What is reflexology?

Reflexology is a gentle but firm pressure point massage done on the hands, feet or ears. These points are believed to mirror all of the glands, organs and body parts. Stimulation of these points aids the body to better health, bringing harmony and balance to your life.

Is reflexology safe?

Reflexology is a complimentary therapy that is able to naturally assist the body in the healing process. When administered properly, it is perfectly safe for all ages, from the youngest child to the oldest member of your family.

Is reflexology the same as massage?

While reflexology is a form of pressure point massage, it is quite different. A Massage Therapist works the entire body directly on soft tissue and organs, while a Reflexologist manipulates reflex points only on the feet, hands and ears to improve nerve and blood supply to the entire body.

Massage can, for some people, be intimidating because clothing is usually removed. Reflexology does not require the removal of any clothing except for shoes and socks when foot reflexology is administered.

What are the benefits of reflexology?

Reflexology has been recognized for the following benefits:

• stress reduction
• tension release
• improved blood and lymph circulation
• optimization of body functions
• support of the natural healing processes of the body
• relaxation, rejuvenation and revitalization.

Does a reflexologist diagnose illness or disease?

A reflexologist is not allowed to diagnose, prescribe or treat for any specific conditions, it is illlegal. Only a licensed medical professional can do this. When treating the body as a whole, it is actually not necessary to know what the problem is or even what the symptoms are, it is only necessary to stimulate the reflexes that affect the entire body and let the body naturally take over and do the job that it is meant to do - heal itself.

Reflexology identifies where stress and tension is located in the body. This can be valuable in assisting the diagnosis process, but it is not sufficient by itself. Only a naturopathic doctor or medical doctor can diagnose your condition. Reflexologists are not licensed health care providers and are legally not permitted to diagnose.

How long will it take to get results and what kind of results can I expect?

The body learns from repetition, some refer to this as "sensory signals", the length of time needed to attain results is therefore an individual matter. There are many factors involved in how you became unhealthy and there are many factors involved in how you will become healthy. There is simply no way of determining how long it may take to see results although, with the right attitude and the right plan, you may be pleasantly surprised!

What is better, doing reflexology on myself or by a practitioner?

The administration of reflexology by a practitioner has definite advantages. The body perceived the effects of the pressure on the reflexes differently when a reflexologist performs the action rather than in self treatment. In self treatment, you are not able to sit back and relax the same as you are when you are simply receiving. On the other hand, self treatment can definitely be a benefit to your health between treatments.

What is a relaxation foot reflexology session like?

A complete relaxation session will usually take between 45 minutes and 1 hour. The size of your feet will play a part in session length, the bigger the feet, the more area to cover!

Your first session will start with the completion of a detailed and confidential health case history. Then, while you rest comfortably with only your feet and lower legs exposed, a short foot examination and cleansing are done. The feet are then worked systematically with the application of light pressure techniques to the reflexes. At the end of the session your feet are treated to a soothing massage with lotion.

It is important to remember that this is your time, time for you to relax, rest quietly or to talk about the things that are happening in your life. It's an hour out of your busy schedule where you can be entirely selfish and allow yourself to get exactly what you need.

What is a therapeutic foot reflexology session like?

A complete therapeutic session will usually take 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on your personal needs. Your first session may take as long as 1 1/2 hours as it starts with the completion of a detailed and confidential health case history with a discussion regarding your particular health goals.

While you rest comfortably with only your feet and lower legs exposed, a short foot examination and cleansing are done. The feet are worked systematically with light pressure techniques to the reflexes, extra attention is given to specific areas of concern. To finish the session, your feet are treated to soothing massage with lotion.

It is important to note that during a therapeutic session, interaction between the client and practitioner is required to document changes and sensitivity levels and compare sensitivity from the start of the session to the end of the session as well as between session. At the end of each session, the practitioner will review the session record with you and assess or re-assess your treatment plan.

What is the difference between relaxation reflexology and therapeutic reflexology?

A relaxation reflexology session is for the purpose of relaxation and stress relief and is not administered to assist in relieving any particular issues. When receiving relaxation reflexology, it is best to have uninterrupted quiet or low relaxation music playing. Closing your eyes and simply enjoying the soothing sensations without conversation or interruption is the ultimate goal of this type of session.

A therapeutic reflexology session is considered to be "a course of action". Determining what your goals are is quite important during therapeutic reflexology where you, and your practitioner, discuss the purpose of the sessions and what the desired results might be. The sessions are tailored to work towards the goals set with follow-up sessions scheduled as required. It must be understood that each individual person is unique and therefore, you may be treated differently than someone else.

How often should a foot reflexology session be done?

Depending on whether you are dealing with health concerns or just looking to relax, a foot reflexology session is safe to receive as often as once every four days. If you are simply looking to relax and you have an "average" amount of stress in your life, having a session once a month is always beneficial.

Is hand reflexology as effective as foot reflexology?

Yes hand reflexology is as effective at relieving stress and tension and balancing the body naturally, however we do overwork and abuse our hands on a regular basis so the nerve endings in the hands are not as sensitive to touch as the feet are.

What is Ear Reflexology?

Ear Reflexology can be compared to "acupuncture without needles". It is the stimulation of ear reflex points using gentle pressure and palpitation and is considered to be an excellent therapy for pain conditions.

As ear reflex points are very small, a manual or electric probe may be used to stimulated specific reflex points more deeply. An explanation and demonstration of the electric probe should always be done prior to first time use and should never be used on persons with pacemakers, heart conditions or who suffer from seizures.

How often can I receive ear reflexology?

A complete ear reflexology should not be done more than once every three or four days. It is necessary to allow the body to go through it's natural "healing process" or detox following a session.

If you are dealing with an acute condition however, it is safe to administer ear reflexology on a daily basis for a short period of time.

How do I choose a Reflexologist?

The best way to choose a reflexologist is by referral. Talk to others and find out if they know a reflexologist they can recommend, your doctor may even be able to recommend one. When choosing a reflexologist, it is important to ask questions such as:

• Are you fully certified?
• Do you have a certificate you can show me?
• How long was your training?
• What educational institute did you attend?
• Are you registerd with an association?
• How long have you been practicing reflexology?

These questions will aid in receiving the best care from a fully trained and competent reflexologist.

What does "certified" mean?

"Certified" means that the reflexologist received formal training from a school or college recognized for specific standards in their training field. Reading a book and practicing on friends is not considered "qualified".

What does "registered" mean?

"Registered" means that the reflexologist is registered with an association which regulates the standard of their education and practice. For example, the Association of Massage Therapists and Wholistic Practitioners (AMTWP) will only register reflexologists who are graduates from a recognized school of reflexology where the standard of education has been approved by the AMTWP. If the reflexologist is a member of the AMTWP or any other association, they should be able to provide you with a membership number and id card if you request to see it.