Reflexology is a complementary therapy practised on one's feet or hands. It is an ancient art, which has been practised by the Chinese and Egyptians for many thousands of years. It is the study of the reflexes on the feet and hands and their relationship with the effect on the rest of the body. It is a form of acupressure massage, of points on the feet or hands, which refer to specific parts of the body. Most Reflexologists will treat through the feet in preference to the hands (see What to Expect in a Treatment).

Reflexology works on the principle that our feet map, or mirror, the entire body. Tension or congestion in any part of the feet mirrors tension or congestion in a corresponding part of the body (see Reflexology and Stress). A Reflexologist will apply pressure and massage to these reflex areas. Their sensitive, trained hands can detect deposits, tension and imbalances, and allow the natural flow of energy to reach the corresponding part of the body to correct the imbalance.

On sensitive reflexes, the client may feel tenderness, and the degree of tenderness will indicate the degree of the imbalance. Crystal-like deposits may be felt by the practitioner. These crystals are presumed to be made up of calcium deposits, which settle beneath the skin surface at the nerve endings in the feet. By massaging these 'gritty' areas, the crystals can be broken down and more easily removed by the blood circulation. Reflexology helps balance all the systems of the body, calming over-active areas, and stimulating underactive areas. Stress, diet and negative thoughts contribute to the body being thrown out of balance and Reflexology is able to help stimulate the healing forces present in the body and aids the bodies own healing abilities.

The hands can be used for treatment, but are not usually as sensitive as the feet.A Reflexologist will apply gentle pressure to the reflex areas on the feet, and apply massage. Their sensitive, trained hands can detect deposits, tension and imbalances, and stimulate the natural flow of energy to reach the corresponding part of the body to correct the imbalance.The body has the ability to heal itself, and on sensitive reflexes the client may feel some tenderness, the degree of which will indicate the degree of the imbalance.

Reflexology is suitable for all age groups and can help many conditions, including:

• asthma
• eczema
• stress related disorders and tension
• IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
• indigestion and constipation
• headaches, migraines or sinusitis
• circulatory problems
• rheumatism and arthritis, aches and pains
• poor mobility
• PMT and hormonal imbalance
• insomnia and poor concentration
• blood pressure
• toxins and impurities
• back problems, and many other ailments
  
  Regular reflexology becomes preventative care
  by helping to:
• restore and maintain the body's natural equilibrium
• revitalise the body's energy
• balance the whole system
• stimulate creativity and productivity
• nurture relationships
• calm over-activity or induce a deep sense of relaxation.
  
  Edna trained with the world renowned 'Bayly School of Reflexology', which requires you to complete 78 treatments, fully documented, This enables the student to develop their practical skills, as well as learning an understanding of many conditions. This is followed by a three hour written examination, and a practical examination.

Reflexology is a form of massage, which involves working mostly with the thumbs and occasionally the fingers, on reflex areas mapped out on your feet and hands. By massaging these reflex areas, which correspond to every organ and part of your body, it is possible to diagnose parts of the body, which are out of balance, and therefore not working efficiently. Treatment can then be given to correct these imbalances and return the body to good working order and homeostasis.
Homeostasis means being in a dynamic state of balance, having all the cells of the body functioning correctly. If one part is out, other parts soon get out of balance too. Reflexology is like having an M.O.T. helping to keep the body running harmoniously and tuned up. Reflexology induces deep relaxation, reducing stress, and revitalises energy. It stimulates creativity and productivity.
We cannot perform at our best if we are sluggish and tired. Like exercise, Reflexology restores mental alertness and improves our attention span.Reflexology is preventative health care
Preventative health care is becoming more important as we realise the health-threatening dangers of our environment; stress, fatigue, chemical additives in our food and water, radioactivity, poor air quality, to name just a few. This places a strain on our immune systems and we must make time to unwind and relax. The immune system only works well if we manage stressful situations successfully. The Reflexologist has the ability to reverse the effects of stress and help the body seek homeostasis. Oxygen and nutrients once again go to where they are needed and repairs are effected. The Reflexologist stimulates more than 7,000 nerves when touching the feet. This encourages the opening and clearing of neural pathways. A course of six treatments is beneficial for most conditions, usually taken at weekly intervals. The sessions usually last about one hour and are very pleasant and most relaxing to receive.

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Reflexology and Stress

Imagine an incident of extreme stress, a threat of bodily harm. The “fight or flight” reaction takes over and the body prepares to do battle or run. The hormone adrenalin is released. It stimulates the heart action and raises the blood pressure. Adrenalin also releases glucose, or stores blood sugar. More blood is sent to the muscles, the air passages become relaxed, or a sense of excitement is produced. Adrenalin also causes vascular constriction, which reduces the flow of blood to the digestive and excretion areas, which are not such high priorities during a threatening situation.
Blood flow returns to normal when the threat is over and the body returns to homeostasis. If the body is subjected to regular doses of stress, it can cause 80% - 90% of all illnesses.

What to Expect in a Treatment

A detailed medical history is taken first to make sure no symptoms exist which would prevent treatment being given and any serious illnesses or operations will be enquired about. The client sits in a reclining chair or on a couch with feet raised, removing only shoes and socks. The Reflexologist will examine the feet, noting temperature, condition of tissues, general texture, and infections; e.g. verrucas and athlete's foot.

The treatment involves application of firm pressure to the reflex points. The whole foot will be systematically treated, working from toes, across areas on the sole of the foot, down to the heels. The areas on the sides and top of the feet will then be treated. Emphasis is given to areas with tender reflexes. The eliminating systems of the body may show increased activity as the body rids itself of toxic substances, including the kidneys, bowels, skin and lungs.

Reactions will be short-term and indicate that the body is attempting to become balanced.

Edna trained with the world renowned 'Bayly School of Reflexology'