What is Reflexology?

Reflexology or Zone therapy as it is also know, has been used for thousands of years to help rebalance the body and mind. It is thought to have first been used in ancient Egypt where pictures on the tombs show treatment taking place. However, all through history, examples of reflexology is referenced for the treatment of muscular and emotional imbalances. The treatment is based on the different zones and energy channels in the feet that co-ordinate with the entire body. When pressure is applied to these areas it stimulates the movement of energy along the nerve channels and helps create balance across the whole body. Although reflexology is carried out on the feet, the whole body is treated and endorphins are produced helping to relax you. It is key that reflexology is tailored to your physical needs and emotional concerns so that we can achieve the optimum results.

Our bodies are incredibly complex and help us to function on a daily basis. When one of the bodily systems isn’t functioning at its full capability it can cause discomfort, pain and stress. Our bodies are affected by illness, stress, injury and pregnancy. Clearing blockages in energy pathways helps the body to heal itself. Many conditions can be improved with a course of treatments such as digestive problems like IBS, chronic back-ache and helping improve migraines and tension in the body.

There are 7,000-7,200 nerve endings in the human foot, and each of these is a reflex point that corresponds to a body part. Reflexology uses special finger/thumb manipulations to stimulate reflex points, which will stimulate the flow of energy to the corresponding body part. This gradually helps to restore homeostasis and stimulate the body’s ability to heal itself, physically and emotionally.

After one treatment you should feel relaxed and more balanced however, to achieve long- term results you may need several treatments to help create harmony within the body. It is normal to experience an emotional release after a treatment which can help restore order to the body and how you feel mentally.

Reflexology can be hugely beneficial for couples trying to get pregnant and during your pregnancy (over 12 weeks). When trying to conceive you can often feel anxious and stressed which has a knock on effect to the balance in the body making it potentially harder to achieve your goal. Reflexology can help keep the body balanced and you feeling calm.

During pregnancy reflexology can help improve a variety of discomforts and conditions such as morning sickness, water retention, insomnia and back ache. It is also great in helping to prepare the body for labour, whilst leaving you blissfully relaxed.

Post-natal, there is research to show that reflexology can help with maintaining or increasing milk flow and coping with the demands of a new baby.