Reflexology
Reflexology (Zone Therapy) is my favourite therapy
Walking the miles that I walk, I naturally have to take care of my feet. My 'Plates of Meat' (feet!) are my tools, my friends, they are needed in tiptop condition to help me plod on. Therefore, having reflexology feels as natural as brushing my teeth, I just wish that I could have it daily too! But not only does reflexology help with the health of my feet, it helps the rest of my body, and my mind too. I enjoy pampering them, I am grateful for the hard work that they do; they allow me to partake in my passion, but at the same time, through them, I am allowing my body to receive some TLC and to rebalance.
What is reflexology?
Dating back to Ancient Egypt, China and India, and introduced to the Western world in the early 1900s, reflexology is a non-invasive complementary therapy involving your feet, that can be super relaxing. When I walk into any therapy room I am instantly relaxed by a therapists calming persona, but with reflexology I am soon drifting into a meditative state by the soothing music in the background, and submissively melting into a state of bliss as my feet are worked on. This touch therapy can be so relaxing, that many people simply fall asleep.
What's the concept behind reflexology?
There are points on our feet that reflect certain parts of
your body. For example, if you look at the big toe, that reflects the head. The
line from the big toe down the inside of your foot to the heel reflects the
spine. The left foot reflects the left side of your body; the right side is the
right side of your body. When points are stimulated in the foot, the corresponding areas within the body will have the energies re-balanced, allowing them to flow more freely.
I usually experience some ‘crunching’ in an area of my foot & am told that this doesn’t necessarily
mean there’s anything to worry about; it could just mean that there could
be a bit of an imbalance. Naturally, crystals build up in the feet, so
reflexology can also help to break them down. Reflexologists can’t diagnose, prescribe or cure. They give a
healing treatment that’s tailored to an individual’s wellbeing (physical and
non-physical).
Who is suitable to try reflexology?
Anyone of any age can try reflexology, as long as they don't have foot issues (such as athlete's foot), blood clotting issues, open wounds, or in the third trimester of pregnancy. If in doubt then please ask your therapist
What are some of the benefits of reflexology?
"Reflexology is more detoxifying than a full body massage", so says Claire Marie Miller. Here are some of the benefits that I have read about in my research:
- Improved nerve function and sensitivity - restoring and awakening dormant or injured nerves
- Increases circulation to vital organs, helping to heal damaged cells
- Relieves foot pain such as Plantar Fasciitis - A painful condition that I have fallen foul of - The manipulation and stretching of the fascia really helps
- Helps to eliminate toxins from your body by stimulating the lymphatic drainage-The reason why you should drink lots of water after a treatment
- It's hugely relaxing!
- The soothing effect on the nervous system can aid with anxiety and depression
- You can experience a release of emotional energy, becoming more peaceful and emotionally balanced
- Can improve liver function
- Boosts the immune system
- Reduces the symptoms of PMS
Recommended reflexologists
I have been fortunate to try a selection of excellent reflexologists, only moving on to a different one when I have moved areas, or they decide not to practice any more. Quite a few have retired their services, which was such a shame at the time. Because of this, my list is short here. But these ladies are HIGHLY recommended by me. Please contact them to see if they can accommodate you:
UK - East Sussex
Hayley 07826 744 151
Spain - Cantoria (offers a mobile service too)
Deb McAndrew - +34 622 57 73 79
Have you had reflexology? How was your experience? Please comment below...
