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Enjoy the Benefits of Foot Reflexology
The Origins of Reflexology
Modern reflexology is based on an ancient form of therapy used for healing the body without medicine. It was practised in various forms in places like India, China, and Egypt more than 5000 years ago.
Those who practised reflexology believed that energy currents ran down the length of the body in twelve meridians (six down each foot). They believed that sickness was caused by a disturbance or blockage in these pathways. Thus, the goal of reflexology was to release stress from these pathways and restore balance to one's energy.
Reflexology was introduced to the western world by Dr. William Fitzgerald (1872-1942) in the early 20th century. He noticed that, when working on some of his patients' toes and fingers, it produced relief from headaches, earaches, stomach aches, etc.
He started to employ his methods on most of his patients, achieving great success in his efforts. Working from the ancient practice of twelve meridians, Dr. Fitzgerald amended the divisions to ten currents, coinciding with our ten toes. In 1930, masseur Eunice Ingham further subdivided the foot with four horizontal zones.
She is known as the pioneer of modern reflexology and her mapping of the feet is what is used by reflexologists still today.
Indulge in Some Healing
What to Expect
If you've never been for a reflexology session before, you may feel a bit apprehensive. Whatever your concerns, you will have the opportunity to ask one of our professional reflexologists any questions you may have, after they have conducted a thorough health, diet, and lifestyle consultation at the start of your first session.
It is important to mention any medication you may be taking and recent operations or illnesses you may have had, as well as your reasons for trying reflexology. Your reflexologist will then explain how foot reflexology works and examine your feet.
Your treatment will begin with a few simple relaxation techniques, thereafter your reflexologist will begin applying pressure to each of the reflex points in your feet. They will work on one foot at a time, but will attend to both feet during the course of your session.
Sometimes it may be necessary to revisit certain areas to help in bringing your body into balance. The pressure applied should be firm, but not painful. Your reflexologist may use a bit of cream or powder to aid their fingers and thumbs to glide across the reflex points of your feet. It's entirely up to you whether you close your eyes and relax or chat during your session.
Typical treatments last between 45-50 minutes and it is most beneficial to have 4-6 weekly treatments initially. Our team of professionals takes care to customise treatment plans to suit the needs of our clients.
After your treatment, you will be advised to flush out the toxins from your body by drinking plenty of water. It is also advisable that you avoid alcohol and try to only eat light meals.
It is also important to remember that reflexology is not a medical treatment and it does not treat or cure specific illnesses. Rather, it seeks to bring the entire body's energy back into balance, thus bringing relief and, in some cases, healing to areas that were out of balance. Everybody responds differently to reflexology so don't be despondent if you only notice a physical response after a few sessions.
Reactions to Expect After Treatment
Because everyone is different, there are a variety of reactions to foot reflexology treatment that are considered normal. Most people feel a general sense of relaxation but there are many other reactions that also occur after you've had a foot reflexology treatment.
Here is a list of the more common reactions:
A feeling of warmth
Feeling light-headed
Loose, relaxed muscles
Cessation of all pain and discomfort
Sighing deeply
Extreme tiredness
Cold chills
Perspiration of hands or feet
Thirst
Foot Reflexology Benefits
Most people go for foot reflexology when they feel the need for relaxation and stress relief. A good foot massage by one of our professionals will not only improve your physical well-being, but your mental and emotional well- being as well.
Even though reflexology is not a medical treatment, you may see some of the following benefits after you have had foot reflexology treatment:
Relief from stress, pain and anxiety
Increased energy
Cured colds and minor ailments
Improved blood and lymph circulation
Pressure relief on legs and feet for pregnant women
This Easter season, why not give this ancient foot massage a try? The Natural Living Spa and Wellness Centre, our day spa in Polokwane, has a variety of massage treatments and spa packages to choose from.
The foot reflexology massage is one of our most popular, and our team of massage professionals are waiting to pamper your feet today with a treatment guaranteed to bring healing and rejuvenation to your entire body.
