What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is a natural healing art based on the principle that there are reflexes in the feet, hands and ears, which correspond to every gland and organ of the body. Through application of pressure on these reflexes, Reflexology relieves tension, improves circulation and helps promote the natural function of the related areas of the body.

How Often Should You Have a Treatment?

Every client and every situation is different but generally once a week is ideal.

• For an acute distress: every 24 - 48 hours, in order to allow the released toxins time to be eliminated through body without too much stress.
• For chronic distress: every week for 12 weeks, then watch for the progress. After that, down to every other week.
• For maintenance of optimum health: once a month. To speed recovery you would administer the first 3 sessions 48 hours apart.

What is the length of a session?

Forty-five minutes to one hour. However, for certain individuals', sessions should be shorter and can be done more frequently for the following people:

• Very young (newborns)
• Very elderly
• Very ill
• Pregnant
• Pre surgery client
• Post surgery client
• Heart patients
• Diabetics

How much pressure would a Reflexologist use on a person during a session?

A certified Reflexologist would apply anywhere from 10 to 20lbs of pressure on each reflex. However, the Reflexologist needs to work with the clients' pain threshold. Pain does not heal.

Why do Refloxologists always start with the right foot?

The colon (large intestine) begins on the right side of the body with the ascending colon at the ileocecal valve and continues to the left side (by way of the transverse colon) to the descending colon then to the sigmoid colon and connecting to the rectum. Thus, the treatment flows in the same sequence on the feet as the excretory function takes place in the body.

Why does a Reflexologist begin to work from the toes?

A Reflexologist will work the reflexes from the head down because Hering's Law of Cure begins by stating that healing takes place from the head down.

What can I expect during and after a Reflexology Session?

Reflexology releases endorphins (chemical messengers similar to morphine) thereby producing a calming and euphoric sensation. They also suppress pain by blocking transmission of pain from one neuron to another. As a result you will feel very relaxed. Reflexology works in various ways. It impacts all 4 realms of the body; the Spiritual, Physical, Emotional and Mental realms. The client feels safe to disclose any information needed during their appointment with their Reflexologist because of the practitioner and client confidentiality policy.

On your first visit your Reflexologist will complete a thorough health record. Only shoes and socks are removed. Once you are on the massage table or in a reclining chair, a foot assessment will be conducted. The Reflexologist will look for colour of the feet, swelling, softness and or hardness of muscle tone, calluses, corns, or any physical obstructions, which may create internal or exterior blockages.

At times, there may be pain or tenderness in certain areas of the foot, which may be due to a number of reasons. A certified Reflexologist will work within the client's comfort level. The goal is to allow the body to de-stress and be in the parasympathetic mode of the nervous system, which would be difficult to achieve if the client is feeling pain. Pain does not heal. Personal preference is something you should communicate with your Reflexologist. When the body is deeply relaxed, the body's temperature drops and the healing process can take place. Some clients feel a tingling sensation in certain areas of the body; reason is because of improved blood and nerve supply to that area of the body. It is also very common to have a strong urge to urinate immediately following a session because toxins are being released.

It is very common to feel lighter and relaxed after a Reflexology session. Possible healing reactions may be experienced as perspiration, nausea or headaches; however these symptoms are temporary. In order to prevent such reactions the Reflexologist will recommend drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Also, an Epson salt bath is often recommended after a treatment.

For more info on Reflexology and its history, please visit the What is Reflexology? section.