Reflexology Treatment www.dochsa.com
What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is a form of 'alternative' or 'complementary' medicine and involves a method of
treatment using massage to reflex areas found in the feet and the hands. Most commonly, the
feet are used as the areas to be treated.
In the feet, there are reflex areas corresponding to all the parts of the body and these areas
are arranged in such a way as to form a map of the body in the feet with the right foot
corresponding to the right side of the body and the left foot corresponding to the left side of
the body. By having the whole body represented in the feet, the method offers a means of
treating the whole body and of treating the body as a whole. This latter point is an important
factor of a natural therapy and allows not only symptoms to be treated but also the causes of
symptoms.
The method has been used for several thousands of years and is known to have been
practised in a similar manner by the Chinese and the Egyptians. More recently, Reflexology
was described in the form in which it is now known by the late Eunice Ingham, an American
lady, who based her method of treatment on work called 'Zone Therapy' which had been
described some years earlier in the 1920's by an American, Dr. William Fitzgerald. The main
pioneer of Reflexology in Great Britain was the late Doreen Bayly who introduced the method
in the early 1960's and whose great determination to stimulate awareness and interest in the
method should not be forgotten.
Reflexology does not claim to be a 'cure-all' but numerous different disorders have been
successfully treated by this method. These disorders include such things as migraine, sinus
problems, hormonal imbalances, breathing disorders, digestive problems, circulatory
problems, back problems and tension and stress. Most people who have experienced
treatment would agree that the method can be most beneficial and is also a very relaxing
therapy.
What To Expect From Reflexology Treatment?
When first visiting a Reflexology practitioner, a detailed medical history will be taken. The
patient will then be seated in some form of recliner chair or similar sitting position and will be
asked to remove the shoes and socks.
The practitioner will initially examine the feet before commencing with the precise massage
movement. The particular type of massage involved requires the application of a firm
pressure using the side and end of the thumb. In some instances, the fingers may also be
employed.
All areas on both feet will be massaged. Areas corresponding to parts of the body which are
out of balance will feel uncomfortable or tender when massaged and the degree of
tenderness will indicate the degree of imbalance. The sensitivity of the feet varies from
person to person and the trained practitioner will understand the correct pressure to apply and
how to interpret the tendernesses felt. The massage should not be very uncomfortable to even
the most sensitive of feet.
The full treatment session will last approximately three-quarters of an hour and at the end of a
session the feet should feel warm and the patient relaxed. The number of treatment sessions
required will vary depending on the condition being treated.
Following treatment, it is sometimes possible that the eliminating systems of the body
become more active in order to rid the body of unwanted toxic matter. However, if treatment
is correctly applied, these reactions should not be severe.
Reflexology is a particularly pleasant means of treatment and a means of maintaining the
body in good health.
Who Can Benefit From Reflexology?
Since Reflexology treats the whole person, not just the symptoms of disease, most people
benefit from treatment. Reflexology is suitable for:
Acute and chronic conditions
Stress related conditions
Sleep disorders
Children and adults
Sports injuries
Preventative therapy
Indeed Reflexology can benefit almost everyone. An increasing number of people are using
this safe, natural therapy as a way of relaxing, balancing and harmonising the body.
