Frequently Asked Questions
Who can benefit from reflexology?
What happens when i go for a treatment?
How will I feel after a reflexology treatment?
How many treatments will be necessary?
Is reflexology recommended for the elderly?
Is reflexology safe during pregnancy?
Can reflexology make a condition worse?
Who can benefit from reflexology?
Reflexology is suitable for all ages and may bring relief from a wide range of acute and chronic conditions. After you have completed a course of reflexology treatment for a specific condition, many people find it beneficial to continue with regular treatments in order to maintain health and well-being.
While many people use reflexology as a way of relaxing the mind and body and counteracting stress, at the same time many doctors, consultants and other health case professionals recognise reflexology as a well established, respected and effective therapy.
With ever increasing levels of stress, it is important people take more responsibility for their own health care needs. Reflexology helps us to cope on a physical, mental and emotional level thereby encouraging us to heal and maintain health in all areas of our lives.
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What happens when I go for treatment?
On the first visit, the reflexology practitioner will have a preliminary talk with you to determine your present and past health and lifestyle.
The reflexologist will then use their hands to apply pressure to the feet. The application and the effect of the therapy is unique to each person.
A professionally trained reflexologist can detect subtle changes in specific points on the feet, and by working on these points may affect the corresponding organ or system of the body.
A treatment session usually lasts for about one hour. A course of treatment may be recommended depending on your body's needs.
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How will I feel after a reflexology treatment?
After one or two treatments your body may respond in a very definite way. Most people note a sense of well-being and relaxation; sometimes people report feeling lethargic, nauseous or tearful, but this is transitory and is a part of the healing process.
This is vital information to feedback to the reflexologist as it shows how your body is responding to treatment. This will help the reflexologist to tailor a treatment plan specific to your needs.
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How many treatments will be necessary?
The course of treatment will vary depending on your body’s needs. Your reflexologist will discuss this with you at the first session.
After the first couple of treatments you may experience feelings of well-being and relaxation or you may feel lethargic or even nauseous. This is transitory, but does provide your reflexologist with vital information on how your body is responding to treatment.
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Is reflexology recommended for the elderly?
Yes, reflexology is a highly beneficial treatment for the elderly. It is a gentle non-invasive treatment carried out upon the feet alone, which helps to induce deep relaxation and in turn aids the bodies own healing process.
Reflexology complements orthodox medicine and helps with the general aches and pains of getting older, studies have shown the benefits felt in more serious complaints, including:
• Respiratory conditions, such as bronchitis, sinusitis, and emphysema, helping to reduce the symptoms involved
• High blood pressure by inducing deep relaxation, helping maintain a healthy blood pressure and even help to lower high blood pressure
• After a stroke. Patients using reflexology treatment have seen the beneficial help it can give to regaining function in affected limbs
• Anxiety and depression, people experience these debilitating conditions at all ages of life, and reflexology helps to relieve the symptoms by inducing relaxation and releasing endorphins into the blood stream, which work on enhancing mental well being
• Migraine and headaches, digestive problems and many mores
Before any treatment the practitioner will take a detailed case history in order to get a clear picture of the patient’s present and past health and with their knowledge of anatomy and physiology are able to adapt the reflexology treatment accordingly. Many patients or reflexology have said that not only do they enjoy the physical benefits of reflexology but also, being able to talk to their reflexologist in detail about their health, and being listened to.
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Is reflexology safe during pregnancy?
It is recommended that treatments be avoided during the first 12 weeks, during the period the body is adjusting to hormonal changes.
However, after 12 weeks, expectant mothers can find reflexology extremely helpful and safe in coping with both early pregnancy symptoms and the long term symptoms of pregnancy:
• Morning sickness
• Nausea & headaches
• Pain & discomfort
• Loss of bladders control
• Backache
• Stress & anxiety
• Lack of sleep & fatigue
• Digestive problems e.g. constipation
• Swollen/puffy ankles & legs
• Cramp
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Can reflexology make a condition worse?
No, it will not make any condition more acute. Reflexology helps to normalize body functions. A reflexology session relaxes the stress that can affect your health. Is is a safe effective way to better health.
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