If you've been to Edna's Space you know that her reflexology treatments are divine, with over 3 decades of experience evident in every nerve she touches. (Not to discount her facial and beauty therapy skills, of which she has over 4 decades under her belt, but that's another story!) But what exactly is reflexology, and what are its benefits? Or side-effects?
This blog will answer the questions that you might have asked, whether you have experienced a reflexology treatment or not. If you find yourself with more or specific questions, you are welcome to send your query to us directly.
What is Reflexology?
There are many theories about why or how reflexology works, from it being just another form of massage, to what is called Zone Theory. In order to keep this blog short, we're going to stick to the one that Edna was trained in, which comes from China (although similar practices have also been found in Egypt and India). In Chinese Medicine the foot was mapped out with certain areas corresponding to certain organs and/or body parts. Through the application of pressure the flow of QI (pronounced 'chee' and meaning life force, similar to prana in yoga) is corrected in order to remove blockages, increase function and bring the body back into harmony.
Yes, but what does that mean? Well that depends on who you talk to really.
In short, reflexology is a touch treatment based on the premise that the nerves in your feet (also hands, ears, and face, although they contain less) are linked to the nerves that run throughout your body and organs. Through pressure on necessary points, nerves can be stimulated for health and healing purposes.
What are the Benefits of Reflexology?
The spectrum on which reflexology can benefit is quite vast, sometimes on its own (like an over-the-counter-supplment) and sometimes alongside more traditional medical treatments for more serious ailments.
For daily and lifestyle issues the potential benefits are:
reduced stress and anxiety
lowers heart rate and blood pressure
improved sleep (helps with insomnia)
reduced pain
general wellbeing
improve digestion
assists with adrenal fatigue and burnout recovery
For chronic and more serious illnesses, some of the potential benefits are:
pain management (from migraines to illness to arthritis to fibromyalgia, if there's pain, reflex can help)
boosts immune system
boosts fertility
post operation / treatment recovery
cancer treatment management
balances hormones
These are the major areas in which reflexology can help. It is important that you discuss your specific needs with your therapist so that your treatments can be personalised to address your most pressing needs first.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
It might come as no surprise that this question cannot be answered in this format. Most people require several consecutive treatments, and even when their specific needs are resolved, they still come for regular treatments because of the overall wellbeing they experience. How often you come or need to come does depend on the seriousness of the problem. Cancer patients have 2 to 3 treatments a week, sometimes even daily; people with chronic health disorders tend to come once a week; lifestyle and daily issues usually come once a week or every other week; and some people benefit from a treatment once a month.
It can be said with certainty that reflexology is not a quick-fix, that several treatments are required to start and that the specific concern that needs to be addressed will set the requirement for the frequency of the sessions in the beginning. (Which is why we have some great packages to make it easier for your wallet and your schedule.)
Is Reflexology Safe for Everyone?
For the most part, yes. The only exceptions are if you have general foot/circulation issues, a fungal condition, gout, low platelet count (you might bruise easily), blot clots, or foot ulcers. Because there are exceptions to even these, speak to your therapist.
Make sure you see a qualified reflexologist. There are many fly-by-night trainings and people who think that a foot massage is a reflexology treatment. These usually won't harm you, but you will be paying for something you won't be getting, and it does harm the complimentary therapy industry overall.
The biggest red-flag when going for reflexology treatment is when the therapist tells you that you don't need a doctor. Reflexology has always been a treatment in addition to others. We all need several Health Practitioners to keep us physically and mentally fit, and it doesn't matter what your team looks like, but it takes a team. Anyone who says otherwise may not have your best interests at heart/
To Summarise
Reflexology is a treatment that involves applying different amounts of pressure to specific points on the feet or hands. These points are believed to link with certain organs or other parts of the body
There are different theories to how or why this works, but we believe it move qi through the body and brings it back to harmony.
The benefits of reflexology are numerous, but it can assist with general health management, pain management, and assist with managing chronic conditions or the necessary treatments of these.
There are very few people who won't benefit from the treatment
Chat to your therapist about whether reflexology is right for you, how often will be necessary, and what their experience and qualifications are.
Remember that reflexology is a complimentary treatment.
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