| Foot Reflexology Therapy |
What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is a science that deals with the principle that there are reflex areas in the feet and hands
which correspond to all the glands, organs, and parts of the body. Reflexology is a unique method of
using the thumb and fingers on these reflexes, finding and working on the areas of congestion or
tension to help the body operate at its peak efficiency. Noted benefits include (but are not limited to)
1. relieving stress and tension;
2. improving blood supply and promoting the unblocking of nerve impulses; and
3. helping nature achieve homeostasis.
Reflexology is safe, non-invasive, profoundly relaxing therapy for restoring and balancing the body.
How and why does Reflexology work?
Newcomers to Reflexology are sometimes baffled by how precise pressure on specific areas of the feet
can affect the whole health of the body. The reason this works is because reflexes link each part of the
body to a special area on the feet and hands. The nervous system serves as the connection. With
proper manipulation of the reflex points, a reflex action is produced through the nerve endings. "These
cord-like structures, comprised of a collection of nerve fibers, convey impulses between a part of the
central nervous system and other regions of the body. They are the wiring system of the house you
call your body. As with any complex wiring system, a short circuit can mean trouble... As tension is
eased, pressure on the nerves and vessels is relaxed, thus improving the flow of blood and its
oxygen-rich nutrients to all parts of the body." ( Better Health With Foot Reflexolgy - The Ingham
Method by Dwight C. Byers)
What can I expect during a session? Is Reflexology painful?
You will be asked to remove only your footwear and jewelry around the hands. In the Ingham
Method just the Reflexologist's hands are used to apply reflex therapy to the client's feet and hands.
This provides a safe and sensitive method that is effective without the use of gadgets. Feedback from
the client is an important part of each session and pressure is adjusted according to individual
tolerance. When areas of tension or congestion are found, a client may experience a kind of pain that
"hurts good". With proper manipulation of the thumb and fingers on these areas, relief is often felt
very quickly. Specific work on reflex points is interspersed with relaxation techniques to provide a
pleasant overall effect. The most common comment from clients is that they feel a lightness in their
feet after a Reflexology session like they are "walking on air." See comments from my clients.
How long is a session and how often should one receive Reflexology?
Typically, the first session is 45 minutes to one hour and includes an interview in order to collect
important information pertinent to the state of your health. Subsequent sessions usually take
approximately 30-40 minutes depending on an individual's need. If the client is interested in an
acceleration of their body's healing process or is in an environment of much stress at work or home,
frequent shorter sessions may be recommended. One to three times a week may be most beneficial for
a period of time, then once a month for preventive maintenance.
Are there any side effects from this form of therapy?
There are no known negative side effects. Since Reflexology helps the body to normalize, a natural
health response is sometimes experienced if the body has toxins to release for your wellbeing. For
example, in rare cases this could manifest in the release of nasal mucous or minor loosening of the
bowels. Frequent drinking of pure water for several hours after a Reflexology session greatly
minimizes the body's need for a health response and helps to sustain the benefits received. If a client
is presenting with a very toxic condition before the Reflexology session, it is recommended that they
receive lighter touch in frequent shorter sessions to gently ease the body into a more vital, balanced
state.
Can a Reflexologist determine what is wrong with me by examining
and treating my feet or hands?
A qualified Registered Certified Reflexologist will never diagnose or name a disease, prescribe or
adjust a client's medication, or treat for a specific condition. Our method of therapy is a complement
to your doctor's care, but is not meant to replace it. Reflexology will not interfere with your doctor's
treatment or make any condition worse. The foundation of this work has been built upon the opinion
of practicing physicians who have had the opportunity of observing the remarkable results obtained
from this particular method. Doctors agree that 75% of our health problems can be linked to nervous
stress and tension. The Ingham Method of Reflexology is used primarily for relaxing tension.
Is Reflexology a new form of therapy? What is the difference between
the Ingham Method of Reflexology?
The idea behind Reflexology is not new. We have records of it being practiced as early as 2330 B.C.
by the Egyptian culture. Reflexology as we know it today was first researched and developed by
Eunice Ingham in the 1930's based on the body being divided into 10 vertical zones that carry
through the feet and hands. Her nephew, Dwight Byers, has become the foremost authority on this
science, teaching, clarifying, and developing her discoveries. He created the International Institute of
Reflexology and has developed accredited courses of study that lead to qualified certification.
The Ingham Method Charts on Reflexology are used throughout the world to map the body on the
feet and hands. The Ingham Method technique is performed on a passive foot or hand while the client
is in a semi-reclining position.
