Information
Brief history of Reflexology
Reflexology had its first footprint on pictographs found on tombs in ancient Egypt. The practice of foot manipulation therapy, later referred to as 'Pressure Therapy,' spread through ancient Asia and gradually moved west. Modern reflexology was attributed to William Fitzgerald MD and Joe Shelby Riley, MD in the 1920's. It continued evolving and was greatly expanded by Eunice Ingham during the late 1930's who has written several books and popularized mapping and therapeutic techniques still used widely in reflexology schools and among professional Reflexologists.
What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is a complementary therapy using the feet, hands or ears as a mini map of the body, where every internal organ and body structure is reflected. A Reflexologist works by using the thumb and fingers in a particular way (known as "thumb walking") to gently massage the relevant reflex points in the feet, thereby assessing stressed or imbalanced areas in the body.
Reflexology may be beneficial in managing long and short term health problems, including auto immune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and hashimoto's thyroiditis. Relief from insomnia, digestive disorders, allergies, headaches, blood pressure and hormonal imbalances may also be obtained. Reflexology may have benefits in post operative care and palliative care as shown by a variety of research studies.
This type of complementary therapy may also help relieve symptoms of plantar fasciitis, pain, swelling, tendonitis and neuropathy in the feet.
Reflexologists are not medical doctors, do not practice medicine, do not diagnose or treat for specific illnesses or conditions (including pregnancy), do not prescribe or adjust medications and is not a substitute for regular medical care.
Within the health field today, however, reflexology is increasingly being defined as a "Complementary Alternative Medicine' (CAM) as more traditional doctors uncover the benefits - physical, mental and emotional among a wide range of patients.
What to expect at a Reflexology session
When you arrive for a Reflexology session, you will complete a medical questionnaire. You will sit in a reclining chair and be asked to remove your socks and shoes. Your feet will be examined and cleansed with warm cloths, and a foot balm containing pure essential oils will be applied. Relaxation techniques will be performed on the feet, and then a nurturing foot touch known as thumb-walking will be applied to reflex points that correspond with parts of the body, i.e. your central nervous, endocrine, respiratory, digestive, urinary and lymphatic systems, as well as your joints and muscles.
Very soon you will find your body and mind start to unwind, bringing you into an oasis of relaxation. The session ends with hot, moist, aromatherapy foot wraps.
Responses to reflexology vary widely. After a session, you may feel calm and relaxed, or you may experience a feeling of energy and rejuvenation.
What is aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy, also referred to as Essential Oil therapy, is a holistic healing treatment that uses aromatic plant extracts to promote the health of body, mind and spirit. and dates back to the most ancient practices of mankind. The active ingredients within the essential oils are taken directly from high yields of medicinal plants or herbs through a process known as distillation. The finished result is a very concentrated, oily formula that can be mixed with other substances. Because they are very strong, essential oils used in aromatherapy practices are usually combined with a carrier oil, such as almond, jojoba or coconut oil, before being applied directly to the skin. Aromatherapy can be performed in several different ways, including diffusion, soaking in an oil infused bath, compresses and inhalation.
Essential oil consultation and personal blending available
