Reflexology

The Benefits of Reflexology

• Improvement in a wide variety of physical and emotional conditions. Reflexology is not just ‘a nice foot rub’ but a deeply healing treatment. For example patients with conditions such as Insomnia, IBS, Hormonal complaints, Stress related conditions, Headaches, Poor immunity (to name but a few) have responded extremely well to treatment.
• Deep relaxation and a feeling of balance.
• Improved circulation leading to an improvement in the muscular system the results in a decrease of muscular tension.
• Improved elimination of toxins as organs such as the Liver and Kidneys and Bowel are stimulated to work more efficiently.

Who can Benefit?

Reflexology is a safe, natural, holistic therapy which treats the whole person and not just specific symptoms of disease and therefore everyone can benefit from treatment. This gentle therapy can bring relief to a wide range of acute and chronic conditions, and is suitable for all ages.

History

The art of Reflexology dates back to Ancient Egypt, China and India, however the science of reflexology used today was founded by Dr William Fitzgerald, an American ear nose and throat surgeon. He noticed that pressure on specific areas of the body produced an anaesthetising effect on a related area. Developing his theory, he divided the body into ten equal zones which ended in the feet and hands.

In the 1930’s a massage therapist called Eunice Ingham refined Dr Fitzgerald’s zones and developed what is now known as ‘reflexology’. She observed that congestion or tension in any part of the foot mirrored congestion or tension in a related part of the body. Therefore, treating the areas of the feet could have a relaxing and healing effect on different organs and tissues inside the body.

A professionally trained Reflexologist will detect subtle changes in specific points on the feet and by working on these points and incorporating specific massage techniques, all bodily systems are contacted and stimulated into healing, bringing the body back into balance. Since all the systems in the body are so closely connected, even if just one part is out of balance, it can lead to disorders in other areas.

The Consultation

The first appointment with Jodie lasts 1hr 30mins, a lot longer than your average reflexology appointment, this is because she feels that a thorough consultation is necessary to decide on an appropriate treatment/ diet and lifestyle plan for that patient.
First of all Jodie will ask questions regarding the patient’s current state of health. She will also ask questions about their past medical history, diet and lifestyle, then a full systems check is covered to help her fully understand what the patient needs.
The client then lies down on a comfortable couch, where the feet and ankles are gently cleansed, a foot lotion is applied and the feet are massaged before the reflexology treatment actually begins. The client is then encouraged to lie back, and some short breathing exercises are sometimes performed before the patient is completely relaxed and in the ideal state to benefit from and enjoy their treatment.

Jodie completed a one year diploma in Reflexology in 1998 prior to her degree in Herbal Medicine, she uses all the knowledge acquired during training and her years of experience to provide a more in-depth reflexology treatment.