Treatments from La Vie Therapies
Reflexology
History
Evidence of reflexology has been found on a wall painting in an Egyptian tomb dating back to about 2,330 B.C.; it can also be traced back to ancient India and China. Reflexology as we know it today is attributed to the work of Eunice Ingham, who mapped out reflex points on the feet and hands. Her original work is taught exclusively by the school that she founded, The International Institute of Reflexology, The Ingham Method (IIR).
Foot Reflexology
What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is a specific technique that works on precise reflex points on the hands or feet, based on the principle that these reflex points correspond to particular organs, glands and structures in the body. In stimulating these reflex points we bring about a state of deep relaxation, stimulate the body's own healing process and help the person return to a state of balance and well-being. Reflexology is a holistic, non-invasive therapy which addresses mental, physical and emotional health.
Who can benefit?
Most people can benefit from reflexology. It treats the causes not just the symptoms and can bring relief to a wide range of acute and chronic conditions. Clinical reflexology is not a beauty therapy or a foot massage; it is a clinical treatment with results. It is totally safe for people of all ages, from babies to the elderly, for pregnant women and those undergoing chemotherapy.
How does it help?
The body has an amazing ability to heal itself. Following illness, stress, injury or disease, it can be in a state of 'imbalance' and vital energy pathways can become blocked and congestion occurs. This prevents the body from functioning effectively. By working with the body's own natural resources, reflexology can help restore its natural equilibrium and encourage healing.
Specifically:
- Relaxation and Stress are reduced and energy revitalized.
- The body is cleansed and detoxified.
- The immune system is boosted, and the lymphatic and circulation systems are stimulated and improved.
- The nervous system is triggered and the endocrine system balanced.
- Muscular tension and pain are eased or released.
Stress and Reflexology
Stress is a modern term that simply means you are experiencing an abnormal amount of pressure. A certain amount of pressure is essential to help us meet life’s challenges, release our creativity and fuel our continued personal growth. Once pressure falls outside the range with which we feel comfortable, it can lead to the unpleasant physical and emotional symptoms associated with distress.
It is common knowledge that uncontrolled stress can trigger a great many diseases and disorders from insomnia and gastric ulcers, high blood pressure, asthma and migraine to depression and chronic fatigue.
For a long time, such problems have been something we have to live with in our day-to-day lives, however, reflexology and other therapies can help you relax, re-gain control, and give you your ‘ME TIME,’ keeping you in the best possible health to cope with extra pressure when the need arises.
Reflexology can reflect positively with:
- Irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive disorders
- Insomnia
- Sinus problems
- Headaches or migraines
- Stress and tension
- Muscular pain
- Depression or anxiety
- Skin conditions eg. eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis
- Low energy levels
- Frequent colds, low immunity and autoimmune diseases
- Hay Fever
- High Blood Pressure
- Diabetes
- Hormonal imbalances
Whilst reflexology works very well alongside conventional medicine, it should never be used in place of seeking professional medical advice.
Why choose Reflexology?
As a worldwide healing tradition, reflexology allows the individual more control over their own health and provides the opportunity for self-help through hand reflexology that can be demonstrated by a practitioner. The therapy offers less harmful, drug free, healing approach to ailments and to the maintenance of health. Reflexology treats the body as a whole and endeavors to get to the root cause of problems and not just treat the symptoms; reflexology can often help where other treatments have failed.
Quite often there are indications of congestion in the feet before any symptoms manifest themselves in the body; this is in part due the 7200 nerve endings in each foot. Therefore, reflexology is a useful aid in both the prevention of illness and regular maintenance treatments can promote health and well being.
What can I expect to feel during a treatment?
A firm pressure is applied which is not ticklish as the fingers and thumbs work over the feet. Some people experience sensations: twinges, grittiness or lumpiness, tenderness and the flow of energy. The treatment is very relaxing and clients often go into an ‘alpha’ state; the state we are in just before sleep and before we wake. The brain is deeply relaxed but aware, receptive and able to make connections.
How can I expect to feel after a treatment?
You should be totally relaxed and ‘chilled out’, although some clients prefer to use the time to chat or talk about life. You may feel tired and it’s good to plan a quiet day or night after a treatment to fully appreciate the benefits. Reflexology continues to promote wellbeing in the body even after the treatment and you may notice changes from a state of relaxed calm, and possibly a sleepy sensation, to feeling energized, and revitalized with a ‘spring in your step.’
Hand Reflexology
Hand reflexology is great for those who have a foot phobia or who have extremely sensitive feet or for individuals where the feet are not accessible. It enables a person to receive all the benefits of foot reflexology and vertical reflexology through the hands. It is a treatment in its own right and not a hand massage, although many of the techniques feel wonderful. Hand reflexology is often integrated into classical foot reflexology and as part of Indian Head Massage.
Hand reflexology is a shorter treatment and is excellent for people who are short of time and for self-treating at home in between treatments.
