Reflexology

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Reflexology is a holistic therapy based on the principle that there are reflexes in the hands and feet that correspond to all organs, glands and parts of the body.

WHAT IS REFLEXOLOGY

Reflexology is a technique that deals with the principle that there are reflexes in the hands and feet that correspond to all organs, glands and parts of the body. It is a unique method of using thumbs and fingers on these reflex areas.

Foot reflexology is the most popular form of reflexology practiced in the UK. It is based on the theory that there are reflex points on the feet that correspond to every organ, gland and body part. For example the right foot represents the right side of the body. The session usually starts with a health, diet and lifestyle consultation followed by examining the feet. The treatment will than begin with some relaxation techniques, than applying pressure to every reflex area with special thumb and finger walking techniques. A full treatment means working on both feet.

Although hand reflexology is less known in the UK it is equally as effective as any other type of reflexology. The reflex areas on the hands correspond to every organ, gland and part of the body the same way, as on the feet but foot reflexes are closer to the surface of the skin. Hand reflexology is usually used at start or end of a treatment or as a stand-alone treatment on its own. It can be also used when the foot is injured or as self help. A therapist can always show you some techniques that you can use between treatments.

HOW REFLEXOLOGY WORKS

Application of pressure to reflex areas on the feet and hands sends a calming message from the peripheral nerves in these extremities to the central nervous system, which in turn signals the body to adjust the tension level. This enhances overall relaxation, brings internal organs and their systems into a state of optimum functioning, and increases blood supply (which brings additional oxygen and nutrients to cells and enhances waste removal). It positively affects all body systems in the body.

Reflexology works along holistic principles aiming to treat your mind, body and spirit rather than a diagnosis or set of symptoms. For instance, if you are suffering from stress, your body may be affected as well as your mind. Similarly, a physical illness can be emotionally draining.

Reflexology aims to rebalance the whole of your being and so may be more effective than working directly on one part of you.

BENEFITS

The lists below summarise and separate out the physical and emotional benefits that reflexology is believed to provide:

Physical effects

Reduces muscular tension
Relieves fatigue
Increases energy or reduces tension
Promotes refreshing sleep
Strengthens natural self-healing mechanisms

Emotional and mental effects

Promotes calmness and a sense of well-being
Relaxes the body and mind
Relieves stress
Soothes emotional distress

Reflexology is thought by some to complement the natural functionality of body systems. The list below summarizes some of the enhancing effects that reflexology is believed to have on the following body systems:

Skeletal	Supplies nutrients for repair, new cells and growth
Muscular	Supplies oxygen and nutrients Takes away waste Relaxes muscle tension
Nervous	Increases oxygen and nutrient supply Stimulates nerve cells Helps repair and create new cells Pain control
Respiratory	Stimulates movement of mucus in lungs and airways Stimulates removal of waste products Increases supply of oxygen to the rest of the body
Reproductive	Stimulates reproductive glands to help with hormonal problems Clears blockages of the pelvic area in females
Urinary	Stimulates the kidneys to function more effectively by filtering and retaining substances Regulates the salt:water content of blood
Circulatory	Stimulates repair and creation of new cells throughout the body
Lymph	Stimulates movement of lymph Helps with removal of waste products Helps fight infection
Digestive	Stimulates muscle action and peristalsis and aids smooth passage of food as it is digested – helps with digestive disorders Encourages liver to pass unwanted substances to kidneys for excretion
Endocrine	Stimulates all glands, and especially brings relaxation, which supports the healing process in all other systems
Skin	Stimulates healing of wounds Supplies nutrients and oxygen for repair and creating new cells

THE TREATMENT

If you have never experienced reflexology before, you may be a little nervous prior to your first appointment. I aim to put you at your ease and will give you the opportunity to ask any questions that you may have.

You will never be asked to undress for reflexology. The only clothing to be removed is socks or tights and your shoes. It is best to wear lose comfortable clothing so that you feel fully relaxed and comfortable.

At the start of your first session I will complete a full consultation. This will involve taking a full medical history; we will have the opportunity to discuss all areas of your health, lifestyle and well-being. This will help me to understand what you are trying to achieve from reflexology and enables me to put together a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. The first session will take approximately 1 hour 25 minutes.

Having built up a picture of your current state of health, I will explain how reflexology works and will then examine your feet. The treatment will begin with some gentle relaxation techniques followed by applying gentle pressure to each of the reflex points. You may wish to close your eyes and relax or you might prefer to chat during your session, this is entirely up to you. However I would advise you to relax.

I will usually work on one foot at a time. Whilst there may be some sensitivity or slight discomfort in places, this is usually fleeting and is an indication of congestion or imbalance in a corresponding part of the body. For the most part, the sensation is pleasant and soothing.

