Massage

Reflexology is a therapeutic treatment to restore health and well being more popularly carried out on the feet, (but can also be done on the hands). The theory is based on using skilled techniques to apply pressure and manipulate certain points on the feet to help clear subtle energetic blockages which may be the cause of or may if left untreated create physical imbalances in the body which can lead to bad health.

Reflexology is devised on two popular theories, the first is zone therapy and the second is based on applying direct pressure to what is known as a reflex point. Zone therapy is based on the assumption that there are ten imaginary zones running from the top of the head down to the base of each toe (front and back) with an additional 5 zones in each big toe. Each Zone represents a channel of life force energy referred to as “Chi” The second theory is based on applying direct pressure to what is known as a reflex point. Each Reflex point represents an organ or part of the body. The feet represent a perfect microcosm or mini map of the whole body. All the organs, glands and body parts are represented in the feet laid out in the same arrangement as in the body (even the inside of the curve of the foot corresponds to the natural curve of the spine). Working within the zone or applying direct pressure on a reflex point releases subtle energy blockages to restore health.

In particular reflexology is thought to assist the function of the central nervous system which is responsible for healthy brain activity. The feet are vibrant in nerve endings relaying messages back to brain which produce certain neurochemical responses such as the release of endorphins (the body's own natural painkillers). In combination with the other systems in the body in particular the endocrine system which is responsible for the chemical balances in our body by way of secretion of hormones known as chemical messengers. Stress is a major factor in altering the neurological and chemical responses in the body which eventually lead to distress, and ultimately ill health. When the body is under stress the brain relays messages to the endocrine system to release certain hormones to create a number of physical responses to allow us to cope with any given situation. If the body has to continuously respond in this way, ill health will eventually set in. Therefore reflexology is useful in helping to restore these altered neurological and chemical responses back to their original state, thus restoring health.

A further important biological and anatomical reason for working the feet is stimulate circulation and remove and breakdown the accumulation of uric acid and calcium deposits.

In particular, reflexology is helpful in the treatment of headaches, migraines, menstrual disorders, stress related infertility, insomnia, fatigue, digestive disorders, Chohns disease, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, depression, skin disorders, drug addiction, sinuses, , hayfever, cold and flu symptoms. It is also thought to be effective in certain disorders and diseases where neurological pathways have been damaged such as strokes, MS, ME, Parkinson's Disease, Celebral Palsy and Bells Palsy.

The recommended treatment time is one hour, and I would suggest a course of six sessions at no more than two week intervals to treat any given disorder.

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