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Reflexology for pleasure?

Posted on August 30, 2010 by Elizabeth Freeman

People often ask me whether they have to have something wrong with them to have a reason to have reflexology.  My answer to this is an emphatic “No!”.

Many clients come for reflexology simply because they love the treatments and find them very relaxing.  Reflexologist believe that reflexology works well at preventing conditions that you may not yet be aware of from ever surfacing.  Whatever you believe it is a fabulous stress-reliever which can only help in keeping you healthy.

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World Reflexology Week: 19th – 25th September 2010

Posted on August 27, 2010 by Elizabeth Freeman

Not long to go now until World Reflexology Week.  This year, World Reflexology Week is taking place on 19th – 25th September 2010.

World Reflexology Week is a week in which reflexologists raise awareness of reflexology and promote the benefits of reflexology.

During this week I will be doing my bit to promote reflexology by offering a £10 discount off your first reflexology treatment during this week.  Please contact me as soon as possible to book your place.

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The difference between foot massage and reflexology

Posted on August 24, 2010 by Elizabeth Freeman

I’m often asked what the difference is between foot massage and reflexology so thought it would be interesting to write my answer down!  I’m not attempting to say one is better than the other as I believe that people can derive many benefits from a good foot massage as they can from reflexology, this is just to try to point out the differences.

I am not a massage therapist so only have a rudimentary understanding of massage so feel free to comment if you think I’ve got something wrong.  I do, however, incorporate foot massage into my reflexology treatments to encourage the client to relax and because clients enjoy it.

Aims of reflexology:

The aim of reflexology is to balance the flow of energy around the body by stimulating reflex points on the feet / hands.
Reflexology is based on a theory that energy flows throughout the body and that so long as this energy can flow freely that your body, mind and spirit will be balanced and in harmony.  However, if there are perceived energy blockages a reflexologist sees this as an energy imbalance that may result in illness if left.

Aims of foot massage:

Foot massage aims to relax the client and relieve pressure by rubbing  the muscles, tendons, ligaments, skin, and joints of the feet.

Reflexology techniques:

Reflexologists use a variety of techniques during reflexology treatments, for example:

  • thumbwalking (pressing into the feet with the thumb in short measured movements over an area)
  • pinpointing (pressing deeply into a specific, deep-rooted foot reflex)
  • hook in and back up (pinpointing and then ‘hooking in’ and moving the thumb upwards)
  • linking (very lightly holding two separate reflex points in order to balance the energy between them – this may be done in contact with the skin or even just above the skin)

Foot massage techniques:

Massage techniques, involve effleurage (sweeping, stroking, flowing movements), kneading, stretching, rotating, rocking movements.  Foot massage also involves thumb-walking.

Reflexology mediums

Many reflexologists do not use any type of medium for the reflexology treatment.  Some use a small amount of wax, oil, cream or talcum powder but only enough to enable them to work easily over the skin as reflexologists do not want the foot to become too slippery as they need to be able to hold specific reflexes.

Foot massage mediums

Usually a good amount of wax, oil or cream is used in a foot massage.

Reflexology routine:

A reflexologist follows a specific routine in order to ensure that they cover all reflexes of the feet so that they can be sure to identify any imbalances.  They spend more time in areas they consider to be imbalanced in order to try to restore balance.

Foot massage routine:

A foot massage may well be a set routine and more time may be spent in certain areas if the therapist considers there to be tension there, however the routine will be purely that of massage and not carried out with any intention of restoring energy flow.

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Book recommendations for reflexology

Posted on August 21, 2010 by Elizabeth Freeman

There are many books written about reflexology that it’s hard to know which ones to choose.

However, if you are looking for a general introduction to reflexology I would recommend:
The Reflexology Handbook by Laura Norman

If you are thinking of studying reflexology or if you are currently studying reflexology, this book is very useful:
Hands on Reflexology: A Complete Guide by Andrew James

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What is maternity reflexology?

Posted on August 18, 2010 by Elizabeth Freeman

Maternity reflexology isn’t just about pregnant women.  Confused?  Maternity reflexology is about pre-conceptual and post-natal care as well as the pregnancy months.  Maternity reflexology focuses heavily on balancing hormones and the female pelvis so if you are someone who suffers from a hormonal imbalance, PMT or period problems (irregular periods, painful periods, heavy periods etc.)  then maternity reflexology would be very appropriate for you even if you are not intending to get pregnant.  For this reason, maternity reflexology is also good for menopausal women.

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Is it safe to have reflexology in the first trimester of pregnancy?

Posted on August 15, 2010 by Elizabeth Freeman

My personal opinion is that it is perfectly safe to have reflexology treatments during pregnancy, even in the first 12 weeks.  I believe that a viable foetus is extremely difficult to dislodge.  There is no evidence to suggest that reflexology may damage a foetus in the first trimester or indeed at any stage of pregnancy.

