What is it
Reflexology is a scientifically validated alternative therapy with broad similarities to acupuncture in its way of targeting nerves and painful parts of the body to stimulate recovery. For over 250 years folk lore has indicated the benefits of stimulating certain areas of the feet for recovery.
In modern times this system has been reviewed and made comprehensive. It has been found that there is a complete map of the body in zones of the feet. If problems in patients are identified these zones can be stimulated via a non-invasive grip and brought back into balance.
How does it work
The therapist assesses the patient. This is quite comprehensive and should include any observed problems including pain but also anything else including urinary problems, high blood pressure, medication taken and any significant life events which may impact the patient.
The patient’s feet will then be gently examined in the zone of interest. Certain areas of the foot will be pressed to identify areas which illicit pain not found in other areas. This is an indication of a problem area. The therapist then presses and holds this area for a time, repeating as necessary, until the pain and tension in the foot is released.
It has been observed clinically and in scientific studies that quite often an immediate effect on pain is noted by the patient. Acute pain such as knee, shoulder, neck and back pain is often severely reduced and even removed entirely. Sometimes organs or glands involved in excretions become activated, in response to treatment, due to the stimulation of healing provided by the therapy. In more chronic conditions such as urinary, digestive and respiratory problems several treatments might be required to largely reduce problems.
Common effects in response to treatment:
- Sweat excretions in certain skin areas
- Increased and or pale urine flow
- Increased and or scent change in bowel movements
- Clearing of nose and throat
- Reduced re-occurrence of old diseases which have not healed properly
- Relaxed tiredness, invigorating sleep, improved mood
- Potential changes in the period cycle for women
It is to be noted that the above effects should be seen as positive even if momentarily uncomfortable. They indicate the treatment improving the body’s natural healing systems and the excretion of problems.
Applications to improve health:
- Foot Reflexology is non-invasive. The skin is never broken and treatment requires no medication, special equipment or excessive pain.
- Often immediate improvements are observed especially in acute relief of pain.
- Huge range of ailments are treatable. Every body part and body system can be targeted by reflexology. See applicable conditions list below for more details.
- Foot reflexology is especially useful when mobility is impaired and other treatment is unavailable. It is often a perfect supplement to physiotherapy, especially in the elderly due to common mobility issues.
- With limited training patients can supplement foot reflexology by themselves in their own home. More treatments mean benefits more quickly without the need for external help.
Conditions currently treated or helped by reflexology:
- Stress
- Muscle Pain
- Back Pain
- Tension headaches
- Insomnia
- Post-operative pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Arthritis
- Sports Injuries
- Hormone Imbalances
- Digestive disorders
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- Cancer and Chemotherapy-induced nausea
If you are interested in reflexology, require physiotherapy or both; see my website or contact me to find out how I can help. Foot reflexology is my specialty and I have learnt the treatment from the modern founder, Hanne Marquardt herself. In the initial assessment we will examine if you could benefit from foot reflexology and any concerns you have, so you or a loved one receive the best treatment possible.