Zen - Reflexology
What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is a theory and therapy that uses the feet to treat the whole body. It is a holistic therapy that creates balance in the body. Its aim is to restore our natural ability for self-healing by encouraging energy flow around the body. The sole of the foot acts as a map of the body representing zones and pathways. When the energy flows freely, physical and mental well-being is maintained. If the energy flow is stagnant or blocked disease can occur. Reflexologists believe that gentle pressure applied to points on the feet known as reflexes can be used to stimulate energy flow and releases any blockages.
Benefits of Reflexology
Reflexology can be a wonderfully relaxing experience where you can take time out from everyday pressures.
A great stress reliever promoting peace and calm
Stimulate nerve function
Increase immunity
Increase energy
Boost circulation
Reduce blood pressure
Congestion relief
Digestive relief
Eliminates toxins
Stimulates the central nervous system
Assist with migraines and headaches
Assist with urinary conditions
Speeds up recovery after injury or surgery
Reduces depression
Sooth pains of pregnancy & Menstruation
Helps to ease pain and tension
Help ease the treatment of various cancers
A great stress reliever promoting peace and calm
Stimulate nerve function
Increase immunity
Increase energy
Boost circulation
Reduce blood pressure
Congestion relief
Digestive relief
Eliminates toxins
Stimulates the central nervous system
Assist with migraines and headaches
Assist with urinary conditions
Speeds up recovery after injury or surgery
Reduces depression
Sooth pains of pregnancy & Menstruation
Helps to ease pain and tension
Help ease the treatment of various cancers
The treatment will help you to relax, which can help improve mood, encourages restful sleep and relieve tension. The result is an overall sense of well-being.
History of Reflexology
Ancient
Reflexology is a therapy that dates back for thousands of years. It has its roots in ancient Egypt, China and India. The earliest known pictorial evidence was discovered in the Egyptian tomb of the Royal Physician, Ankmahor, at Saqqara, Egypt, dating back to around 2300BC.
The Chinese have been using the application of pressure as a healing therapy for over 5000 years. The ancient therapy of acupressure uses thumb pressure on acupoints – a series of points along lines of energy throughout the body – to help unblock energy and as a result let the body heal itself.
Modern
The therapy was not introduced to the West until Dr William Fitzgerald, an ear, nose and throat specialist developed ‘Zone Therapy’ in which the body was divided into 10 longitudinal zones. He believed that reflex areas on the feet and hands were linked to other areas and organs of the body within the same zone.
In the 1930’s, Eunice Ingham, an American Physiotherapist, through her work mapped reflex points for the entire body onto the feet. She further developed this zone theory into what is known as reflexology. She found that by applying pressure onto these reflex points a therapeutic effect on the corresponding part of the body in that zone was achieved. Doreen Bayly trained under Eunice Ingham and brought Reflexology to Britain in 1966.
The Reflexology Treatment
The treatment is usually carried out in a reclining chair or on a massage couch and you will be asked to remove footwear and socks. A detailed medical history before the initial examination of the feet will be taken. The practitioner will use their thumbs, fingers or knuckles to apply pressure to the feet. The aim is to restore our natural ability for self-healing by encouraging energy flow around the body.
1 hour – £45
