Reflexology – Ancient Healing to Help Combat the Stresses of The
Modern World
By Louise
Bates, Holistic Therapist, Heathcote Health & Beauty
As a
Holistic Therapist, whenever I treat clients, I understand the
importance of looking at the whole person and the mind, body and
spirit connection. This ‘holistic’ approach to healing has been
developed over thousands of years and continues to be used
today. A wonderful holistic therapy that my clients absolutely
love is ‘reflexology’.
Reflexology is an ancient therapy with its roots in several
countries and cultures, including Egypt, China, Africa and North
America. In fact, the first documented medical reference to
reflexology was found in an ancient Egyptian wall carving from
around 2300 BC.
So what exactly is reflexology and how can this therapy help us
in healing?
Reflexology is a healing art that uses acupressure and massage
on the feet, hands or ears to promote relaxation, alleviate
pain, treat illness and to stimulate the body’s ability to heal
itself. Reflexology utilises ‘reflex points’ on the hands, feet
and ears that correspond to the structure and function of each
part of the body. Applying pressure to these reflexes using
gentle pressure influences the state of the body in many ways;
our feet and hands are primarily used because they contain over
half of all the bones in our bodies, as well as 7,200 nerve
endings and 107 ligaments.
Modern
reflexology is
based upon the understanding that good health depends on the
circulation of ‘vital energies’, known as Qi (Chi) or Prana. It
is understood that vital
energy runs throughout the body in a system of invisible,
vertical channels called ‘meridians’. Achieving the proper flow
of this vital energy helps promote good health. It’s believed
that an imbalance or the blocked flow of vital energy can be one
of the main causes of disease.
By
applying gentle acupressure or massage to a meridian line and
manipulating reflex points in the feet, hands or ears, I can
affect the movement of a client’s vital energy by helping the
body’s energy circulate effectively without blockages,
stagnation or energy loss. Yet, unlike acupuncture, reflexology
is non-invasive.
Reflexology is a complementary therapy - a
deeply-relaxing treatment that works on many levels
that can be taken alongside orthodox medicine, although you do
not have to be unwell to benefit from this amazing treatment.
The
massage is firm to stimulate the circulation and it does not
tickle, as some people may think. The massage stimulates the
lymphatic system which helps to rid the body of toxins. It also
helps calm the mind and this in turn relaxes the muscles and
takes the body into a deep state of relaxation, restoring the
body to a healthier state and so improving overall well-being.
It’s so relaxing that many of my clients have in fact fallen
asleep during a treatment!
Reflexology is not a cure for any health condition, although
regular treatments do seem to help to alleviate the symptoms of
ongoing problems such as Sciatica, menstrual problems, stress
related disorders, arthritis, sports injuries - in fact the list
is endless. Because it helps to restore balance back into the
body, the body becomes better equipped to cope with most health
conditions.
Other
benefits of reflexology include reduced stress, increased energy
levels, the release of endorphins (the body’s ‘feel good’
hormones) which can provide pain relief, an improved immune
system and a sense that the whole body is better balanced and in
harmony.
Reflexology is a very gentle treatment and it’s suitable for
anybody from the very young to the elderly. To ensure the
clients’ well-being, all treatments begin with a consultation
which enables me to make sure that reflexology is the right
course of treatment for that specific client. In some cases,
Doctor’s permission may be required before treatments can
commence, for example, for those suffering from diabetes.
The
treatment usually takes about hour and a half, including the
initial consultation, 60 minute massage and a little time to
recover afterwards. It’s important that clients take it easy
for a while after the treatment and drink plenty of water.
As with
most holistic treatments, the body is encouraged to release
toxins and this can sometimes cause a ‘healing crisis’. A
healing crisis is a natural process and is usually short-lived;
symptoms can include general tiredness, headaches, runny nose
and frequent urination. However, the client should feel the
full benefit of the reflexology treatment if they follow the
right advice and rest afterwards.
I usually
like to incorporate crystals into my treatments - I am also a
qualified crystal therapist and I love any excuse to play with
these beautiful stones! I always ask the clients if they are
comfortable with this first and I explain the benefits of using
crystal therapy.
The
crystals work on the energy field surrounding the physical body,
commonly known as the ‘aura’. This energy field encompasses the
chakra system within the body as well.
Chakras
are our body’s natural energy centres. They are the openings for
life energy to flow into and out of our aura. Their function is
to re-vitalise the physical body and to bring about the
development of our self-consciousness. They are associated with
all our physical, mental and emotional interactions. Whenever
the energy levels are flowing well in a person, they enjoy good
health; however when the energy becomes sluggish or blocked,
symptoms of physical or emotional imbalance can start to
manifest.
Selected
crystals are therefore placed around the body, or on the body
depending on the needs of each individual client. Crystals help
to get the energy moving and clear any blockages in the subtle
energy field and chakra system. Some clients are very sensitive
to the vibrational frequency of crystals and may feel different
sensations ie. chills, warmth, tingling, waves of energy running
throughout the body or palpitations. Sometimes clients may feel
nothing at all.
I always
make sure that all of my clients receive the personalised
attention they deserve in a relaxed atmosphere, and the
combination of my reflexology treatment and crystals makes the
treatment a truly mind, body and spirit experience.
Louise
Bates is a member of the Federation of Holistic Therapists and
is fully qualified in Reflexology, Crystal Therapy,
Aromatherapy, Hopi Ear Candles, Reiki, Beauty Therapy and
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). To find out more please
visit:
www.heathcotebeauty.co.uk.
The above information should not be treated as a substitute for the
medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care
professional.
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