What is reflexology and how does it work?

Reflexology and Meridian Therapy is a holistic therapy based on the principle that certain reflex points and energy pathways also known as meridians (most often accessed via the feet, but are also accesable elsewhere, like the hands, face and ears) map to or run through certain organs, glands and areas within the body. 

Applying pressure and stimulating these reflexes and meridians stimulates their corresponding areas and triggers the body's own natural and in-built healing ability, relieves stress and tension while increasing energy and blood flow where needed which in turn optimises nutrient uptake and waste elimination. This allows the body as a whole to function more effectively and assists bringing the body back into a balanced state.

It is a gentle art, a fascinating science and an extremely effective form of therapeutic foot massage that has carved an impressive niche in the field of complementary therapmedicine. It is a science because it is based on physiological and neurological study, but it is an art because much depends on how skilfully the practitioner applies their knowledge.

What is the vacuflex system?

The Vacuflex system combines a vacuum boot therapy with a vacuum cup treatment of key points along the TCM meridians. This dynamic treatment gives the combined benefit of a full reflexology treatment, the stimulation of all the major TCM meridians in a single 30 minute session.

Clients describe it as a pleasant firm pressure over the feet, ankles and calves. The specially constructed felt boots apply a gradual and carefully controlled pressure that can be monitored via a guage on the system.

Who can benefit from a treatment?

Reflexology is non-invasive and suitable for all age groups. Regular treatments assist the body in maintaining health and well-being and may offer relief to both acute and chronic conditions, however caution is taken with:

• Those suffering from thrombosis or internal bleeding as blood circulation could increase.

• Insulin-dependent diabetics as stimulation of the pancreas could increase insulin levels.

• Pregnant females (particularly during the first trimester or high risk pregnancies).

• Sufferers of phlebitis, lymphatic cancer, leukaemia, osteoporosis and epilepsy.

(Please advise your therapist if any of these apply to discuss risk and aproach and if reflexology is a fit in your case)

The effects of Reflexology may not be capable of removing the cause of terminal diseases, such as cancer, multiple sclerosis and AIDS, but the person can be made more comfortable and the pain bearable. It can significantly improve the patient’s general condition, activate excretory organs, stimulate the respiratory system and assist in better control of the bladder and bowels. In this way, Reflexology treatments can improve quality of life.

What can I as a patient expect after a treatment?

After a treatment, clients may feel rested and relaxed. Having stimulated the body's own natural healing mechanisms, it is not uncommon to experience increased visits to the toilet, runny nose, cough, increased perspiration, altered sleep patterns or vivid dreams over the next few days while the body eliminates and works through what it needs to work through.

Why are personal details required during intake and initial consultat?

Case histories are taken in intake forms and via discussions during initial consult to help in risk mitigation and planning treatments while helping form a clearer bigger-picture view of client's health and lifestyle. The case histories also later serve as a baseline to judge how effective treatments have been.

Can a therapeutic reflexologist prescribe?

No, prescribing is outside of our scope of practice and training. We can offer dietary and lifestyle advice within our training and scope of practice and will encourage our clients to consult with their medical practitioners or pharmacists for advice or even to confirm suitability and safety of any supplement or holistic remedy brought up in casual conversation .

Will a therapeutic reflexologist be able to cure or heal my condition?

No, therapeutic reflexology is not a cure for diseases or conditions but can can stimulate the body's own natural and in-built healing ability, relieve stress and tension while increasing energy and blood flow where needed which in turn optimises nutrient uptake and waste elimination. Each session treats the body as a whole and does not focus on one organ or system to the exclusion of others. This treats each person holistically, allows the body as a whole to function more effectively and assists bringing the body back into a balanced state. It also ensures the body can effectively and optimally absorb any medications prescribed by clien't medical support team and eliminate waste efficiently to help reduce some of the  potential side effects of those interventions.

Can I stop my current medication if I start to feel better after afew treatments?

Reflexologists do not diagnose or advise on medication. Any changes to medication should be discussed with a relevant medical practitioner and done under supervision.

Can reflexology assist with fertility and   fertility treatments?

Reflexology encourages the body's own natural and in-built healing ability, relieves stress and tension while increasing energy and blood flow where needed which in turn optimises nutrient uptake and waste elimination. This allows the body as a whole to function more effectively and assists bringing the body back into a balanced state.. 

Because reflexology can help rid the body of toxins, aid sleep as well as reduce inflammation, stress and the negative impact of stress hormones  - all of which have a positive impact on fertility in either gender, it is a valid supportive modality while trying to conceive.

What are the benefits of reflexology during pregnancy?

Although to be approached with caution by appropriately trained reflexologists, reflexology is beneficial for low risk pregnancies. Reflexology has a balancing effect on hormones, encourages optimal functioning of the organs and assists with the elimination of toxins while increasing the efficiency of the lymphatic system which in turn assists in managing oedema. It has also been found to aid both digestion and improve digestive discomfort. As pregnancies progress, reflexology helps reduce physical aches and pains. Pregnant clients report deeper and better quality of sleep after treatments and an improved sense of wellbeing.

If you believe you may be pregnant, please FIRST get go ahead from your ob-gyn and then reach out to your practitioner to discuss risk and aproach and confirm if reflexology is a fit in your case.

How many treatments are needed?

This depends on the individual client, their needs and how long they have struggled with any conditions, how quickly they respond to treatment as well as frequency of treatments.

For acute problems - even if positive results are ntoiced early on - it is still recommended to complete 3 - 4 sessions, then chronic conditions may benefit from more of and/or more frequent sessions, while a a maintenance schedule of a single session every 4-6 weeks may be sufficient to maintain health and well-being.