Reflexology....
Reflexology is a gentle but powerful therapy rooted in the theory that the foot is representative of the 'whole' body. Every part of the body, every organ, gland and skeletal structure is mapped onto a corresponding area of the foot known as a 'reflex'.
As as Reflexologist I work the whole body through the reflexes of the feet with specialised massage techniques using my thumbs and fingers to induce a state of deep relaxation in my clients. In this 'rest and repair' mode the body can rebalance allowing self healing to take place.
During a treatment I will pay special attention to any areas of imbalance I find in the feet. These areas may feel tender to clients and may indicate an imbalance in the corresponding body part.
It is important to note that I do not diagnose and Reflexology should not be used as an alternative to seeking medical advice.
....& Me
Reflexology
My path to Reflexology was winding.
I have always been interested in medicine and the workings of the human body and studied Biochemistry and Medical Physics at University. A desire to bring the 'wonders of science' to a wider audience led me, via a Masters Degree in Science Communication, to science journalism and ultimately factual television production.
I enjoyed a successful career as a television producer in London for nearly a decade before a move to the Middle East with my husband provided a natural career break for us to start a family.
It was during a difficult second pregnancy that I discovered the restorative powers of Reflexology. Having tried several conventional remedies for debilitating morning sickness and pelvic pain I finally found relief in Reflexology. I had no idea how it worked, but it did, and I was hooked.
Upon returning to the UK I achieved my Level III Diploma at the London School of Reflexology and founded The Loft Reflexology to provide gentle and compassionate reflexology in and around the Windlesham area.
FAQs
Q. How does Reflexology work?
In truth (and to my frustration as a science writer!) nobody knows the exact mechanism by which Reflexology works. There are several dominant theories as to how it may work, it is likely a combination of all.....
The leading Nerve impulse theory is built on the works of Sir Henry Head and Sir Charles Sherrington who, in the early 1900s, showed that a neurological relationship exists between the skin and internal organs. Pressing a point on the foot, which contains 7,000 nerve endings, is thought to send a message or ‘impulse’ to the central nervous system and onto the corresponding body part via the peripheral nervous system. The impulses set up by the Reflexologist are believed to give the body the information it needs to relax and restore balance.
The equally popular Energy theory, put forward by reflexology pioneer Dr Fitzgerald, is that energy flows through our bodies in discreet channels and any congestion in flow can manifest in a state of disease in a particular channel. Applying pressure to reflexes of the feet is thought to shift congestion encouraging the free flow of energy and return to bodily balance. This theory ties with traditional Chinese medicine theories of chi and energy meridians - 6 of the energy meridians in TCM actually begin or end in the feet.
The Relaxation effect definitely plays a role. We know that chronic stress, in which the body operates from a constant state of ‘fight or flight’, is responsible for a myriad of conditions from heart disease to insomnia. The act of reflexology has been shown to switch off the body's stress response and switch on the parasympathetic nervous system or 'relaxation mode'. As the body relaxes heart rate and breathing slows, blood pressure drops and tensions melt away. In this relaxed state the body is able to self heal.
The Placebo effect applies to all therapies. Clients may derive benefit from Reflexology because they ‘believe’ that it will have a positive effect.