Reflexology Treatments – Healing Through the Sole

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In conversation with a close acquaintance as well as a client I mentor, I found that both individuals were surprised to learn I am a Certified Reflexologist and that I offer Reflexology treatments as part of my practice. When I shared that I have been a practicing Reflexologist for over 15 years and it is on all of my business cards as well as my website, they looked somewhat puzzled.  That told me that not everyone reads business cards, or web pages. Hence, I decided to devote this Blog to the healing benefits of having Reflexology treatments. So here goes…

First, I must share that on a personal and professional level, I consider Reflexology to be an incredible healing therapy that relaxes all the systems of the body. When you are relaxed, your body opens to the wonders of self-healing. During a Reflexology treatment my client ends up getting two treatments instead of just one because as a Reiki Master, they also receive a Reiki treatment. During a treatment your body goes into what is referred to as the “rest and repair mode” also known as homeostasis, and the innate intelligence of your body takes over. It is then that healing occurs on a deep level in all areas; mentally, physically and emotionally.

So, What is a Reflexology?

Reflexology is an ancient drugless therapy that works on the principle that our feet mirror the state of health our body is experiencing.  Reflexology is a therapy that dates back more than 4000 years and was practiced by the ancient Egyptians.  There is a famous wall painting dated approximately 2,330 B.C. early 6^th Dynasty that was found in the tomb of Ankhmahor (the highest official after the Pharaoh) at Saggara. It is known as the physician’s tomb, and it clearly demonstrates that hand and foot reflexology was practiced by ancient civilizations all those years ago.  Today many practitioners have added ear reflexology to their tool box since it is now known that the ear also contain reflexes relating to areas of the body.

A Reflexology treatment consists of gentle but firm pressure to the zones/reflexes on the feet that corresponds to every organ, gland and part of the body. Tenderness in an area often suggests that the corresponding organ or body part may be experiencing some dis-ease.  To obtain the full benefit of a therapeutic and healing foot Reflexology treatment, it is best that a treatment be an hour or more if possible.

To become a Certified Reflexologist one must study and have a comprehensive knowledge of Anatomy and physiology and learn the zones and reflexes on the feet that correspond to each organ, system or body part. In addition there are the practical hours of training whereby the Reflexology student is required to perform 50 – 100 hours of practical hands-on treatments in addition to classroom work/study.  In order to graduate, there is a written examination, and for my practical I had to work on my instructor’s feet.  No mean task, believe me!

This painting can be found on the Canadian Association of Reflexologist website along with the following information:

Painting from the tomb of Ankhmahor

Approximately 2,330 B.C. early 6th Dynasty.

There are approximately 7,200 nerve endings on the bottom of each foot, which have connections through the sciatic nerve to the spinal cord and brain. By alleviating blockage by breaking up uric and lactic acid crystals deposits in the feet, the crystals are released into the blood stream and eliminated through the urinary system. This relieves the congestion in the body and the body functions flow smoothly…..

You may ask, how can Reflexology benefit me?

The benefits of Reflexology as a holistic therapy and complementary treatment to medical interventions are many. It is suitable for people of all ages. Reflexology is known to:

• Calm the nervous system
• Helps to alleviate migraines
• Relieves menstrual cramps
• Increases blood and lymphatic flow
• Improves emotional imbalances
• Reduces stress, tension, and anxiety
• Cleanses the body of toxins and impurities
• Helps the body to heal after surgery
• Helps speed recovery after breast cancer
• Improves circulation, especially for people with diabetes
• Helps to balance the emotional, physical and mental self

Here are some sentiments from clients: “Reflexology takes me back to my Center.”   “I am relaxed, refreshed, rejuvenated and focused. Now I can tackle my day.”   Most clients just say, “I needed that!”

How about you? Have you ever had a Reflexology treatment? Share your experience with me. I love getting feedback. Please leave a link back to your own blog too via the commentluv feature here on the site.

If you would like to find out more about Reflexology, please feel free to contact me.  I would be happy to speak with you.

To your health and well-being,

Namaste,

Sharon

p.s Reflexologists are not doctors. Doctors treat specific conditions; we treat the whole person. The Reflexologist is limited to complementing medicine not replacing it.  We do not diagnose or prescribe medication – that is left to a medical practitioner.