Reflexology has evolved from therapies which can trace their origins back over 5 thousand years, having been practised by both Ancient Egyptian and Chinese cultures.
In 1913 an American surgeon, Dr William Fitgerald, developed the theory of ‘reflex zones’. He later published the first modern book on Reflexology, titled ‘Zone Therapy’, in 1917, although it was not until the 1930’s that the practice of Reflexology came to the attention of the general public. This was mostly through the work of Eunice Imgham who lectured on and taught her ‘Method of Compression Massage’ extensively through the United States.
Reflexologists work on the principle that ‘zones’ within the feet are directly related to corresponding areas of the body and therefore reflect the condition of these areas.
Reflexology has been found to be beneficial for a wide range of disorders including circulatory problems, headaches, migraine, sinus congestion, stiffness in the back & neck, digestive and hormonal problems.
After an initial consultation with the therapist, you will be asked to remove your footwear. The treatment will begin with a warm footbath and the feet will be examined by the therapist. This initial examination is vital for the therapist to gain an insight into any ailments indicated by the condition of the feet.
For the treatment, clients would normally be seated or asked to recline on a massage couch with their neck, back & legs fully supported.
A small quantity of cream will be gently massaged into the feet and the treatment will commence. Clients will be aware of gentle to firm pressure which can sometimes result in slight discomfort, although this is generally an indication of the presence an ailment. The level of discomfort will normally decrease as the treatment progresses.