Many people aren’t aware what Reflexology actually is or what the benefits of treatment are. I answer some FAQs to help dispel common myths and explain how it can help you restore your balance.
What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is the application of gentle pressure to the reflex points on the soles of the feet to bring about a deep state of relaxation, aid the body’s healing processes and restore a state of balance and well-being. Dating back to 2330 BC in Egyptian History and originating in 4000 B.C. in Chinese records, Reflexology has a long history. It is a safe massage therapy which works holistically to reduce the incidence of stress and physical pain associated with lifestyle and a range of health conditions.
Does it tickle?
Firm pressure is applied to the soles of the feet so unless you are extremely ticklish or sensitive to touch it is highly unlikely to tickle.
Does it hurt?
When practiced by a fully trained practitioner it shouldn’t hurt. Pressure is guided by the client’s tolerance and also the practitioners understanding of each client’s specific medical background – which is why we always take your confidential medical history at the start of treatment. Strange sensations may occur when pressure is applied to an area indicating an unbalance, but it should never be painful to the point of being unpleasant.
How can it help me?
Reflexology has been known to reduce the incidence of IBS symptoms, anxiety, insomnia, headaches, PCOS, menopausal symptoms, arthritis, general aches and pains, and many more. It can also be beneficial for pre-conceptual care – helping clients to relax, and to regulate the endocrine system and bring balance to hormones. Individuals respond differently to reflexology, and care is always given to provide tailored treatment plans according to each client’s requirements.
There is no one size fits all for mental or physical wellness, and Reflexology may not be right for everyone, but doing nothing also doesn’t help, so it’s often worth a try! At its most basic level, by increasing circulation, supporting the immune system and providing relaxation, Reflexology is a great way to recharge.
What sort of Reflexology does Pure Holistics offer?
The purpose of our treatments is to help clients restore their balance in a natural and holistic way. Treatments are provided in a tranquil home setting in Brough, allowing clients to close their eyes and relax to get the most from the session. You’re welcome to chat about anything worrying you, but we do encourage clients to ‘switch off’ for at least a part of their treatment to really reap the relaxing, rejuvenating effects of the treatment. There will be no judgement for the snorers out there!
What ISN’T Reflexology?
It isn’t a diagnostic tool. Although Reflexology may expose areas in the body that are out of balance, and it may sometimes indicate illness, it is no way a clinical means of diagnosing a problem. Often old injuries can show up that do not necessarily require any form of present treatment. It rather generates an overall picture of wellness or unbalance. Reflexology is also not a miracle worker – it is a cumulative therapy which aims to bring about a change in symptom patterns over time, with the overall effect of improving health and wellbeing. One session alone is unlikely to completely solve your problems in the same way that taking one single pill wouldn’t. The approach is holistic, and long-term.
Is it just a glorified foot rub?
The opening and closing sequences to the treatment are akin to massage and are used to warm the feet up and relax them, as well as grounding them ready for the end of the treatment – to stop you feeling like you’re floating off! The main part of the treatment is much more than a simple foot rub. Various types of learned pressure are used depending on the on the specific area of the foot and underlying condition being worked on, to dispel sensitivity and restore balance. Reflexology has the same relaxing effects as a massage, and you may well find yourself drifting off to sleep, but it is much more targeted to specific areas of the body via the feet, and the techniques applied are more varied than massage, with specific thumb techniques used.
What does training entail?
The London School of Reflexology is the UK’s most established Reflexology school in the UK offering a ten-month course to qualification. Training for an accredited ABC Diploma course consists of 100 hours of Reflexology practice spread across 60 in-depth case studies, client assessments and clinic notes, followed by a portfolio of written work covering Reflexology Techniques, Principal and Practice of Complementary Therapies, Anatomy and Physiology and Business Practice. Diet and nutrition and counselling skills are also covered as part of the curriculum. All courses differ in the quality of training provided which can make it difficult to know which therapist to go to – location aside.
How to pick a Reflexologist
Before signing up to any holistic treatment, be that Reflexology, Acupuncture or Sports Massage for example, ensure your therapist has obtained an accredited qualification and suitable experience in the field. The best way to do this is to check they’re registered with the relevant industry body – this way you can be more confident that they will be practicing to a certain standard following their investment in high quality training.
For Reflexology the Association of Reflexologists is the main regulatory body and to be eligible for membership your course needs to include at least 100 treatment hours and have a minimum of 49 hours spent in College learning, along with successful completion of relevant physical assessments and coursework (including Physiology and Anatomy learning).