Have Questions About Reflexology?
Below are some common questions I recieve about reflexology. If you have other specific questions about your health and how reflexology can be a part of your healthcare treatment please do not hesitate to contact me.
Why Reflexology?
Reflexology is an ancient art and science, that complements both medical and alternative medicines and therapies. It is non-invasive; all you have to do is remove your shoes and socks, relax and let your stress evaporate. I have spent a lifetime in health and business related studies, and I mean "studies" because I immerse myself in learning. The American Medical Association has stated that "stress is the cause of 75% to 84% of all illness and disease in America." "The critical factor with stress is its chronic effect over time. Research shows that almost every system in the body can be influenced by chronic stress. When chronic stress goes unreleased, it suppresses the body's immune system and ultimately manifests as illness." (National Institutes of Health) All of us need to strengthen our immune systems and bring balance into our lives. Reflexology is one way that you can lead your body towards healing.
Reflexology's primary function is to induce an optimal state of relaxation that leads to healing. Our bodies are designed to heal themselves at a cellular level. Unfortunately, many of us forget to nourish our bodies through diet, exercise and the spirituality of our choosing. Each of our feet have approximately 7,200 nerve endings. When pressure is applied to these nerve endings (reflexes) messages are transmitted to the brain through the nervous system to assist the body's natural ability to respond by working towards a biologically balanced state. If you think of every body system, whether its your digestive system, spine or nervous system, there are benefits with all systems, like improving circulation, releasing toxins, relieving headaches and migraines, and so much more. My strong belief is that we need to relieve stress and strengthen our immune system. Our lymphatic/immune system maintains fluid balance and fights an infection by distributing immune cells or T-cells throughout our body. Without a strong and balanced immune system, we have no safeguards protecting our body, therefore our bodies play host to all kinds of infections and viruses, because we no longer have resistance to disease.
Reflexology is pleasant and relaxing, although some reflex areas may be more sensitive than others. Sensitive areas can be deposits of proteins, uric or lactic acids that have created congestion, it is your body's invitation to heal.
Most people feel wonderfully relaxed, re-energized and renewed. Others have described feelings of incredible well-being, others of surprising happiness! Some feel calm and relaxed, others experience a feeling of energy and rejuvenation.
No. Reflexology is not massage and differs in that it works through stimulation of reflex points (nerve endings) to evoke a autonomic nervous system response which create balance throughout the entire body. Reflexology is considered a form of bodywork.
Relaxation Reflexology is the gentle application of specific techniques of thumb walking, finger walking and knuckles to induce a state of relaxation to restore balance and promote optimum health. European Reflexology uses a wider range of techniques in an appropriate systematic manner to allow the therapist to locate and treat undetected reflexes, define textures and provide a more energizing or therapeutic approach to the session.
If you are new to Reflexology, or a first time client with me, you will be asked to complete a short health history. Together we will review this history and determine what your expectations are for reflexology. It may be for relaxation, or digestive issues, or back problems, or others. You will have to remove your shoes and socks, and a visual examination will be completed while you sit back and relax. I begin with an assessment, foot reading, and some foot relaxation exercises. I use a foot cream or lotion, and occassionally some essential oil. A Relaxation session is 45 to 60 minutes, and many of my clients fall asleep! Don't worry, the session will work even if you are sleeping. European Reflexology is more therapeutic, and uses more thumb, finger and knuckle techniques, and often leaves you energized! This session is about 30to 45 minutes. I do suggest that you assist in flushing toxins by drinking an adequate amount of water.
Contraindications may include not working on a foot with a new injury (eg. fracture or large laceration), the first trimester of pregnancy, and/or an active illness. This is one reason why a health history and visual inspection of the feet is so important. It may mean we use lighter pressure, which we always adjust to the client each and every time. Side Effects are likely indications that that the session is doing what it is supposed to do and your body has begun healing. There is usually a general feeling of well-being and "I'm so relaxed!" Depending on the sensitivities of the reflexes, or nerve endings, you may go home and sleep, feel more energized, or a little nauseated, having to go to the bathroom more etc. I will explain more fully at your session.
I am a member of the Natural Health Practitioners of Canada and have several Certifications. I'm relatively new to Reflexology, not new to health care. I began my career as Registered Nurse, working in several provinces, and travel nursed in the USA. I have a very broad base of knowledge having practiced in acute care, long-term care, minor emergency, home care, oncology, and tele-health over a span of 36 years. I've also had health related businesses, and completed several certifications. I like learning! I started studying Reflexology in 2015 and received my certification in February 2016.
Reflexology is not covered by Alberta Health Care. Some Group Plans do cover a portion of the cost or a specified amount. You will have to call your insurance company for details. I understand that Green Shield Canada, Manulife and Sun Life offer some coverage in Alberta. I do have invoices that you can send to your insurance company and/or health spending account.
The oldest Reflexology 'document' was a wall engraving unearthed in the tomb of an Egyptian physician in Egypt, that dates back to around 2500 B.C. However, there are several theories of origination, including beginnings in China some 5,000 years ago. Another that a form of Reflexology was passed down to the American Indians by the Incas.
Reflexology as we know today, began evolving in the 1930's when Dr. William Fitzgerald, referred to as the father of reflexology, found that the application of pressure to various parts of the body deadened pain in other areas and thus reduced the need for anaesthesia in surgery and other procedures. He mapped out 10 zones calling his work Zone Analgesia. Dr. Shelby Riley further developed the Zone Theory along side of Dr. Fitzgerald.
Eunice Ingram, a physical therapist who worked closely with Dr. Riley, started developing her foot reflex theory in the 1930's. Now referred to as the founder of modern reflexology, she discovered that in using a pressure technique across the soles of feet, she was able to stimulate and heal other parts of the body, rather than merely numb sensations of pain. Her work is continuing to grow in popularity today. Lauren Slade (author and creator of the website Universal College of Reflexology) studied Reflexology with Eunice Ingram's nephew Dwight Byers, in the 1980's in London England.