Reflexology is a science that deals with the principle that there are reflex areas in the feet and hands
which correspond to all the glands, organs, and parts of the body. Reflexology is a unique method of
using the thumb and fingers on these reflexes, finding and working on the areas of congestion or
tension to help the body operate at its peak efficiency. Noted benefits include (but are not limited to)
1. relieving stress and tension;
2. improving blood supply and promoting the unblocking of nerve impulses; and
3. helping nature achieve homeostasis.
Reflexology is safe, non-invasive, profoundly relaxing therapy for restoring and balancing the body.
How and why does Reflexology work?
Newcomers to Reflexology are sometimes baffled by how precise pressure on specific areas of the feet
can affect the whole health of the body. The reason this works is because reflexes link each part of the
body to a special area on the feet and hands. The nervous system serves as the connection. With
proper manipulation of the reflex points, a reflex action is produced through the nerve endings. "These
cord-like structures, comprised of a collection of nerve fibers, convey impulses between a part of the
central nervous system and other regions of the body. They are the wiring system of the house you
call your body. As with any complex wiring system, a short circuit can mean trouble... As tension is
eased, pressure on the nerves and vessels is relaxed, thus improving the flow of blood and its
oxygen-rich nutrients to all parts of the body." ( Better Health With Foot Reflexolgy - The Ingham
Method by Dwight C. Byers)
What can I expect during a session? Is Reflexology painful?
You will be asked to remove only your footwear and jewelry around the hands. In the Ingham
Method just the Reflexologist's hands are used to apply reflex therapy to the client's feet and hands.
This provides a safe and sensitive method that is effective without the use of gadgets. Feedback from
the client is an important part of each session and pressure is adjusted according to individual
tolerance. When areas of tension or congestion are found, a client may experience a kind of pain that
"hurts good". With proper manipulation of the thumb and fingers on these areas, relief is often felt
very quickly. Specific work on reflex points is interspersed with relaxation techniques to provide a
pleasant overall effect. The most common comment from clients is that they feel a lightness in their
feet after a Reflexology session like they are "walking on air." See comments from my clients.
How long is a session and how often should one receive Reflexology?
Typically, the first session is 45 minutes to one hour and includes an interview in order to collect
important information pertinent to the state of your health. Subsequent sessions usually take
approximately 30-40 minutes depending on an individual's need. If the client is interested in an
acceleration of their body's healing process or is in an environment of much stress at work or home,
frequent shorter sessions may be recommended. One to three times a week may be most beneficial for
a period of time, then once a month for preventive maintenance.
Are there any side effects from this form of therapy?
There are no known negative side effects. Since Reflexology helps the body to normalize, a natural
health response is sometimes experienced if the body has toxins to release for your wellbeing. For
example, in rare cases this could manifest in the release of nasal mucous or minor loosening of the
bowels. Frequent drinking of pure water for several hours after a Reflexology session greatly
minimizes the body's need for a health response and helps to sustain the benefits received. If a client
is presenting with a very toxic condition before the Reflexology session, it is recommended that they
receive lighter touch in frequent shorter sessions to gently ease the body into a more vital, balanced
state.
Can a Reflexologist determine what is wrong with me by examining
and treating my feet or hands?
A qualified Registered Certified Reflexologist will never diagnose or name a disease, prescribe or
adjust a client's medication, or treat for a specific condition. Our method of therapy is a complement
to your doctor's care, but is not meant to replace it. Reflexology will not interfere with your doctor's
treatment or make any condition worse. The foundation of this work has been built upon the opinion
of practicing physicians who have had the opportunity of observing the remarkable results obtained
from this particular method. Doctors agree that 75% of our health problems can be linked to nervous
stress and tension. The Ingham Method of Reflexology is used primarily for relaxing tension.
Is Reflexology a new form of therapy? What is the difference between
the Ingham Method of Reflexology?
The idea behind Reflexology is not new. We have records of it being practiced as early as 2330 B.C.
by the Egyptian culture. Reflexology as we know it today was first researched and developed by
Eunice Ingham in the 1930's based on the body being divided into 10 vertical zones that carry
through the feet and hands. Her nephew, Dwight Byers, has become the foremost authority on this
science, teaching, clarifying, and developing her discoveries. He created the International Institute of
Reflexology and has developed accredited courses of study that lead to qualified certification.
The Ingham Method Charts on Reflexology are used throughout the world to map the body on the
feet and hands. The Ingham Method technique is performed on a passive foot or hand while the client
is in a semi-reclining position.
