What can Reflexology offer you?
When we are stressed our body's defences break down and we become more susceptible to illness and disease. Medical doctors agree that many health issues today can be linked to stress. Reflexology interrupts the pattern of stress. It aims to re-balance the body, improve sleep and mood, relieve stress and enhance wellbeing. This gentle, non invasive therapy aims to encourage the body to tap in to its innate self healing abilities.
What is Reflexology
Reflexology is a complementary therapy based on the principle that all the systems of the body are mapped out in reflex points on the feet, hands and ears. Stimulation of the nerve endings in these surfaces helps to open up the natural pathways your body uses to nourish and heal itself. Tender or ‘gritty’ points indicate congestion in the corresponding area of the body.
During the treatment a state of deep relaxation is created in the body, interrupting the pattern of stress and bringing balance to the body and its systems where there is imbalance. Reflexology is a well established holistic therapy which treats the mind and body as a whole to achieve a state of general well-being.
Foot Reflexology
Foot Reflexology is the most well known and most widely used of the therapeutic surfaces in reflexology. Stimulation of the approximately 7,500 nerve endings in the feet helps to open up the natural pathways your body uses to nourish and heal itself. Tender or ‘gritty’ points indicate congestion in the corresponding area of the body.
Hand Reflexology
Hand Reflexology, whilst not as widely used as the feet, is as effective, and in some instances ideal, particularly if the feet are not accessible
The approach to hand reflexology is the same as with the feet, as it allows the same access to the inner organs and systems of the body, promoting relaxation and balance through working on the 'maps' of the larger body - except instead of on the feet, they are on the hands.
Facial Reflexology
Facial Reflexology, whilst not as widely used as the feet, is as effective, and in some instances ideal, particularly if the feet are not accessible. It is the newest of the reflexology platforms.
The approach to facial reflexology is the same as with the feet, as it allows the same access to the inner organs and systems of the body, promoting relaxation and balance through working on the 'maps' of the larger body - except instead of on the feet, they are on the face. It has the added appeal of enhancing the facial features.
Ear Reflexology & Ear Seeding
Ear Reflexology / Auricular Therapy is a technique that is administered by working on the ears. The ear, just like the hands and feet, represent a micro system, on which the entire body is ‘mapped’ on the outer portion of the ear, called the auricle.
As the ear to brain connection is the shortest and most direct of these neurological micro-systems, working on the ears may have a profound effect on the relaxation and other benefits that people experience. When we wish to target a specific issue in the body we may recommend the use of Ear Seeds.
What to expect during your session
The primary aim of your reflexology session is relaxation. At the start of the first session your practitioner will have a short consultation with you, to take a brief medical history, and ascertain your well being goals, and the focus for your session. Thereafter you will be tucked up cosily on a treatment couch or reclining chair, with the necessary support to ensure you will be comfortable for the duration of the treatment.
A series of massage like relaxation techniques will be used to introduce your feet hands or ears, to the touch of your practitioners hands. The Reflexology itself is a more specific use of finger and thumb techniques to work each area of the therapeutic surface. The entire process is gentle. Sometimes you may choose, or your practitioner may suggest doing a combination session, incorporating any of the therapies offered, as your need requires.
Reflexology may offer support in these areas
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Reduce stress
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Encourage relaxation
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Improve circulation
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Pain level management
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Restore sleep patterns
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Improve immune system
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Boost energy levels
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Calm digestive problems
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Ease muscular tension
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Back/shoulder/neck pain
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Repetitive stress injuries
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Restless leg syndrome
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Stimulate nerve function
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Reduce migraines
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Hormone rebalance
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Enhance medical care
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Lower cholesterol
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Conditions such as, allergies, hormonal imbalance, arthritis, high blood pressure, adrenal fatigue, anxiety, heart disease, diabetes, etc.
Karen Middleton MRNZ
