What to Expect During Reflexology

Interest in Reflexology is growing rapidly in the UK as more and more people are turning to complementary therapies rather than taking drugs which can have harmful side effects.

Media campaigns have helped to raise awareness of Reflexology as a therapy and explain that it is not just 'playing with the feet' or 'tickling the toes' but that it can bring about significant health benefits.

Reflexology works on a holistic level, that is it works on the body as a whole.  Orthodox medicine tends to treat symptoms in isolation.  When your GP only has about six minutes to spend with you during an appointment, it can be difficult to get to the bottom of many issues and patients often fail to mention minor symptoms which they feel are not really relevant.

For example, a client seeing their GP about constipation may fail to mention that their knees are sore as the two would not seem to be related, however there are spinal nerves in the lumbar region of the spine that relate to the knees and the colon, therefore a link is possible.

When you visit me for the first time, we will spend quite a long time completing a consultation, which will me to build up a clear picture of all of your health issues.

During your first visit, it is natural to feel a little anxious.  You might be worried that the treatment will be painful or ticklish or you could be embarrassed to discuss personal issues with a relative stranger.  Be assured that I operate under total confidentiality and am fully trained to deal with all manner of health conditions.

It is really important that you tell your me absolutely everything, no matter how insignificant a symptom might seem.  If you are worried that you might forget something, why not make a list of your symptoms and bring it along to the first appointment.

If you have had any operations or serious illnesses, I will need to ask you questions about these to ensure that the treatment is safe to be carried out. 

You will also have the opportunity to ask questions about the treatment before and during the session.

You will be asked to remove your shoes and socks or tights.  Don't be offended when I wipe or clean your feet - this is standard practice!

You will be seated for your treatment.  Most practitioners use a reclining chair which supports the client's back and legs, or a special stool to support the legs.  It is important for me to be able to see your face throughout the treatment to note any facial expressions or changes in colour.  This is not possible if you lie flat on a massage couch.

I will then meet and greet your feet.  I will note the size, colour, shape, odour, texture, temperature, width, any hard skin, blisters, corns, infections or veins.  Before the treatment begins, I can tell a great deal about your state of health just by looking at your feet.  Cold feet for example could be an indication of poor circulation and damp, sweaty feet could indicate a hormonal imbalance.  It is also common to have hard skin over a reflex which needs attention.  If your feet are puffy, this could suggest that your lymphatic glands are not draining effectively.

I may apply a small amount of cream or powder to help me to work my fingers and thumbs across the reflex points on your feet.  I usually work on one foot at a time.  The pressure should be firm but not painful.  A typical treatment starts and ends with some gentle relaxation techniques, then I will work from the toes down the the heel, covering each reflex point.  I may then return to any areas where I feel more work is required.

Different reflexes spark different sensations, some might feel like a sharp pin sticking into the foot - this is not my nails, but crystal deposits under the skin where an area is imbalanced.

During the first treatment, is is quite common not to feel anything, although the Reflexology will still be effective.  Often it takes a couple of treatments to 'awaken' the reflexes.  You may find that during subsequent treatments your feet will become more sensitive.  Be aware that certain medication, serious illnesses or nerve damage can dull the sensations but not the effectiveness.

Do tell me if and when you feel anything that is sore, tender or sharp, as I will be able to work this area in many different ways to help rectify any problems.

© 2005 Jessany Hughes, MIIR (Reg'd), BEd (hons)