When I first qualified as a reflexologist I didn’t feel sufficiently experienced to treat pregnant women and was concerned that I may get blamed or even sued in the event of a miscarriage.  Some reflexologists believe that women should not receive reflexology during the first trimester and I wasn’t sure what to believe.

Rather than avoid pregnant women I learnt as much as possible about maternity reflexology.  I completed a Maternity Reflexology Course with Susanne Enzer, a reflexologist and midwife of many years.  It was important for me to be trained by someone with both medical experience and reflexology knowledge.  I received a Statement of Attendance for attending the course and chose to complete additional assessments, assignments and case studies to gain a Certificate of Competency in Maternity Reflexology.

The course was extremely detailed and covered:

  • the bones and organs of the female pelvis
  • the endocrine system
  • preconceptual care
  • subfertility
  • cautions / precautions and contraindications
  • the physiology of pregnancy

I learnt:

  • location of reflex zones of the pelvis and pelvic organs on the feet
  • how to adapt reflexology for pregnancy
  • reflex zones and acupressure points to avoid during pregnancy
  • the reflexology endocrine balance technique
  • the reflexology lymphatic technique
  • a reflexology routine to prime / induce labour
  • special reflexology techniques to use in childbirth
Posted in Maternity Reflexology, Reflexology training | 1 Comment

Reflexology and induction of labour

Posted on August 12, 2010 by Elizabeth Freeman

I am frequently asked by overdue pregnant women to use reflexology to encourage labour to start.  I use a tried and trusted reflexology routine taught to me by Susanne Enzer, a maternity reflexologist and midwife.  I have had varying results, sometimes it can take several treatments before labour begins, other times the woman has gone into labour a couple of hours later.

I believe that reflexology has more likely to start labour if the woman has been receiving regular reflexology treatments throughout their pregnancy so that the treatment is only focussing on encouraging the labour to being and not addressing other issues at the same time.

The treatment is quite different to usual reflexology treatments and will not be entirely the relaxing experience you may be hoping for.  Although many relaxation techniques are incorporated into the treatment there will also be vigorous stimulation of reflexes relating to the endocrine system and the digestive system as well as the pelvic areas.  It is likely to be uncomfortable and you may prefer to bring someone with you for support and to drive you home afterwards.  I always finish a reflexology induction treatment with the ultimate relaxing foot massage so that you will feel good when you leave.

No professional reflexologist will agree to try to induce your labour before your due date unless there are mitigating circumstances such as you are due to have an early medical induction.

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How does reflexology work holistically?

Posted on August 9, 2010 by Elizabeth Freeman

Reflexology is an holistic therapy as it doesn’t focus on a particular area or set of symptoms, it aims to achieve balance of the mind, body and spirit as a whole.

A good reflexologist should cover all reflexes during a treatment and spend extra time on imbalanced reflexes found during the treatment, which may not be the reflexes that you expected to be imbalanced!

For example, if you regularly suffer from headaches you may expect a reflexologist to focus on the head, neck and eye reflexes.  While the therapist may pay extra attention to these areas you may find that the imbalance is found in the shoulder reflexes because you had not known that the root of your headaches was in this area.  If you’re headaches are caused by stress then the imbalance may be found in the solar plexus reflex or somewhere else.  The imbalance may show in the kidney reflexes if your headaches are caused by dehydration.

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My reflexology treatment room

Posted on August 6, 2010 by Elizabeth Freeman

My reflexology treatment room is at the front of my house.  It is cool in the summer and in the winter I often light a cosy fire in the wood-burning stove to keep clients warm.

Clients recline in a Lafuma RSX reflexology chair with a fitted, fleece cover.  I’m careful to ensure that while I’m working on one foot, the other foot is wrapped in a towel so that it doesn’t feel cold and neglected.

I keep the lighting low so that clients are able to drift in and out of sleep as they like.  I have venetian blinds at the window that I can tilt to let some light in but to keep everything private from the outside world.

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Basic reflexology courses

Posted on August 2, 2010 by Elizabeth Freeman

Would you like to learn some basic reflexology for use at home with family and friends? Perhaps you would like to learn some reflexology for self-help, for instance to help you cope with period pain, headaches, to help with relaxation?

If you would like to learn some introductory reflexology but don’t want to do a full practitioner training course, then you may be interested to know that the Bath Reflexology Centre will be starting a 6 week ‘Introduction to reflexology’ course on 22nd September 2010 until 27th October 2010.

Full details about the introductory reflexology course is available at the Bath Reflexology Centre website.

Posted in Reflexology training, Self-help | Leave a comment ← Older posts