Reflexology

Reflexology

Karen Moore MICHT

Wednesday mornings

Reflexology is a form of therapy involving massage and pressure on the feet or sometimes on the hands of patients. The aim of the treatment is to stimulate points and areas in order to effect a reflex action on other parts of the body. The treatment works on a similar basis to acupuncture or shiatsu massage ie working on a point remote from the site of dysfunction or imbalance in order to change the flow of energy and restore health to an organ and to the whole person. The aims of this approach to the establishment and maintenance of health is to help the body correct energetic imbalance in organs and systems, thereby improving overall health.

Historically this is a form of treatment with a long and diverse pedigree. The earliest evidence of this is a painting on the tomb of the Egyptian physician, Ankmahor which is dated to about 2500 BC. As well as ancient Egypt it was widely used in Indian, Chinese and Babylonian cultures at about the same time (possibly originating in China in about 3000 BC). It is also believed that it was used in Africa, North and South America and in Europe (where the first book on the subject was published in 1582).

The therapy is extremely useful as a method of maintenance of health (in combination with other measures such as diet, exercise etc) and can be practised on patients with a wide range of conditions and levels of health. The treatment of babies, young children, pregnant women, nursing mothers, debilitated patients and the elderly is all possible. A number of conditions seem to respond well to reflexology including problems with sleep, anxiety, some skin conditions, conditions affecting the digestive system and infections. Patients often report feeling more relaxed and yet more energetic following treatment. Individual treatments can be useful but many patients feel a greater benefit from a course of treatments spaced at one to two weeks apart. The length of the course depends upon the individual but is typically six to eight sessions in length.