Reflexology
What it is, what I do and a brief history
A brief history
Although Reflexology has only recently been rediscovered in the West, it has been used in other cultures for many thousands of years. There is evidence for foot massage as therapy in China and India amongst other places, while the first pictorial evidence of Reflexology dates from approximately 2500BC. It was found in the Tomb of the Physician, and the inscription translates as “Please don’t hurt me”, and the practitioner replies “I shall act so you praise me.”
Reflexology was rediscovered in the West by Dr William Fitzgerald in the United States who developed the concept of Zone Therapy. He taught this technique to Dr Joseph Shelby-Riley and his wife Elizabeth who used this method in their practise for many years.
Riley’s assistant, Eunice Ingham (1879 – 1974) advanced Reflexology dramatically when she separated the reflexes on the feet from Zone therapy in general. She felt that the feet should be special targets for therapy because of their highly sensitive nature, and she eventually evolved on the feet themselves a “map” of the entire body. Her contribution is acknowledged to be so great that she is known as the mother of Reflexology, and is credited with being the founder of foot Reflexology.
What is reflexology?
Reflexology is an ancient and relaxing therapy that is believed to improve circulation and help normalize bodily functions. It is a holistic therapy which addresses the whole body rather than isolated symptoms.
- Reflexology is a system of healing by structured foot massage which is suitable for most disorders and diseases.
- The health of the human body is affected by many influences ranging from the obvious, such as the quality of the food we eat, and the air that we breathe, to the less obvious, such as the subtle energy systems that exist in each person.
- These energies flow along pathways which may mirror better known pathways such as nerves and blood vessels but also have additional subsystems.
- In all cases these energies connect and give vitality to all the working parts of the body, and each energy pathway has a start/end point in the feet.
- Reflexology aims to restore a balanced flow of energy to all parts of the body by gentle massage of the reflex or energy points on the feet, thus restoring health and vitality.
- Some acute conditions may be relieved very quickly and simply, but others may need several treatments before healing will be noticed.
- Some people seek treatment for a particular condition and others with no specific ailment just enjoy the toning and relaxing experience of a treatment.
- Reflexology aims to complement other treatments, and in no way claims to replace orthodox medical care which, in some cases will be more appropriate.
What kind of health problems does Reflexology help?
Reflexology can be an extremely beneficial health treatment, and most people who have a treatment find they receive some benefit from it.
Over the course of the twenty years Kate has been a practicing Reflexologist, she has worked with people of all ages with a wide range of health complaints.
Some of the most common complaints are:
- Back problems
- IBS
- Migraines and headaches
- Fertility problems
- Pregnancy
- Anxiety and stress
- Arthritis and other joint pains
- Plantar fasciitis
It is important to remember that Reflexology does not claim to cure anything. As practitioners we support the body to return to it’s optimum state of health.
Treatments are also more effective when accompanied by appropriate lifestyle changes.
What impact does Reflexology have on autistic individuals, and individuals with ADHD
Kate has worked using Reflexology with Autistic children (ASC) for over 12 years now, and in that time some patterns and consistent outcomes seem to have become apparent. There has also been overwhelmingly positive feedback from children and parents who have tried the treatments.
As it stands there is only one clinical trial into the effects of Reflexology with neurodiverse children which was carried out in Egypt in 2019. It was a small study but it had statistically significant results. There is more detail about that study in this blog
In Kate’s clinical experience Reflexology works exceptionally well at helping adults and children to manage anxiety.
Because anxiety appears to be more common among the autistic population, is it not possible that Reflexology could help neurodiverse individuals as well?
Anxiety may be a contributing factor to the cause of many behaviours that challenge, therefore working to reduce anxiety may have an impact on the frequency and intensity of behaviours that challenge.
This in turn might have a wider impact on the family dynamic and may build resilience and provide relief for Autistic children and teemagers who are constantly dealing with barriers and challenges.
Prices
Our Reflexology treatments come either as one off treatments, or as bundles with savings.
They all include the initial consultation.
One Treatment
£55
Full reflexology treatment
Under 12s
£29
Full reflexology treatment
Under 18s
£39
Full reflexology treatment
THE HEALTHY STARTER BUNDLE
£275
For 6 treatments. This bundle is suitable for individuals who have been struggling with a health problem for a while and really want to try and resolve it.
THE INTENSIVE BUNDLE
£550
For 12 treatments. This bundle is for individuals who know they will need ongoing treatments on a fortnightly or monthly basis due to chronic health issues.
Reflexology and health care cash plans!
If you have private medical insurance as a family or through your employer, the good news is that you may be able to claim back all or part of the cost of your Reflexology treatment.
As a member of the Association of Reflexologists, Kate meets the criteria for most health care plans, which means that you could be having your treatments for free!
Here is a list of some of the providers who cover Reflexology treatment:
- Bupa
- Health Shield
- Medicash
- Paycare
- Simply Health
- Sovreign Healthcare
- UK Healthcare
We encourage you to check with your provider what is included in your plan, as they can vary widely.
If you find out you are covered, all you need to do is to make sure I give you an invoice for you to submit to the provider.
Book now
Get an Appointment
To book an appointment call
0117 259 1131 or 07811 619 860
