Reflexology is a holistic treatment that involves applying pressure to specific points on your feet. This is believed to help improve health by relaxing the body and releasing vital energy. Reflexology dates back centuries.
Reflexology treatments vary according to the practitioner's experience and the client's health needs. It can be a gentle, soothing experience that may help you relax, or it can be more intense to relieve pain. In general, the treatment involves applying firm pressure to specific parts of the foot.
Reflexologists believe that certain areas of your feet correspond to parts of your body. Most reflexologists use their hands during a session to apply pressure on different areas; some may use tools such as wooden sticks made specifically for this purpose.
During your first appointment, the practitioner will ask questions about your medical history and symptoms, lifestyle, stress level. You may fill out a questionnaire or simply discuss with the practitioner some of the ways in which you feel stress manifests itself in your body. If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort from an injury or illness, be sure to share this information with them too so they can tailor their treatment accordingly.
After the consultation you remove your shoes and socks and lay on the treatment couch, get comfortable and start to relax. Then the practitioner will clean your feet, warm up and greet the feet then will start the treatment. The therapist will the use her thumbs, fingers or knuckles to apply pressure to the feet and sometimes the lower leg, hands, ears or face, depending on the type of reflexology chosen. If you feel any discomfort or pain please do not hesitate to tell the reflexologist.
Once the treatment finished you have time to relax, drink some water and just take it easy after the treatment.
It is common for clients to feel very relaxed during and after treating with reflexology. It is also not uncommon for clients to fall asleep during a treatment. It is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that works with the body’s natural energy flow to enhance function and balance. It can be used in conjunction with other therapies such as massage.
How you will feel after the treatment?
After two or three treatments, most people feel an improved sense of wellbeing and experience a feeling of deep relaxation. Occasionally people report experiencing a mild headache, feeling tired or needing to go to the toilet more often following their treatment. These are normal reactions and should pass within 24-48 hrs, reflexologists believe this is part of the healing process.
Some of the benefits of getting regular reflexology treatment:
*Reduce severity and duration of menstrual pain
*Improves sleep
*Reduces anxiety
*Improves mood and sense of wellbeing
*Relieves constipation
*Release tension
*Aid deep relaxation
Reflexology acknowledges that every person is unique and so it is not possible to know in advance how you will react to a treatment. The only real way to know if reflexology will help you is to try it!
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