The ancient art of

Reflexology

By Jan

Qualified Reflexology Practitioner M.C.S.R  I.T.E.C.

Introduction

Reflexology is a safe, effective and pleasant therapy which brings about a therapeutic effect to all parts of the body through pressure applied to reflex points found in the feet and hands.

It improves health and wellbeing by

reducing stress and inducing deep relaxation;

improving circulation;

cleansing the body of toxins and impurities;

restoring the natural balance of the body thus allowing it

to heal itself naturally;

revitalising energy and by stimulting creativity and productivity.

It also plays an effective role in

preventative health care.

Pressure techniques learned from ancient cultures are used to restore the natural balance of the body, allowing it to heal and prevent many of the conditions suffered in modern society.  In those conditions where a cure is not possible, the health and wellbeing of the patient can be improved by the relaxing, calming and strengthening effect of the treatment. It is for these reasons that reflexology is becoming increasingly used in hospitals and hospices as health professionals recognise its effectiveness

Reflexology is not a foot massage, nor a medical treatment, but is a holistic therapy which helps the body to heal itself. Reflexologists do not diagnose conditions but can detect problem areas and can work on those areas. Reflexology is not meant to replace conventional medicine, a professional therapist can work with doctors to help their patients improve their health. When seeking a reflexologist do ensure they have the necessary qualifications from a recognised body.

For copyright reasons I have not reproduced full foot and hand charts on my web site but have provided links below to acceptable charts where you will see illustrations of how the body is mapped out on the feet and hands, thus enabling the reflexologist to treat the various areas of the body with accuracy. With reference to accuracy, I belong to a body of reflexologists that believe the eye and ear points are found just beneath the fleshy part of the the second and third toes and fingers respectively, and not below the the toes and fingers as shown on these charts. As a reflexologist would cover the entire surface of each foot or hand in the course of a treatment each point would be worked and the accuracy of the points in question will make little difference to the treatment.

Reflexology Foot Chart      Reflexology Hand Chart

Some of My Experiences with Reflexology

I had MS while I was training but was unaware of it. I noticed during the my classes that when my tutor worked my toes it was extremely painful. I thought it was because she was using more pressure than she realised but nobody else in the class had this problem. Later, when I told my tutor I had MS she wasn't surprised.

Just days before my first big attack, I was drying my toes after getting out of the bath and was startled by a strong reaction I had from the toe in the 3rd zone in particular. I am now able to tell when I am about to relapse by checking the reflex points in my toes. It shows up there every time.

I work on my own hands to treat my symptoms and am able to immediately release cramps in my calf muscle by working the corresponding reflex point. By doing this I am not left with the nagging ache that usually follows cramp for a day or two afterwards.

I thoroughly recommend reflexology for people with MS

Reflexology and the Blocked Tear Duct

One of my clients told me that she had a blocked tear duct in her right eye. She had suffered with this for approximately seven years and had been advised that laser surgery would be required to to correct it. She regularly suffered sharp headaches over the eye.

During the course of a full reflexology treatment I worked the eye reflex on her right foot then moved on to the rest of the treatment. Suddenly my client called my attention to her eye, it was streaming with tears for the first time in seven years, the tear duct had opened. In subsequent visits she reported that the headaches had cleared and she had noticed an improvement in her eyesight.

Reflexology and Back Pain

I have treated several people with back pain and all have reported an improvement in their condition. One of my clients had spent three nights sleeping in a dining chair and leaning on cushions on the table because she could find no other way of sleeping with the pain in her spine. I helped her into her reclining chair, she could hardly move, and gave her a full reflexology treatment as usual but with emphasise on the spinal areas and adrenal reflexes. Immediately after the treatment she told me she was going to try something and then got up out of the chair unaided and was able to walk around the room. I showed her the reflex points on her hands so she could work on these to release the spasms in her spine and after a few more treatments her backacke had gone.

I have also worked on two young men who suffered back pain at sports events. One young man had come to a tournament to watch as he was unable to play because of the pain he was suffering from an injury he had sustained the week before. I worked on his feet and advised him to move about and not hold himself rigid as he had been doing. After the treatment he got changed, warmed up and played in the team without pain. He has had no recurrence of the pain since.

Another player at the same tournament fell to the ground in great pain during a game. A First Aider checked that the injury was not serious but said he would not be able to continue playing in the tournament that day. I worked on his feet and he was able to play unhindered by pain in the last match and help his team win the tournament.

Reflexology and Frozen Shoulder

One of my friends called me and asked if I could help with a problem she had with her shoulder. She had suffered with pain and lack of mobility in her arm for two months. After the first treatment she was able to move her arm freely. I showed her the reflex points to work on betwen treatments to release the spasms and after three treatments she reported that the problem had disappeared.

Reflexology and Swollen Ankles

I started treating an elderly client who had suffered with swollen ankles for many years. After a few treatments I met her neice who told me she had never before realised her aunt had ankles. She had never seen them when they weren't swollen and she has always visited her every week.

The Precision of Reflexology

While working on one of my case studies during my training, my client just happened to mention she had noticed a sharp pain in her leg while walking to get to and from work. I was working the area of the leg and noticed a reaction to a point corresponding to an area just below her knee. I pointed to the small area on her leg and she confirmed that the pain was at that exact place the pain had occurred.  I worked the area well during that treatment and my client reported that she had no recurrence of the pain since that treatment.

Excerpts  from Some of the Letters

of Recommendation I have received

Client 1

'This has definately been effective and as I have applied this method I have noticed the difference on a day to day basis.

At the beginning of these sessions I had several particular sore points, which, since with the implementation of reflexology are no longer existing problems.

The whole experience has been both enjoyable and eye opening.'

Client 2

'After my first treatment, which I enjoyed immensely, I felt so happy and relaxed, I decided this was definitely for me, if only for the good feeling it created

Now, further along, I find my general health has improved. I'm not so depressed, and many of the allergies I have are responding well, in particular, watering, itchy eyes. Each week my eyes improved and they feel fine now.

Another problem with metabolism is also improving, first treatment on the pituitary point was very painful, now I just barely feel it, and have managed to reduce my excess weight slightly.'

Client 3'

'I have especially noticed the pain in my knee is not as severe after treatment and I feel much more comfortable in general. I have also found that I sleep better after having my feet worked on.'

Client 4

I must admit I really wasn't sure what to expect. I know I love having my feet massaged and thought 'well at least I'll enjoy it'.

It didn't take long before I started to reap the rewards of reflexology. I suffer with my back and after three weeks my back pain disappeared. Of course, if I strained it then it was great to have Jan work her wonders and make me feel great again.

One occasion I was visiting, as I got out of the car  I twisted my knee. Jan did a quick poke at my foot and I felt fine. I have thoroughly enjoyed the last few weeks. We have recommended her to our friends and now realise how important reflexology is.

Client 5

When Jan started to do reflexology  I found it to be relaxing and I was ready for a good nights sleep.

On one particular occasion I had been suffering quite badly from itchy eyes due to my hayfever. It was amazing to see the improvement in my eyes after one session of reflexology. My right eye completely cleared up.

At first I didn't really take it seriously but now I would recommend it to anyone.'

'When will I stop being amazed at the results reflexology brings?'

My tutor answered

'If that day comes it is time to give up'