Reflexology is a holistic therapy dating back to Egypt and China in 2330 BC, benefiting the mind, body and spirit. It was in 1913 that reflexology was introduced to the Western world by Dr. William Fitzgerald, an ear, nose and throat surgeon. It is a non invasive therapy which maps the whole body through reflex points on to the area that the reflexology is taking place on. Foot reflexology is the most common form of reflexology but we can also carry out hand, ear or facial reflexology.
Reflexology works by applying various pressures using specific thumb and finger techniques to stimulate the reflex points on the feet, hands, ears or face. Your reflexologist may feel tenderness or a build up of ‘crystals’ in areas that energy has become imbalanced or stagnant and they work to balance this energy. Reflexology helps the body to return to a balanced state i.e. homeostasis, and when the body is balanced it can function at its optimum level. Reflexology does not claim to diagnose or cure, it balances the energy in the body which in turn has many benefits for the individual including helping the body to heal itself. Some things reflexology may benefit include relaxation, sleep, sinus, pain relief, anxiety, digestive issues such as constipation, energy levels and the immune system.
Reflexology is a suitable therapy for all ages and at Mairead’s Holistic Therapies as well as foot reflexology we specialize in Maternity and Fertility reflexology, Baby and Children’s reflexology, Oncology reflexology, Palliative care reflexology and facial reflexology to support our clients.
Prior to your first reflexology treatment an in depth consultation will be carried out and this will be reviewed at each session for any changes that the client may have had since the previous session. It is important to inform your reflexologist of any changes in medication or your health status. A course of 3 to 6 weekly reflexology sessions are usually recommended and then regular maintenance sessions such as once every 4 to 6 weeks. Depending on your individual health insurance plan you may be able to claim back a percentage of the cost of your treatment once your reflexologist is a member of a governing body and carries out regular CPD and first aid training. Mairead is a member of NRRI and therefore her clients can claim back a percentage should their individual health insurance cover reflexology.
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