Reflexology

Reflexology has been practised for thousands of years, and there are pictures of Egyptians, dating back to 2330BC, performing what appears to be foot and hand massage.

In the early 20th century Dr William Fitzgerald noticed that by pressing on one part of the body, another part would be anaesthetised.

He divided the feet/hands into 10 zones, determined by the toes/fingers, which we now call the meridians. Each zone passes through several organs and pressure on one point would cause a reflex action in another part of the body.

Everything in each zone is connected by energy, so pressure on a toe would affect the head. There are maps of the feet/hands online showing the different reflex points and their corresponding organs.

Reflexology can have many benefits, including: 

• Stress and anxiety reduction by:

  Releasing muscular tension 

  Improving nerve function 

  Calming the "fight or flight" stress response 

• Pain relief

  By stimulating the production of endorphins, which can ease pain 

  By breaking up lactic acid crystals in the foot 

• Improved sleep

• Hormone balance

  Reflexology can help balance the production and distribution of hormones throughout your body. 

  This can alleviate mood swings, fatigue, and irregularities in your menstrual cycle 

• Other benefits may include:

  Increased energy 

  Boosts circulation 

  Eliminates toxins 

  Prevents migraines 

  Cleans up urinary tract conditions 

  Speeds-up recovery after injury or surgery