What is reflexology?
When delivered by a qualified, experienced practitioner, reflexology is a deeply relaxing, holistic treatment suitable for all ages to treat the mind and body. Pressure is applied through massage to areas on the feet, believed to correlate to specific areas of the body, in order to encourage and restore the body’s natural emotional and physical balance by allowing deposits or blockages within the body to be reduced and or removed. Reflexology is most effective when delivered in a short course of treatments over a period of time but any reflexology treatmen will be beneficial.
How can reflexology help me?
- assisting hormonal regulation, ovulation and menstrual health
- lowering stress
- improving circulation
- improving immunity
- energy levels
- quality of sleep
- mood and a sense of wellbeing
Common complaints address used reflexology are include stress, anxiety, grief, insomnia, migraines, IBS, urine infections, hormonal imbalance/ cycle irregularities, conception/ fertility support, painful periods and menopause. Patients also use reflexology to support ongoing treatment such as IVF treatment and chemotherapy.
What happens during a reflexology treatment?
In the treatment room at the functional health practice in Bethersden Kent, clients remain fully clothed, except for footwear during a reflexology treatment. Reflexology is received lying comfortably on a massage table or in a specialised reclining chair. Pressure is applied to the feet or hands by way of massage, stimulating various points throughout the treatment.
Many clients with ‘ticklish feet’ are surprised by the firm but gentle sensation, which does not tickle at all. Throughout the treatment, stimulation of certain reflexes (areas of the feet) may feel unusual, briefly grainy or sharp however, the experience and its effects are unique to each person and any discomfort is often very brief. Clients receiving a reflexology treatment are able to enjoy a gentle, professional relaxing therapy, with positive and balancing effect on the mind and body. Each treatment lasts approximately 40-45 minutes. Some clients fall asleep during their treatments, experience a gurgling or bubbling sensation in their stomach due to the deeply relaxing effect of reflexology, some may become a little teary. All of these reactions are positive indications the treatment has successfully stimulated the body's parasympathetic nervous system, triggering deep relaxation, enhanced digestion, circulation and lymph flow.
After a reflexology treatment, most clients report feeling a sense of being lighter, freer, less tense and deeply relaxed. Many feel energised and positive over the following days, and note they sleep better. Some clients may find they use the toilet more frequently as a result of the cleansing effect on the body. In some cases, clients may experience heightened state of emotion, experience a headache or feel specific symptoms worsen briefly after the treatment before getting better. Please click here for costs.
Many clients with ‘ticklish feet’ are surprised by the firm but gentle sensation, which does not tickle at all. Throughout the treatment, stimulation of certain reflexes (areas of the feet) may feel unusual, briefly grainy or sharp however, the experience and its effects are unique to each person and any discomfort is often very brief. Clients receiving a reflexology treatment are able to enjoy a gentle, professional relaxing therapy, with positive and balancing effect on the mind and body. Each treatment lasts approximately 40-45 minutes. Some clients fall asleep during their treatments, experience a gurgling or bubbling sensation in their stomach due to the deeply relaxing effect of reflexology, some may become a little teary. All of these reactions are positive indications the treatment has successfully stimulated the body's parasympathetic nervous system, triggering deep relaxation, enhanced digestion, circulation and lymph flow.
After a reflexology treatment, most clients report feeling a sense of being lighter, freer, less tense and deeply relaxed. Many feel energised and positive over the following days, and note they sleep better. Some clients may find they use the toilet more frequently as a result of the cleansing effect on the body. In some cases, clients may experience heightened state of emotion, experience a headache or feel specific symptoms worsen briefly after the treatment before getting better. Please click here for costs.
Reflexology Lymph Drainage (RLD)
RLD is an award winning reflexology technique based on the principles of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), specially formulated to stimulate the body's lymphatic system using reflexes on the feet. Researched and developed by Sally Kay BSc(Hons) whilst working in Cancer Care, its success has been evidenced in recent studies conducted into the efficacy of Reflexology Lymphatic Drainage for patients with breast cancer related Lymphoedema yielded positive results, leading to to further controlled trials being funded. The gentle and effective treatments are and have proven particularly helpful in targeting Lymphoedema and water retention during pregnancy, following surgery or trauma. Additional success has been noted when treating patients suffering with Arthritis, Asthma, Eczema, Chronic fatigue, Fibromyalgia, ME, Sinus problems, Migraines, Headaches, Muscular tension, Aches and pains and Premenstrual Syndrome.
