Reflexology: An ancient, non-intrusive medicine practice dating back 3000 years, involving the application of pressure on the hands and feet.
If you have taken to treating yourself to a natural, organic lifestyle (quite rightly so!) then why not go that one step further and embrace feeling great on the inside as well as glowing on the outside? Complementary therapies may be subject to some skepticism, but ask just about anyone who has had the pleasure of giving it a shot – you’ll hear nothing short of miraculous anecdotes!
Reflexology is a holistic therapy (meaning that the treatment takes into account ALL aspects of a person – mental and social, not just physical), which has no known negative side effects and has been used successfully to treat many ailments from stress relief right the way to serious conditions such as cancer. By working on particular reflex points, a reflexology practitioner can improve circulation, clear the body of toxins and help to restore and sustain balance within the body.
Here is just a small selection of problems that are commonly treated using reflexology:
• Hormonal imbalances
• Menopause
• Back pain
• Migraines, headaches
• Sleep disorders
• Digestive problems
• Circulatory problems
• Stress related disorders
• Arthritis
How does Reflexology work?
In Layman’s terms, hands and feet provide a ‘map’ for your body’s organs, which, when targeted with gentle pressure can give a trained professional indirect access to areas in need. By using this technique, any number of problems can not only be treated by reflexology, but diagnosed as well!
But it’s not just for those who have things that need fixing, reflexology is also a fantastic preventative measure as it helps to keep your body balanced. As with any traditional, Chinese medicine, the aim of the game is to create homeostasis – or in other words, equilibrium within yourself. This is important for everyone, ‘healthy’ or not, as the belief is that all illnesses are caused by some sort of imbalance in the first place.
Can I do DIY reflexology at home?
Whilst it is always recommended that you see a trained reflexologist for the best results and safety(especially when you have something in particular that needs treating or are pregnant), there are a few simple techniques that you can perform on yourself relatively easily, to help ease pains such as back-aches, headaches and just general stress and tension. It is also a wonderful thing to learn as a new parent to help get your little one off to sleep or sooth sore gums and tums!
STRESS RELIEF & HEADACHES
There are certain points on your feet which, when pin-pointed correctly with reflexology, target your nervous-system which in turn will help to ease stress tensions both physical and emotional. It’s also great for PMT! To help sooth this key part of the brain, simply roll your fingers over the tips of your toes and massage right into the inside of your foot. To target a headache, focus on squeezing your big toes, or if it’s more of a sinus headache give more attention to the rest of your toes as well.
MENSTRUAL CRAMPS
If you’re one of those unlucky ladies who suffers from painful period pains, reflexology can really help decrease those nasty aches. Focus on a nice, consistent pressure of the ovary & uterus reflexes on the sides of your heels.
STOMACH ACHES
A sore tummy can be the result of a number of things: sluggish digestion, constipation, trapped wind or even food poisoning; so whilst there isn’t really a ‘one size fits all’ approach here, there are certainly some reflexology pressure points that should help. Your left foot is the one your need for stomach problems, so that is where you will need to work! Use your thumbs to apply pressure to the outside of the arch of your foot (still on the sole), right next your heel. Caution: Avoid DIY stomach pressure points if you are pregnant as they can stimulate the uterus
TEETHING PAINS
If your little bub is teething and you’re at your wits end about what to do – reflexology might be the key! Using very gentle pressure, try squeezing the web of his/her hand in-between the thumb and forefinger. If this doesn’t work, try the pressure points for headaches mentioned above, as this can also relieve gum pain.
If you’re thinking of booking a reflexology treatment it can be hard to know who to choose. The Garden Retreat in Blockley is wonderful if you’re based near us. Let us know of any other treatment rooms you love too!