relate to different organs, muscles and glands. Imbalances in the feet therefore mirror imbalances in the body. Reflexologists use their fingers and thumbs to exert gentle pressure on specific points on the feet. As a result treating the feet can have a relaxing and healing effect on the whole body.
The body has the natural ability to heal itself after an illness or injury and Reflexology helps this process. An individual does not however need to be ill to benefit from Reflexology as Reflexology works to maintain homeostasis i.e. a state of equilibrium and balance, in healthy individuals.
Reflexology should not be used as an alternative to seeking medical advice. Refelxologists cannot cure, diagnose, or prescribe.
Duopody
The innovative Duopody Reflexology technique was developed by Sue Alma Evans, Director and Principal Tutor at Inspira Academy and translates to mean two feet as both feet are worked simultaneously.
‘Throughout trials DUOPODY has brought about profound responses from clients. Working both feet at the same time undoubtedly stabilises our basic energy, and diverts our mentally overactive energy back to our feet….helping us to become more “grounded”.’– Sue Alma Evans
Working on both feet together ensures each body system is worked on indivdually rather than one half and then the other half of the reflected body. This means that a Duopody trained therapist (Duopodist) can really develop a treatment plan specific to the needs of each individual client rather than adopt a “one treatment fits all” approach.
Individuals of all ages can benefit from receiving Reflexology. Everyone from babies and children to the elderly. Even individuals receiving end of life care can benefit from Reflexology. Reflexology can be beneficial to most people, whether you would like to relieve specific symptoms of illness or simply aid relaxation.
Why not book a taster treatment and give it a try?
Benefits of Reflexology
Stress reduction in itself has a major positive impact on health. It is believed that as many as 80% of illnesses are directly attributed to stress! The body’s response to stress has evolved as an adaptive process (fight or flight response). Prolonged stress can however lead to tissue damage and disease and can be responsible for a number of conditions. These include heart disease; high blood pressure; high cholesterol; infertility; asthma; headaches; insomnia; obesity; type II diabetes; anxiety; IBS; gastric reflux; depression; decreased sex drive.
In a stressed state the body’s immune system works less effectively as the sympathetic nervous system sends a signal to decrease activity within this body system. By inducing a state of relaxation through working the nervous system a Duopody Reflexologist encourages the parasympathetic system to take over. Working both the nervous system and the immune system therefore give the immune system a boost. The body goes from ‘fight or flight’ to ‘rest and repair’.
The circulatory system plays an important role in ensuring that each cell in the body has sufficient nutrients and oxygen to function optimally and in removing the waste products of metabolism. By working the circulatory system as well as all other body systems a Duopody Reflexologists aids the client in returning to, and maintaining a state of homeostasis (a constant state of balance within the body).
The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins and waste products. Each Duopody Reflexology treatment includes a lymphatic drainage massage. This aids in the movement of lymph fluid and the toxins and waste products that it contains so that it can be eliminated from the body via the excretory system. Lymphatic drainage can be particularly beneficial for individuals suffering from lymphoedema or who have received treatment for breast cancer. It can be used as a ‘stand alone’ treatment if required.
As ones health improves so does their mood and general sense of wellbeing. People are healthier when their body is in a constant state of homeostasis. Several factors including inadequate water intake; inadequate nutrition; sleep deprivation; lack of exercise; and stress; can upset the all important internal equilibrium and tip the balance towards physical or mental dis-ease. Assisting individuals with returning to, and maintaining a state of homeostasis is the aim of a Reflexologist.
Reflexology can therefore be beneficial for a wide range of conditions. Some of these include:
- Adrenal Fatigue
- Allergies
- Anxiety
- Arthritis
- Back Pain
- Chronic Pain
- Diabetes
- Fatigue
- High Blood Pressure
- Hormonal imbalance (e.g. hypothyroidism)
- Infertility
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Joint Pain
- Menopause Symptoms
- Menstrual Disturbances
- Migraine
- Muscular Pain
- Skin conditions (e.g. eczema, psoriasis)
- Sleep disorders (e.g. insomnia)
- Sports Injuries
- Stress related conditions
During your reflexology treatment
You will need to remove your footwear and wear clothing that allows access to your feet and lower legs (unless it is a hand Reflexology treatment). The treatment will take place on a relaxing reclining chair.
Initial treatment:
This will include an in-depth confidential consultation form where I will gather information about your health and lifestyle. All personal information is stored securely. An initial treatment with consultation takes up to 75 minutes. This will enable me to customise a personal treatment plan to best meet your physical, mental and emotional needs.
Subsequent treatments:
I tailor my treatments to meet the specific needs of the individual. Your treatment plan is therefore adjusted as your needs change and as the healing process progresses.
After your reflexology treatment
Occasionally individuals experience a ‘healing response’ as part of the healing process. This can vary from person to person and can include an increased need for urination; changes in energy levels; feeling emotional.
I always advise that clients drink plenty of water after a treatment as this aids the healing process.