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Complementary therapies: Reflexology
According to the Association of Reflexologists, Reflexology is "a complementary therapy, which works on the feet to aid healing to the whole person, not just the prevailing symptoms".
What is reflexology?What is reflexology good for?
Before you go
Precautions
What to expect from reflexology
Hot tip!
Afterwards
Different types of reflexology
What is reflexology?
The Good Spa Guide spoke to Tracey Smith, Reflexology Support Manager for the Association of Reflexologists, to find out about the theory and practice of reflexology.
"The theory behind reflexology," says Tracy, "is that following illness, stress, injury or disease, the body is in a state of 'imbalance'. Vital energy pathways may be blocked, preventing the body from functioning effectively. Reflexology may be used to restore and maintain the body's natural equilibrium and encourage healing. A trained reflexologist may detect imbalances in the feet. By working on these points, the reflexologist may release blockages and restore the free flow of energy to the whole body. Tensions are eased, and circulation and elimination might be improved. This gentle therapy encourages the body to heal itself, often counteracting a lifetime of misuse."
We are all familiar with the classic "knee-jerk" response: the doctor taps you below the knee, and your lower leg bounces up into the air. If you do something to one part of the body, you can cause a reaction in another part. Reflexology applies this response to the whole body. By applying pressure to specific points on your feet and hands, the therapist aims to treat and heal problems elsewhere in the body.
What is reflexology good for?
Many people go to see a reflexologist for the same reasons as they might go for a massage: to help with their general health, and to make them feel relaxed and calm.
Reflexology may help us to cope on a physical, mental and emotional level by encouraging us to heal and maintain health in mind, body and spirit. But because reflexology is such a comprehensive treatment, it can help you in many other ways. There are some suggestions that reflexology may help a variety of conditions including:
* stress-related problems
* headaches
* sub-fertility issues
* sleep problems
* hormonal issues.
Before you go
It doesn't really matter what you wear when you go for reflexology, as your therapist will focus mainly on your feet. Most reflexologists will clean your feet before starting, so don't worry about your sweaty soles! In fact, it's preferable that you don't have a pedicure just before a reflexology treatment, because hard skin can be one indicator of imbalance.
Precautions
You should always let your therapist know:
* of any medical conditions you have, and any treatment or medication you are receiving
* if you are, or think you might be, pregnant (read more on spa treatments suitable in pregnancy)
* if you have recently had an operation or surgery
* if you have had any injuries that might affect your treatment, such as a recently healed broken ankle, for example, as this may affect the type of treatment you can have.
What to expect from reflexology
On your first visit, your reflexologist will have a chat with you about your past and present health and lifestyle. Your reflexologist will then probably clean your feet, either with wipes or in a footbath, then ask you to get onto a couch or into a comfortable chair. Reflexology can be relaxing, so just lie back and enjoy it! Your reflexologist will use her hands to apply pressure to your feet.
Everyone is different, and the effects of reflexology are unique to each person. You may experience a transient feeling of discomfort which Tracey Smith describes as "a good hurty pain". Most reflexologists will feel a difference in texture under the skin of your feet; the theory is that by working these areas, they will regain a normal feel which may help the body restore its natural equilibrium. A treatment session usually lasts for about an hour. You will probably get a lot out of a single session but you may want to have several more.
Hot tip!
Reflexologists don't claim to cure, diagnose or prescribe; don't use reflexology as an alternative to seeking medical advice.
Afterwards
"Everyone's an individual," says Tracey Smith, "and so everyone reacts differently to a treatment. It is likely to be about what you need at that point. If you've not had enough energy, you may feel energised; if you've been stressed and tense, you may feel sleepy. People have treatments for years and then may experience a 'What was that?!' reaction. It all changes depending on how you are feeling at the time."
Different types of reflexology
There are many different types of reflexology. The most common types are:
* Standard or Ingham reflexology is the type the majority of reflexology practitioners use and what you're most likely to experience if you visit a reflexologist. Standard reflexology and Zone therapy have a slightly different ethos, but if you went to see a therapist and didn't know which you were receiving, you'd imagine that they were the same. Both are types of reflexology based on the theory of zones.
* Vertical Reflex Therapy (VRT) is weight-bearing; this is not such a relaxing treatment as it's carried out while you are standing or with your hands resting on a desk or book. VRT is mostly used as an addition to a full treatment as it's quite short, usually around 10 minutes. It may heighten the effects of standard reflexology and may be useful for sports people and older people as it may be good for mobility.
* 5 Elements reflexology, developed by Inge Dougans, is based on the Chinese principles of the five elements: earth, fire, wood, metal and water, and the theory of meridians running through your body. This in-depth treatment aims to provide total health and balance in your body and covers nutrition, too.
* The Morell Technique is an extremely light treatment -- not suitable if you have ticklish feet! Nor if you prefer a deep massage to a light one. Related reflexology types are Gentle touch reflexology or Chi reflexology.
See also:
* Shiatsu
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