REFLEXOLOGY IN SWANSEA

HISTORY OF REFLEXOLOGY

Reflexology has been used as a holistic treatment for thousands of years. The Chinese used pressure points on the feet as a form of treatment, and drawings discovered in the tomb of an Egyptian physician, shows practitioners massaging their patients' feet and hands in a particular way.

More recently Eunice Ingham, a physiotherapist, learnt from Dr Joe Riley the technique of working the feet, and he in turn learnt from Dr William Fitzgerald, considered the 'father' of reflexology, about 'zone therapy'. Eunice was the first person to chart the feet in relation to the reflex zones and show that the feet carried maps of the body.

The main pioneer to Britain was Doreen Bayly who in the 1960s introduced us to Reflexology after studying with Eunice Ingham.

Today Reflexology is becoming a more popular from of holistic therapy with practitioners continuing to develop Ingham's original work, varying the techniques and developing new ones.

Modern Reflexology is both a science and an art, which is a good way to enjoy relaxation in Swansea.

WHAT IS REFLEXOLOGY

Reflexology is a treatment of mainly the feet, which are massaged to alleviate symptoms in the body. Sometimes the hands can be used if the feet are deemed unfit.

Reflexology is a method for activating the healing powers of the body. By applying the principle that the energy zones run throughout the body and reflex areas in the feet then that in turn corresponds to all the major organs, glands and body parts.

When a Reflexologist massages the relevant areas, applying pressure with the thumb and fingers in a special technique, it is encouraging the body to heal itself from within, helping to alleviate pain and other symptoms, including reducing stress in Swansea

The treatment usually takes about an hour and is completely natural, no medication is used. The therapist will apply moisturising cream to the feet to aid with the massage.

BENEFITS AND EFFECTS OF REFLEXOLOGY

Reflexology has many benefits and effects:

• reduces stress and induces deep relaxation in Swansea
• improves circulation
• helps to cleanse the body of toxins and impurities
• balances the whole system or 'homeostasis'
• revitalises the body's energy
• preventative health care by boosting the immune system
• stimulate creativity and productivity

AFTERCARE ADVICE

You may or may not experience what is termed a healing reaction - any reaction is deemed positive - no pain no gain.

Reactions range from general feelings of discomfort to feelings of illness in specific areas. Existing symptoms may worsen, or new symptoms appear. The 'healing reaction' is common and temporary.

To help to minimise the effect of the 'healing reaction' it is advised that you should:

• drink plenty of water
• avoid stimulants ie caffeine, alcohol
• avoid any strenuous or stressful activities directly after treatments