My Journey – Reflexology

In January 2014 I started a 12 week intensive ITEC level 3 Reflexology Course in Billericay. The course involved completing 100 treatments, 40 of which had to be case studies. Coursework throughout and then a practical exam at the end. Once qualified I became a member of the Association of Reflexologists.

Reflexology treatments have been part of my life since I was 16 years old having monthly treatments to help with my tension and re balance my body. I found these treatments very interesting and would always be asking questions about things I would feel during the treatment.

It seemed only natural that I would explore the opportunity to become a reflexologist and a member of the Association of Reflexologists. It had always been in my mind to train in reflexology but due to the intensity of the course I waited until I had the time to dedicate to learning.

What is Reflexology

Reflexology is a pressure point massage on the feet or hands that works the reflexes of the body to help balance your whole body. Reflexology can help with relaxation, aid sleep, relive tension and can improve mood and sense of wellbeing.

As the photo shows below your feet have different reflexes that are represent parts of the body. By massaging the reflexes and working with your energies it can help rebalance the body.

Before every treatment I start with cleansing the feet and then read the feet. When reading the feet I’m looking at colour, temperature, foot position, flexibility, texture and any local contra indications such as cuts, blisters, verruca and warts. Just by looking at the feet you can sometimes see any area of the body that are out of balance.

Reflexology comes from the word reflex which is involuntary response to a stimuli and ology which is the study of. In reflexology the reflex in the response to pressure points on the feet which are relating to different areas of the body, from joints to organs.

History of Reflexology

It’s believed to date back to 2300bc as a hieroglychic was discovered in an egyptian tomb of a man massaging another mans hands and feet.

Also the ancient chinese are believed to have used their own form of foot therapy. By applying firm thumb/finger pressure to the soles of their feet in order to release healing energy, which is early signs of accupressure.

Modern day reflexology has been developed and studied since 1870. It was first known as zone therapy as Sir Henry Head discovered that skin that was hypersensitive, to pressure, when an organ connected by nerves was diseased.

It was then an american doctor called William Fitzgerald who researched into the possibility of treating organs with pressure points. William Fitzgerald discovered that by applying pressure to the fingers it would create a local anestheic effect on the hand, arm and shoulder right up to the jaw, face, ear and nose. He carried out minor sugical operations using only this pressure techniques and mapped out various pressure points and associated connections.

It was a Dr Shelby Riley who researched and refined Fitzgeralds findings. He made the first detail diagrams of the reflex points in the foot but it was his assistant Eunice Ingman who further developed zone therapy in her work. Eunice Ingman researched foot maps and developed reflexology to what it is today.

Zone Therapy is that each person has 10 zones 5 on their left and 5 on their right. Also on your feet you have 4 transverse line, your shoulder line, diaphragm line, waist line and heel line. Right Foot represents the right side of the body and the past. Whereas the left represents the left side of the body and the present.

Being a Reflexologist

Being a reflexologist is very rewarding and I find peoples feet fascinating as they all tell a storey. Whether it is something from their past or in their present.

As a reflexologist I can not diagnose anything. By doing a pressure point massage on the reflexes it helps balance the energy and help relax. This treatment is really good as an introduction into massage.

Reflexology is suitable for all ages and during pregnancy. It can be performed on feet or hands therefore if you have a condition on the feet the treatment can be carried out on your hands. It can be performed either upright in a chair with use of a foot stall or lying on a massage couch. I have performed reflexology on my own children who really enjoys the experience.

Some reflexologists decide to specialise in certain areas for example pre and post natal reflexology. I’m always looking into courses and books to extend my knowledge in the world of reflexology. I’ve recently read a book called ‘Reflexology supporting your client through the conception journey’.

Being a mobile reflexologist based in Hullbridge I always discuss requirements on first contact to establish which equipment to bring along to meet your needs.

To find out more information about the Reflexology, Hopi Ear Candle, Massage or Nail treatments. Please visit my website https://holisticwellbeingwithnicola.co.uk

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