Why Clinical Reflexology?

Why Clinical Reflexology ? :

History

Touch therapy

Reflex points

Effects on health

Effects on our nervous system

Stress

History :

: Reflexology is an ancient complementary therapy which facilitates holistic healing of the physical, emotional and mental, in order to enhance HEALTH.

: A Clinical Reflexologist will tailor the reflexology treatment and range of techniques used according to the very specific holistic needs of the client. Each treatment will be individual to those physical, emotional and mental needs.

Touch therapy :

: Reflexology is a touch therapy; I make hand contact on the clients feet and occasionally hands.These areas are manipulated and massaged with pressure placed upon various reflex points.

Reflex points :

: These Reflex points or Reflected points correspond to various systems and organs in the body.The pressure on these specific reflex points is thought to instigate a balancing action in the corresponding body part.Please feel free to have a look at my Chart Book detailing the precise anatomical reflection of the body on the feet!

Effects on health:

: Reflexology is a complementary therapy, alongside healthy lifestyle choices and required medical healthcare treatments, Reflexology is a wonderful additional tool for helping an individual to maintain, support and enhance a healthy state. The relaxation responses elicited via Reflexology are a recognised method of calming and thereby balancing the body.

: The relaxing and thereby balancing action of Reflexology has been seen to be an important treatment option to improve wellbeing and provide symptom relief in many people with chronic, acute, physical and emotional conditions.(research papers highlighting specific conditions and responses are available on AOR website)

'Only when body systems are fully balanced and in a state of homeostasis can an individual achieve its own potential and capacity for repair and health'

Effects on our nervous system:

: Feet contain a huge number of touch sensitive receptors, more than many other parts of the body. Pressure on touch sensitive receptors stimulates the body's Para Sympathetic Nervous System (PSNS).

: The PSNS is responsible for initialising many physical responses, such as:

~ lowering blood pressure

~ decreasing muscle tension

~ lowering heart rate

~ reducing inflammation

~ improving digestive efficiency

~ improving immune efficiency

~ inducing deep relaxation.

Stress:

: All the positive physical responses of the PSNS, shown above, are adversely affected when the body reacts to, or worse is in a chronic state of stress.

'It is thought that stress can adversely affect the body's ability to combat disease and can be a contributing factor to some medical conditions'

: It is therefore clear to me that deep relaxation and stimulation of the PSNS are essential components in negating the effects of an individual's stress responses, and therefore may be beneficial in enhancing health.

: Reflexology is not pampering or self indulgence, instead it is prioritising your health!!