I will make notes following your session so that improvements can be noted at future appointments and we can discuss your experience. I may make recommendations or suggestions based on my findings.

All information recorded will be treated in accordance with the Data Protection Act and will remain totally confidential.

Immediately after the treatment, most people feel relaxed yet energised. Occasionally people report feeling tired, nauseous or emotional – these are all normal reactions and indicate that the treatment has been effective.

Over the next 24 hours you may experience a range of physical symptoms and/or emotions as your body responds to the treatment. Everyone reacts differently to reflexology but any adverse reactions are usually short-lived and likely to be the result of positive healing activity within the body.

It is important in the 24 hours following a treatment to try and increase your fluid intake try and get plenty of rest and avoid spicy foods, alcohol, coffee and tea.

MATERNITY REFLEXOLOGY

Reflexology can be applied safely in all stages of maternity: preconception, pregnancy, childbirth, post-partum and for the infant.

Fertility reflexology

Planning a family is an exciting time for a couple, but it doesn’t happen easily for everyone. Reflexology encourages our body’s systems to work at an optimum level to create the right environment for conception. One of its main benefits is to help balance hormone levels, which can encourage regular menstruation, promote ovulation and reduce the symptoms of endometriosis.

Reflexology also improves circulation, aids the body in cleansing itself of toxins (which creates a healthy emotional and physical balance), assists relaxation and helps reduce the anxiety and stress that some couples can experience when trying for a baby.

A course of reflexology treatments may help with:

Hormonal imbalances
Stress related problems
Pre-menstrual syndrome
Menstrual problems
Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
Endometriosis
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Pregnancy reflexology

Reflexology is a safe complementary therapy* that can support the mother-to-be through her pregnancy, both physically and emotionally.

Reflexology can be helpful with the following conditions and discomforts:

Constipation
Morning sickness
Insomnia
Anxiety and stress
Backache
Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
Digestive problems

Fatigue
Headaches and migraines
Leg cramps
Oedema
Pelvic Girdle Pain (Symphysis Pubis Disorder or Pelvic Disorder Syndrome)

* Reflexology is safe during pregnancy, but I do refrain from treating women in the first trimester (first 12 weeks) to allow the body to settle naturally into the pregnancy. I am happy to provide reflexology treatments during the second and third trimesters as well as the postnatal period. However, there are certain conditions which I would be disinclined to treat, which include pre-term labour, history of miscarriage, placenta praevia (low-lying placenta), hydroamnios (excess amniotic fluid around the baby after 32 weeks gestation), women with a risk of pre-eclampsia or women with a risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Labour

Reflexology can be useful in helping to lower stress hormone levels (cortisol, adrenaline & noradrenaline). Regular treatments in the last three to four weeks of pregnancy may help to start labour at term and can help women cope better with contractions and pain during the birthing process. Research has shown that women who have regular reflexology treatments during pregnancy are more likely to have a shorter labour and require less pain relief.

1)VALIANI M ET AL (2010) Reviewing the effect of Reflexology on pain and outcomes of the labour of primiparous women. Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research. 15(Dec) p302-310
(2)LI C-Y ET AL (2011) Randomised controlled trial of the effectiveness of using foot reflexology to improve quality of sleep amongst post partum women. Midwifery. 27. p181-186

Post-natal reflexology

Life continues after birth and the balancing, restorative and harmonising qualities of reflexology can be an enormous help. The following list shows some of the examples of the effect of regular reflexology treatments in the post natal period:

Aches and pains
Relaxation and rest time for the new mother
Emotional wellbeing (anxiety, postnatal depression)
Establishing breastfeeding (difficulties with lactation, engorged breasts)
Adjusting to the demands of a new baby
Helping the menstrual cycle return to normal.

Your baby is very welcome to come with you to your postnatal session – I look forward to meeting you alone or with your new arrival!

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

“I always felt more relaxed and positive after reflexology with Tekla. She helped me with the physical and emotional symptoms of cancer treatment. She has such an intuitive sense of working that I felt I could really trust her ” MD, London, UK

“I tried reflexology with Tekla about 8 months ago now, and found the treatments extremely helpful for all my health problems from IBS to neck, shoulder and back pain. I strongly recommend Tekla for a holistic treatment that really works.” DS, London, UK

” I have used reflexology for a while now and had had a positive response. The main reason for using the latter is to control stress, tension in neck, head and shoulders and improve sleep. I have been fortunate enough to come across Tekla who had provided reflexology during the past few months. I am very impressed by her skills and depth of knowledge. She would often go out of her way to provide support and information to her clients. What I find rare is her holistic approach to wellness as she is well informed and connected with other health practitioners to whom she is happy to refer her clients for various complementary therapies. In short, Tekla is one of those rare practitioners that I am lucky to have found and Neal’s Yard is fortunate to have her in their practice.” PN, London, UK

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