WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A REFLEXOLOGY TREATMENT · A reflexology treatment should on the whole be a very pleasurable and relaxing experience. Experiences can vary from a general sense of relaxation and restfulness to a conscious awareness of the area of the body that is being stimulated. · The treatment starts with relaxation techniques which warm up and stretch the muscles and help relax the patient. · Starting at the toes the therapist works their way down the foot to the ankle and then works the sides and top of the foot, using various thumb and finger techniques. · Each reflex is worked on a point by point basis which allows the therapist to pick up any sensitive areas. This sensitivity can vary from a sharp intense pain to a dull ache, discomfort or tightness. Sensitive reflexes indicate possible areas of congestion in the body (blocked energy). · It is believed that illness or pain occurs when the energy pathways become blocked, disrupting the flow of energy and breaking the body’s harmony. · Sensitivity does however vary from person to person. Some people may be unhealthy yet have insensitive reflexes, while a healthy person may have very sensitive reflexes. · It is not uncommon for there to be very little or no sensitivity during the first treatment, this does not necessarily mean there is no sensitivity; it may be there is an energy blockage in the feet that needs to be released.
BENEFITS OF REFLEXOLOGY · Reflexology on a regular basis helps bring balance to all areas of the body, mind and spirit. Some of the benefits of regular reflexology are * Stress relief * Allergy relief * Reduced back and neck tension * Relief from pain * More mobile joints * Promotion of good sleeping habits * Improved digestion * Rebalancing of hormones * Promotion of fertility * Improved circulation * Improved mental awareness
· It should however be noted that reflexology is not a quick fix, but rather stimulates the body to heal itself. Therefore the patient needs to take responsibility for their own well being and may be required to make certain lifestyle changes.
THE TREATMENT · The first reflexology treatment usually lasts between 75min – 120min, as a comprehensive medical history of the patient is taken. · All subsequent treatments are 60min long and for optimum benefits the patient should initially come for weekly/biweekly treatments until an improvement is seen, and then gradually decrease it to maintenance treatments every 4 - 6 weeks. · Even if the problem appears to have been corrected after just one treatment, it is still recommended to complete a course of between 8 - 12 treatments, as this helps to balance the body totally and reduces the chances of the problem reoccurring.
POINTS TO NOTE · Reflexologists are not medical practitioners · Reflexologists do not diagnose a disease nor prescribe or change any medications. · Reflexologists do not claim to treat or cure any condition or disease, · Complete, accurate and factual case history records are required by the Allied Health professions act63. · Knowing the medical history allows the therapist to treat the patient accordingly and indicates if a treatment may be contra-indicative.
REACTIONS TO A REFLEXOLOGY TREATMENT · Most often the immediate reaction to a treatment is quite pleasant, leaving the patient feeling calm and relaxed or energized and rejuvenated. · As reflexology stimulates the body’s own healing process there can be a negative reaction known as a ‘healing crisis’. This healing crisis is the body’s way of cleansing itself of toxins, which have accumulated over the years. Because of this detoxifying process, which usually manifests in the elimination systems of the body you may experience the following: * Increased energy * Changes of sleep patterns – either deeper or more disturbed sleep. * Increased urination which may be darker and stronger smelling due to toxin content. * Flatulence and more frequent bowel movements * Aggravated skin conditions – rashes pimples or spots (due to elimination of toxins) * Improved skin tone and tissue texture due to increased circulation * Increased mucus discharge (Nasal / Vaginal) * Flu like symptoms * Emotional release (crying) · Symptoms may take a day or two to manifest and can last up to 48hours.
Massage Sunningdale Cape Town Reflexology Tableview