How Does Reflexology Work?

Reflexology is so much than just a foot massage. As well as being super relaxing, a good reflexology session is an effective way to rebalance your body and address certain medical issues naturally and gently.

Reflexology isn’t an entirely new therapy, it’s an ancient holistic therapy based on a 300-year old Chinese practice. It works on the basis that different areas of your feet (and your hands, which are increasingly being used in reflexology treatments) correspond to different parts of your body and that massaging them using specific techniques can release energy ‘blockages’. This gets the energy channels in your body flowing better and helps it to heal itself.

Medical experts think that in scientific terms, reflexology works on the parasympathetic nervous system and encourages it to heal itself, but they do seem to agree that it can have powerful and measurable results.

Reflexology is best used as a relaxing holistic treatment, and if you have a specific health condition that you want to try and address with reflexology, most doctors are happy for you to include reflexology in your treatment plan alongside conventional treatment.

What Happens in a Reflexology Session?

The session usually involves the therapist putting different types of pressure on specific areas of your foot with their thumbs and/or their forefingers. This highlights areas which are out of balance and need extra massage.

Some areas might feel tender or slightly uncomfortable while they are being massaged – it’s nothing to worry about and this just means that there could be some extra work needed on that area. After a treatment, you can ask the therapist which areas were tender or need attention so that you can address them if necessary.

How Many Reflexology Sessions Are Needed?

You could have reflexology as a monthly pick me up – or if you’re using reflexology to address a specific problem, at least six sessions might be needed.

What Can Reflexology Help With?

Many people use reflexology to treat specific conditions, including;

• Stress & anxiety

• pain, including back pain

• headaches & migraines

• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

• asthma

• fertility issues

• menopausal symptoms and

• period pain.

Is There Anyone Who Shouldn’t Have Reflexology?

Reflexology suits most people and is considered generally safe.

If you have verrucae, athlete's foot, osteoporosis, have recently broken or fractured a bone in your ankle or foot, or broken the skin on your feet, you should avoid having reflexology.

If that all sounds appealing, why not book your reflexology session now?