Reflexology
at the
Creative Health Centre, Brierley Hill, Stourbridge
What
is Reflexology?
Reflexology
is both old and new. The reflexology method used today was
introduced into this country from America in the 1960’s.
However
the origins of Reflexology are thought to go back thousands
of years. More than 5000 years ago Indians and Chinese were
using a similar technique and history suggests that the skill
goes back even further. A tomb drawing found in Egypt dating
back to 2,500 BC shows two men being treated with a form of
Reflexology. North American Indians have used the practice
of reflex therapy for centuries and believe that our feet are
our connection with the earth and the earth’s energies. It was Dr. William Fitzgerald,
an American ear, nose and throat specialist who, it is generally
accepted, rediscovered the therapy in the early 20th Century.
Working in Vienna he became interested in the concept of zones
and pressure points. He discovered that by applying pressure
to one part of the body he could anaesthetize a corresponding
area and he used this to great effect when conducting surgical
operations. He further discovered that the body could be divided
into 10 zones, which run up the body and extend from front to
back. He introduced the term, and in 1917 published a book entitled
Zone Therapy. Eunice Ingam an American physiotherapist was introduced
to the concept of Zone Therapy, which she used to great effect
within her practice. She studied the therapy closely and concluded
that since the zones ran throughout the whole body and could
be accessed anywhere, some areas might be more accessible and
effective than others: namely the feet. It was she who mapped
the feet in relation to the zones and it is Eunice Ingam who
is widely recognised as the founder of modern Reflexology as
practised today.
Reflexology is now one of the most popular and
widely respected of the complimentary therapies. It is practised
in both private therapy centres and also increasingly along side
orthodox medicine in hospices, hospitals and general practice
surgeries.
How
does Reflexology work?
“Reflexology
is a science which deals with the principle that there are
reflexes in the feet relative to each and every organ and all
parts of the body. Stimulating these reflexes properly can
help many health problems in a natural way just like preventative
maintenance”. Eunice Ingam (1938)
Reflexology
works along holistic principles taking in account body, mind
and spirit and facilitates a state of homeostasis or balance.
Reflexology can be both relaxing and stimulating. It is based
upon the theory that every organ, structure and part of the
body is reflected in a related part of the foot. A reflexologist
uses a very specific method using thumb and fingers to apply
gentle, controlled pressure to the reflexes of the feet. By
applying this gentle pressure to the reflex areas, muscle tensions
are relaxed, the nerve supply freed from constriction, allowing
the body to fall into a deep state of relaxation. Gently applying
pressure to specific reflexes of the feet can also clear blocked
energy channels, encourage the removal of waste products and
toxins, stimulate circulation creating the right condition
for a return to health. As energy is able to flow more freely
and fully around the body, the functioning of the body’s
systems is optimised and facilitates a state of balance or
homeostasis, encouraging the body to heal itself. Reflexology
is an holistic therapy treating the body as a whole.
What is Reflexology used
for?
Reflexology is a safe natural therapy and may aid in the relief
of a wide range of acute or chronic conditions. It brings about
the relaxation response providing the right environment for
change to take place within the body. Reflexology can be used
to treat a wide variety of symptoms including:
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Allergies
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Arthritis
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Asthma
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Digestive
problems
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Headaches
/ migraines
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Hypertension
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Menopause
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PMT
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Sinusitis
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How
does a Reflexology treatment involve?
The first treatment includes a consultation,
where the therapist will ask questions about your general health
and life style. After an initial foot examination the treatment
begins with a sequence of gentle, relaxing massage technique.
The therapist then continues the treatment by applying gentle
pressure to the reflexes of the feet, covering the whole of both
feet. The first treatment takes about an hour and a half to allow
time for the consultation. Subsequent treatments usually take
between 45 minutes and an hour depending on the needs of the
client.
Only shoes and foot covering need be removed.
You will either be lying comfortably on a therapist couch or
seated in a reclining chair.
Reflexology is an extremely relaxing therapy.
The treatment should not hurt. Although some slight discomfort,
tenderness or brusing may be felt in some reflex areas. These
are known as imbalances or sensitive areas; the extent of the
imbalance will depend on how long the imbalance has been present.
After a treatment many people comment on how wonderfully relaxed
they feel and how they feel they are walking on air.
The effects of the treatments are cumulative
and therefore a course of treatments is usually recommended.
Can Reflexology help me? Your treatment will be very much geared to your
individual needs, established during your consultation. For each
person the treatment and the effect of the treatment is unique.
Reflexology
can be used to treat a wide variety of disorders, ranging from
sinusitis, migraine, digestive problems,
asthma, allergies, hypertension, back pain, constipation, arthritis,
M.E as well as P.M.T. and the menopause. It is also used very
effectively in palliative care, and is commonly practised in
hospices. Not only does Reflexology help reduce stress and tension,
it can also speed recovery from a wide range of acute and chronic
illnesses. Stress affects us all, we live with it in everyday
life, problems arise when we are unable to manage it well. When
we don’t handle stress well the body’s defences break
down and we become more susceptible to illness and disease. It
is now estimated that over 75% of illnesses are stress related.
Reflexology reduces stress by generating deep, tranquil relaxation.
Reflexology is important for healthy people too, everyone needs balance, relaxation,
moments of reflection and serenity to get in touch with their deepest selves
and experience the peace and well being that lies within. To maintain a well
balanced body and a strong immune system that can ward off illness and fatigue
use reflexology as a preventative measure, so that whatever you do you do
it with more enthusiasm, joy and energy.
Most people can benefit from reflexology from
the old to the very young.
Length
of Reflexology treatment
and cost
- Initial
appointment last 1 hour 15 minutes £30
- Subsequent
treatments last about 1 hour £30
Practitioners
(in Alphabetical Order)
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Marie
Grinnell I.T.E.C, M.A.R, Member of the NHS of directory
of Reflexologists
Marie
is a consultant clinical reflexologist in both traditional
reflexology and the more recent development of Vertical
Reflex Therapy (VRT). Having gained a distinction in
her qualifying examination she has gone on to gain considerable
clinical experience both in both in her private practice
and in corporate work.
Marie
is a warm, caring individual who is able to put clients
at their ease and to help them find reflexology an enlightening,
uplifting and very relaxing experience which frequently
has very real health enhancing benefits.
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Zena
Worrall BSY,SM - IIHHT - AOR - ITEC
Zena
qualified as an aromatherapist in 1998 and has been running
her own Sports Massage business since 2001
She
is very eager to learn more and new therapies so that
she can have a wide knowledge that she can give the very
best to her clients. She specialises in Sports massage
(Deep tissues massage) that ease’s and release’s
tension in muscles that cause pain & discomfort.
She
is a dedicated and friendly therapist caring for your
health and well being treating every client as an individual
for there specific needs.
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Sara
Raval
Dip.
Nutritional Medicine.
12 years health and fitness experience.
CMA (Complimentary Medical Association) registered
Nutritional
Therapy
Creative
Health Centre 01384
486666
Email
: spencerraval@aol.co.uk
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Practitioner
Qualifications - Rebecca
Collis-Lealman
Practitioner
Diploma in Nutritional Healing (Nutritional Healing Foundation
- Bristol)
Rebecca
graduated from The Nutritional Healing Foundation in
Bristol where she is currently finishing her clinical
diploma in Nutrition Healing. She will also become
a Support Tutor for I" and 2" year courses
as from September 2007.
Rebecca
has great passion for her role as a Nutritional Healer
and looks forward to working with others on their own
personal healing journeys.
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