Reflexology
A non-intrusive, natural and safe therapy working on the soles of your feet, or the palms of your hands if you prefer, that promotes gentle relaxation, enhances your body’s functions and promotes your well-being in a holistic way.
What is it?
Reflexology is a system of healing using reflex points on your feet and hands, that represent mirrored maps of the whole body [1-3]. Gentle, therapeutic controlled pressure is placed on certain points along energy zones (5 on each side of the body), which are thought to release energy blocks enabling harmonisation of the reflected area [4].
Benefits:
Reflexology is known to reduce stress and induce deep relaxation. It can help improve your circulation, cleanse your body of toxins and impurities, revitalise energy and generate balance [5-6]. Reflexology can influence bodily functions to support health and helping to return the body to homeostasis [7-9]. It has been found to be especially beneficial during pregnancy for swollen legs and feet, and very useful when preparing for labour [10-11]. There is also positive clinical evidence in helping with premenstrual symptoms, chronic lower back pain, asthma, and irritable bowel syndrome [12] (Foot Reflex Maps adapted from Cross 2008).
What to expect:
Reflexology is an enjoyable non-invasive and non-diagnostic holistic therapy. Reflexology will be carried out in our warm and comfortable treatment room, with relaxing music in the background. You will need to remove your socks or tights, but no other clothing. The therapist makes a full holistic assessment and observation of your feet. Treatment lasts approximately 1 hour and incorporates deep relaxation. Occasionally, there may be tender areas, or different sensations that may be felt through the course of a treatment, and sometimes the process may make you drowsy or sleepy.
Book an appointmentIf you’re interested in any of our Reflexology services, please get in touch to book or find out more.
If you’re interested in any of our Reflexology services, please get in touch to book or find out more.
History:
Reflexology originates from ancient times in Egypt, China and India pre 5000 BCE. Further research from Dr William Fitzgerald (1872–1942) and Chiropractor Dr Joe Shelby Riley (1899-1959) influenced the development of zone therapy. Physiotherapist Eunice Ingham published during the 1930s and Doreen Bayley introduced Reflexology into the UK in the 1960s.
Book an appointmentIf you’re interested in any of our reflexology services, please get in touch to book or find out more.
Tel: 01206 761806
Mobile: 07713 185645
If you’re interested in any of our reflexology services, please get in touch to book or find out more.
Tel: 01206 761806
Mobile: 07713 185645
View prices
1 NICE (2020) Evidence for Reflexology. https://www.evidence.nhs.uk/search?q=reflexology+data
2 Chandrababu, R., Rathinasamy, E.L., Suresh, C. and Ramesh, J., 2019. Effectiveness of reflexology on anxiety of patients undergoing cardiovascular interventional procedures: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of advanced nursing, 75(1), pp.43-53.
3 Cross JR (2008b) Reflected Energy Pathways: A Practical Workbook For Physical Therapists. Chichester, UK: Lotus Publishing.
4 Kern, C., McCoart, A., Beltranm, T. and Martoszek, M., 2018. The Benefits of Reflexology for the Chronic Pain Patient in a Military Pain Clinic. Journal of special operations medicine: a peer reviewed journal for SOF medical professionals, 18(4), pp.103-105.
5 Deutsch JE (2008) CAM Use in Illness and Wellness. In: Deutsch JE and Anderson EZ (Eds). Complementary Therapies for Physical Therapy: A Clinical Decision-Making Approach. United States: Elsevier.
6 Smith-Oliver J and Skellam LJ (2000) Reflextherapy. In: Charman RA (Eds). Complementary Therapies for Physical Therapists (Eds). Somerset: Butterworth Heinemann.
7 Poole H, Glenn S and Murphy (2007) A Randomised Controlled Study of Reflexology for the Management of Chronic Low Back Pain. The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Journal Article; Randomized Controlled Trial, European Journal of Pain, 11(8):878-887.
8 Woodward S, Norton CS and Gordon J (2009) Reflexology for Treatment of Constipation (Protocol). The Cochrane Collaboration, http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD008156/pdf
9 Quattrin R, Zanini A, Buchini S, Turello D, Annunziata MA, Vidotti C, Colombatti A and Brusaferro S (2006) Use of Reflexology Foot Massage to Reduce Anxiety in Hospitalized Cancer Patients in Chemotherapy Treatment: Methodology and Outcomes. Journal of Nursing Management 14, (1): 96-105:
10 Smith CA, Levett KM, Collins CT and Jones L (2012) Massage, Reflexology and other manual methods for pain management in labour. The Cochran Library. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD009290.pub2/full
11 Kern, C., McCoart, A., Beltranm, T. and Martoszek, M., 2018. The Benefits of Reflexology for the Chronic Pain Patient in a Military Pain Clinic. Journal of special operations medicine: a peer reviewed journal for SOF medical professionals, 18(4), pp.103-105.