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.
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.
Reflexology has many benefits and effects:
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: