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Telephone:
01283 821580
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Reflexology for Top To Toe Health!
 There have been references to working on the feet and hands in many civilisations throughout history. An early Egyptian tomb drawing depicts what looks like a modern day Reflexology session and the fact that it was found in the Physician's tomb seems really relevant.
Reflexologists believe that every part of your body is reflected in your feet and hands. There are even corresponding areas to be found on your ears!
By stimulating these reflex points blood circulation to every cell may be improved, this means better nutrition for the cells and more efficient removal of waste from the cells. That is why sometimes people who have a lot of toxins in their system from a poor diet, lack of exercise or drugs etc can feel a little worse before they feel better. The toxins may be released into the blood stream through the effects of a reflexology treatment. For this reason reflexologists recommend drinking water after a treatment to flush the system through.
It is believed that Reflexology also works on the nervous system, helping the natural release of endorphins,(nature's pain killers), through a firm thumb and finger press and release action.
Zone Theory that Reflexology was originally based on, hypothesises that the body can be divided into 10 longitudinal zones, five on each side. Zone 1 would be the section from the big toe straight up the body into the head. Any area of the body that is compressed within this zone will affect every other area within the zone. An early article published in the 1900's by Dr. William Fitzgerald (an ear, nose and throat surgeon), stated "To stop that Toothache, squeeze your toe".
Reflexology as we know it today began within the medical profession. It was sidelined into the Complementary sector because, although it was acknowleged that it worked following substantial anecdotal evidence there was more money and less time involved in writing a prescription. The money was not spent on scientific research then but more and more research projects are underway these days to help validate the efficacy of a Professional Reflexology Treatment.
Eunice Ingham was a physiotherapist working in a doctors' surgery - Dr Joe Shelby Riley and his wife. Dr Riley was interested in Zone Therapy and introduced it to Eunice Ingham. It is she who is credited with mapping the foot and hand charts we see today and devising the thumb and finger walking techniques through years of painstaking research in hospitals and with her clients.
Eunice Ingham termed her method of compression "Reflexology" and the name has stuck ever since.
In the United States of America, reflexology grew through the work of Eunice Ingham and her followers, including Dwight Byers, her nephew. It was Dwight Byers who continued her teaching through the National and then International Institute of Reflexology.
In the United Kingdom it was Doreen Bailey who brought Eunice Ingham's Reflexology to the Complementary Health sector.
Today, Reflexology is developing and progressing into a very effective therapy for holistic care.
Exiting new techniques mean that each treatment can be adapted to your specific needs and faster results can be achieved in promoting the body's own healing response.
Research is enabling us to learn more and more about how reflexology works, the power of the healing touch and the importance of hands-on therapies in reducing stress and tension. Stress can be attributed to nearly 80% of all illness so it is imperative that we find effective ways of managing stress.
Reflexology is an incredibly effective therapy at reducing stress, it aims to bring balance to the body, potentially normalising the body's functions and calming the mind.
A good highly qualified and experienced Reflexologist can work out a tailor made treatment plan to encourage the body's own healing response.
The longer and more chronic the illness the more treatments normally would be required. Most people feel the benefits after just one session and the effects appear to be cumulative. The number and frequency of treatments can be discussed to ensure that they fit in with the client's lifestyle and resources.
The average pair of feet will walk about 40,000 miles in a life time, usually without the M.O.T that we insist our cars have!
Just think of a Reflexology session as an M.O.T for the whole body through the feet. A regular maintenance treatment may help to keep the body on an even keel and prevent many of the health niggles that we seem to put up with today.
Allison Walker has been practising and teaching Reflexology for some years and is experienced in Hand, Foot and Ear Reflexology. She is trained in advanced techniques (A.R.T) that require a very firm pressure using knuckles and a stick. A.R.T has proven very effective for hormonal and back problems, see www.artreflex.co.uk for clinical trials and more information.
Vertical reflexology includes part of the session with the client weight-bearing. It is wonderful for first aid, for pain relief and stubborn problems, see www.boothvrt.co.uk for research and further details.
Nerve Reflexology is a very intense form of treatment designed to help with acute and chronic pain. Allison successfully completed a Diploma in Nerve Reflexology last year.
Post-graduate courses studied include lymphatic drainage, and meridian and five element reflexology and Foot Dysfunction and Orthotics.
Allison offers bespoke Reflexology Sessions that may help with:
Stress related disorders including insomnia, anxiety and palpitations.
Hormonal problems such as P.M.S, menopause, infertility, PCOS, thyroid, musculo-skeletal disorders, digestive disorders, headaches and migraines, sinus problems and some foot conditions.
For more information on Reflexology why not look at the Embody website and look at the Embody Guide to Reflexology, click on treatments and then on Reflexology. |
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