Relax, Revive, Rejuvenate with Reflexology - an ancient practice revived for today.

Reflexology is a non invasive form of treatment dating back 2500 years which incorporates the stimulation and sedation of the reflexes (found on the body) that refer or relate to the organs and systems of the body. Treatment can be applied to the reflexes located on the feet, hands, face, or head using specific movements of the thumbs and fingers of the therapist.

Charts and diagrams showing locations relevant to the organs of the body are found in many cultures and countries of the world form ancient Egypt through Asia and beyond. In more modern times charts have been developed by people like Eunice Ingham mapping the reflexes on the hands and feet in great detail, much research has been done and continues to be done to build on the knowledge and long held beliefs of the benefits of the various forms of reflexology. (Modern medical equipment is now able to register and measure responses to the stimulation of the reflexes further expanding the knowledge base)

The reflexologist “works” with thumbs and fingers to stimulate or sedate the reflexes to encourage the relevant organ or systems to return to a healthy balance within the body, stimulating sluggish organs such as the intestines in the case of persistent constipation  or quieting over active areas as in overactive thyroid, restoring wellbeing for the client. Amazingly the human body has the ability to heal itself but sometimes it needs help and reflexology provides this assistance to the body.

Today there are many forms of reflexology working on physical, emotional and spiritual levels and the techniques used vary from very gentle to very firm pressure but consistent through all these variations are the beneficial results. Many clients seek a treatment for stress relief and relaxation in their busy lives and are amazed that underlying health problems improve as the body is encouraged to return to balance and harmony. The deep levels of relaxation achieved during a treatment can be very beneficial after an emotionally distressing event allowing the client an opportunity to achieve a sense of calm in the face of a challenge.

Reflexology is particularly helpful for pregnant women giving relief for swollen feet, tired legs, an aching back, digestive problems and the fatigue typical of pregnancy.

One of my clients developed shingles at 22 weeks, not feeling comfortable taking medication she arranged to have a reflexology treatment immediately. The pain relief she experienced was amazing and we noted that the blisters on her abdomen shrank rather than filling with fluid, they didn’t burst, weep or pose a potential risk for infection and the rash on her back didn’t even blister.

The healing of the rash was much faster than expected and regular treatments relieved the pain associated with the condition. We arranged for her to have follow through treatments each week for a month then fortnightly with great results, this client returned to work after 3 weeks and continued to work through until just 2 weeks before her baby was born and interestingly she felt she coped much better with the birthing experience having had regular reflexology treatments (her baby arrived after a trouble free natural “labour” of 3-4 hours). We were able to organize a treatment just 2 hours after the delivery which helped the new Mum to relax and revive and enjoy those precious days just after the birth rather than feeling exhausted and stressed.

I have another client who has Lymphoedema following cancer treatment, the swelling of her leg from thigh to toes restricts her flexibility and causes aching despite wearing prescribed support garments.

We set up weekly appointments and took measurements to help assess the effectiveness of the treatments. After just 2 sessions she noted an improvement in fluid release and softening of the swollen areas, but by week six the improvement was such that she had clear definition at buttock/thigh, knee and ankle and improved flexibility.

The wearing of the garment, dietary plan and working routine had been exactly the same as usual; the only change had been the weekly reflexology treatments which incorporated a lymphatic drainage sequence to help stimulate the lymphatic system.

This type of treatment also proved invaluable for a new Mum who returned home after the birth of her first baby with feet so swollen that it was very painful and difficult to walk.

Initially treatment was given each day for 4 days then twice weekly for 2 weeks, her feet returned to their pre-baby size without leaving any “stretch marks” (the swelling had been so severe this was of concern to the client as she has very sensitive skin)

Digestive problems can result in persistent fatigue as the client is not getting the correct dietary fuel for optimum health, these problems such as constipation and/or Irritable Bowel Syndrome can respond well to reflexology treatments. It is possible to teach the client a simple set of techniques to be used on their own hands and or feet that can enable them to have relief between visits to their therapist.

Reflexology also helps to reduce stress (which can be a big factor in digestive problems particularly Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and improve the clients ability to really relax.

Many clients seek relief from back pain or as in the case of a delivery/courier driver shoulder pain from hours behind the steering wheel of his delivery van, the pain not only occurred while driving but was disturbing his sleep, leaving him feeling constantly tired. This client was not in a position to change his employment and was very pleased to find that a weekly reflexology treatment not only helped with the localized shoulder pain but his ability to sleep well improved.

If hay fever season fills you with dread and you find yourself trying yet another set of medications to relieve the itchy eyes, stuffy nose, headaches and congested chest I urge you to try a course of reflexology treatments. Clearing of the sinus passages and easing of the “heavy chest” feeling were reported by one client after her first treatment and the relief lasted for days. Several treatments were performed and homework techniques were given for follow through with excellent ongoing results.

Many highly skilled practitioners share the results of their research and experience, if you’d like to learn more visit

www.reflexology.org.au 

http://www.reflexology-research.com/

If you would like a free information pack with bonus discount voucher send through your name and address to sonjakobelt@iinet.net.au or send email address for the e-pack with discount voucher or visit http://thelavenderdoor.wordpress.com/ for our regular special offers

Wishing you good health and happiness

Sonja Kobelt