Reflexology is a natural holistic therapy which encourages the body’s own healing processes on a physical and emotional level, bringing the mind, body and spirit into harmony with each other.

It is an ancient healing technique used initially by the Chinese and the Egyptians and the earliest records date back some 4000 years.  During the 4th century AD, Chinese acupuncturists applied pressure to the feet to help release energy and aid healing.

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The benefits of reflexology can:

  • Help reduce stress
  • Induce deep relaxation
  • Balance the whole system
  • Revitalise energy
  • Strengthen the immune system
  • Stimulate creativity and productivity
  • Help prevent disease

You may notice other aspects improve too but this happens on a very individual basis.

Modern reflexology was introduced to the west by American physiotherapist Eunice Ingham who, in the 1930s, studied and refined these early records. Since then various different approaches to reflexology have been developed and I have had the privilege to have studied with some of the great pioneers in the world of reflexology.

The theory is that organs, nerves and other parts of the body are represented on our feet and hands and are sensitive to pressure. By stimulating these reflex areas through massage and compression techniques a direct response can be created in the related body area and can address imbalances and help restore harmony within.

I use a variety of reflexology techniques when I work and after reading about the different types, you may decide to choose a specific one but generally people are not aware of the type(s) that I am using. I decide to use a mixture depending on what each person presents with and depending on what I find in the feet.

Spinal Reflexology is a powerful treatment which involves stimulating the spinal reflexes on the feet. As each reflex is stimulated, we can identify which nerve roots are out of balance.

Nerve Reflexology is where static pressure is applied to specific points on the feet and if there is any pain then this indicates the condition of the nerve. There are 75,000 nerve endings in the feet and four hundred specific nerve points have been found on the bones in the feet so anything that we as reflexologists do will have a bearing on your nervous system.

Classical Reflexology consists of using the thumbs and fingers to ‘walk’ along the reflexes of the feet. By ‘walking’ over the reflexes you are applying a pressure, either firmly or lightly depending on your own preference, and this has a direct effect on the organs and structures of the body. Some people fall asleep during the treatments or occasionally people become energised.

Precision Reflexology works in the same way as classical reflexology in as far as it focuses on stimulating reflex points on the feet, however it is primarily used to connect to a person’s energy system to adjust and harmonise it within itself and with the world surrounding that person. As a reflexologist I aim to work with the internal energy of the person.

Brazilian Toe  Technique Massage was discovered being used in Brazilian hospitals to sedate patients. It could sometimes put people to sleep deep enough to perform surgery on them when no anaesthetics were available!

Reflexology Lymphatic Drainage is an award winning reflexology technique which focuses on stimulating the lymphatic reflexes on the feet. The aim is to cause an effect on the lymphatic system in the body. It is a unique sequence that has been researched and developed by Sally Kay BSc(Hons), whilst working in Cancer Care.  RLD can also be used to treat conditions such as lymphoedema, fibromyalgia, ME, sinus problems and many more.