Reflexology is a gentle non-invasive treatment generally carried out on the feet. It is based on a theory that the body is represented as a mirror image reflecting every organ and representing it through a series of reflex points. Using precise thumb and finger techniques while working on these specific points releases tension and helps the body to seek its own equilibrium. This encourages the clients own healing systems to activate, and restores the free flow of energy throughout the whole body, and so promotes sustainable relaxation and wellbeing. Therapists believe that crystalline deposits of waste products, usually calcium and uric acid concentrate around the reflex points providing the therapist with a ‘peculiar’ feeling at that particular point. By working on these points it helps to break down the deposits and encourages elimination and stimulates circulation.
Reflexology is acknowledged to be one of the most popular holistic therapies available throughout the world today, and considered to be the most powerful aid to relaxation and alleviating the effects of stress on the body.
At the MS Centre, there is a dedicated Therapy Room for Reflexology. Each treatment usually lasts between 40 – 45 minutes.
During the treatment clients usually experience a sense of relaxation, and unwinding. They notice their breathing getting slower, as they become less stressed. From time to time there may be slight areas of discomfort, but these are transitory, and are usually felt by the therapist as areas of imbalance. When worked the discomfort lessens until it is fully dispersed. In severely congested areas this may take some time. This can sometimes feel like a sharp jab, which dulls when pressure is applied. This sensation doesn’t usually affect the therapeutic value of the treatment, but alerts the therapist to the imbalances throughout the body as reflected on the soles of the feet.
After the treatment, the client usually feels very relaxed. Different people react in different ways, but generally the therapist would advise the client to go with the flow of their energy. If they feel tired, rest. If they feel energised, do something that you want to do, without over exertion. It is important to retain as much of the benefit of the treatment as possible, and conserving extra ‘energy’ and using it wisely is highly recommended.
On occasion clients have experienced either/or both physical oremotional reactions directly following a treatment, but this is not always the case. If such a reaction is going to occur, it usually occurs after the first one, two or three treatments. (Seasoned clients do not experience such negative reactions). They usually occur within 12-24 hours of having the treatment. A negative physical reaction can present as; dizziness, headache, fatigue, or lethargy, while an emotional reaction can include, sadness, tearfulness, anger, annoyance or frustration. Therapists recognise this as a healthy reaction to a treatment as it indicates to them a blockage being released. Holistic therapists recognise that the condition must get worse before it gets better, this is called a healing curve. Its subtlety depends on the overall health of your body.
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