Decisions about your health care are important—including decisions about whether or not to use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). For more in-depth information about how to make an informed decision about using reflexology services or any other type of complementary and alternative medicine visit the NCCAM website for some very informative information.
Reflexology is a method of bringing relaxation, balance and healing to the body by stimulating reflex points on the feet, hands and ears. It is based on the theory that every part of the body is connected through energy pathways that end in the reflex points being stimulated through reflexology. Reflexology encourages the body to achieve it's own natural balance and good health.
No. The origin of reflexology cannot be traced to one single time or place. Evidence suggests that primitive forms of reflexology existed in ancient Egypt, India and China as much as 5,000 years ago.
Everyone can benefit from reflexology including children, the elderly, the sick and the healthy. Reflexology is completely non-invasive, pleasurable and relaxing. For more information on the benefits of reflexology visit the benefits section of this website.
A complete relaxation session will usually take about 60 minutes. 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 relaxing 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.
Because reflexology assists the body to normalize itself some people may experience a certain amount of discomfort after a reflexology session. The list below indicates some of the possible reactions to reflexology.
These minor discomforts are evidence of your body's healing process, they are temporary and are not serious. If the symptoms persist then you should assume that the cause is independent of reflexology and you should consult your physician.
It is important to note that your body has taken a long time to become unhealthy and it will take time to put it back into a condition that is more in tune with nature. To become healthier, sometime we must endure a little discomfort.
Read the article Reflexology Contra-Indications??? by Anthony J. Porter & Bobbi Warren for more indepth inforamation about reflexology side effects.
No. A reflexologist merely helps nature put your body back in tune by working the reflexes and giving you the opportunity to bring new life to all of the congested glands and dying cells in the body.
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.
No. Reflexologists do not work with a treatment orientation, rather they are oriented to revitalizing the whole body and supporting the body in it's own healing process.
Absolutely not! Reflexology practised with common sense is completely safe. It simply relaxes the body, which allows it to function more effectively. The results can be amazing!!!
If you suffer from a serious ailment you should always ensure your reflexologist is aware of your condition and if a licensed health care provider such as a medical or naturopathic doctor is managing your condition, it is important that you discuss the consequences of any therapy (including reflexology) with this person before you commence treatment. This is particularly appropriate if your condition involves an organ transplant, an implanted device (pacemaker), or, is acute.
Read the article Reflexology Contra-Indications??? by Anthony J. Porter & Bobbi Warren for more indepth inforamation about health conditions and reflexology contra-indications.
Even though reflexology feels so wonderful you'd like to have it done everyday, it is always best not to have a full reflexology session more than once every 3 or 4 days.
If you have a health condition that is being assisted with reflexology you would probably start with a session once every 3 or 4 days then as your condition improves you would taper your sessions down as you feel you need to. If you are a relatively healthy person and you're using reflexology to maintain your health then you may only want a session once every couple of weeks or once a month. No one knows you, your body and how you feel better than you do, so you should be the judge of what you think would be the most beneficial to your health maintenance program.
Performing reflexology on yourself cannot place you into the required state of parasympathetic to fully realize the benefits of stress and tension release. Having a regular weekly, bi-weekly or even monthly reflexology session with a qualified reflexologist would be most beneficial. However, giving yourself a reflexology treatment can be very helpful to your health and well being.
Reflexology can be done most anywhere, most anytime, taking your own foot into your own hands can be a definite alternative to popping a pill. You will need a reflexology foot chart to assist you in finding the appropriate reflex to stimulate for whatever problem you are having at the time. As well, you may want to consider reading the Self Help section of this website for some insight into some of the most helpful areas to work for some of the most common conditions.
Your insurance may or may not cover reflexology. You will need to check with your provider to find out what they cover and what your yearly maximums might be. Some insurance covers massage to a maximum yearly and may allow reflexology sessions to be covered under this benefit. It would also be necessary to find out what documentation might be required from your reflexologist as proof of qualification.
Though Reflexology and Massage have "touch" in common, there are several differences between the two disciplines (based on an excerpt from the American Reflexology Certification Board©.)
Reflexology treatments are provided in the comfort of your own home or office.
Available in Edmonton Alberta Canada and immediate surrounding areas.
Appointment times are flexible to meet your schedule.