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Frequently Asked Questions

Can everyone enjoy reflexology?
Is reflexology safe if I am pregnant?
Is reflexology safe for the terminally ill?
Can I have a reflexology treatment if I have a verruca?
Can I have a reflexology treatment if I have athletes foot?
My feet smell, can I still have a reflexology treatment?
Is reflexology painful?
Does reflexology tickle?
How does reflexology differ from a foot massage?
What should I wear?
Are you insured to practice?
What private health companies offer cover for reflexology treatments?

Can everyone enjoy reflexology?
Reflexology is suitable for most adults but there are certain conditions where
you should avoid reflexology. To ensure the continued well-being of clients, all
treatments begin with a consulation, which enables me to make sure that
reflexology is right for you. In some instances your doctor's permission may be
required before treatments can commence, for example, if you have diabetes.
An individual confidential record card will be kept with any relevant notes for
future treatments.

Is reflexology safe if I am pregnant?
Reflexology can offer pregnant women some valuable 'me time', as well as help
to reduce some of the stresses and anxieties that may be experienced during
this momentous life event. However, for safety reasons, I will not treat women
who are in their first trimester, have a history of miscarriage, and/or have
complications linked to their pregnancy.


Is reflexology safe for the terminally ill?
Yes, reflexology can be extremely helpful in relaxing the client and helping
them to cope with the emotional side of their illness. Reflexology has also been
known to assist with relieving pain. It may be appropriate to apply less pressure
or shorten a treatment if the client is very unwell.

Can I have a reflexology treatment if I have a verruca?
Many people have verrucas, corns, calluses, bunions and all manner of ailments
on their feet. To a reflexologist these can be vital signs. They don't prevent you
from receiving treatment. If a part of your foot is inaccessible the
corresponding reflex area in the hand may be worked instead.


Can I have a reflexology treatment if I have athlete's foot?
No, as it is infectious. I won’t be able to offer you a treatment until it has
cleared up. You should see a chiropodist for advice on how to treat your
athlete's foot and once it has cleared up we can start the reflexology.

My feet smell, can I still have a reflexology treatment?
Everybody’s feet perspire and there is always some natural odour. Before your
treatment I always cleanse both feet with 'witch hazel' and during a treatment I
use a special foot lotion. Your feet will smell and feel wonderful afterwards. For
hygiene purposes, if possible, I would ask that you wash your feet before
coming for a treatment.

Is reflexology painful?
No, but it can be uncomfortable at times. If a reflex is out of balance or has an
energy build-up, it might be tender and sore. I will take time to work this reflex
until it becomes normalised. Please be assured that the reflexology routine
includes lots of very pleasant, relaxing techniques that far outweigh any
discomfort.

Does reflexology tickle?
No, it shouldn't tickle. I use quite a firm pressure to support and work on your
feet. If a reflex is particularly sensitive it simply means that the area is out of
balance.

How does reflexology differ from a foot massage?
Reflexology is a science that deals with the reflex areas in our feet, and hands,
that correspond to every organ, gland and other part of our body. It is an
ancient and natural acupressure technique that stimulates reflex zones on the
feet, and hands, by using pressure. Foot massage is simply a soothing treatment
to the foot, also known as a foot rub. While a massage can always relax no
matter where you rub, in reflexology the therapist is aiming to work the
reflexes in exact, precise angles with more pressure than just a deep massage.

What should I wear?
You would probably be more comfortable wearing a loose top and trousers,
however it really doesn't matter providing you are feeling happy and relaxed in
your type of clothing.

Are you insured to practice?
Yes, I hold a valid insurance certificate to practice reflexology. Please ask if you
would like to see evidence of qualifications, professional memberships, and
insurance prior to receiving treatments.


What private health companies offer cover for reflexology treatments?
The following companies cover a percentage of the cost of reflexology
treatments up to a maximum in one year. Click on their links to find out more.
Medicash, Paycare, Simplyhealth and Health Shield.

Top

Brief History of Reflexology

Egyptian Tomb

The image above shows a painting
on a wall in Ankhmahor's tomb at
Saqqara in Ancient Egypt, around
2500BC, depicting the possible
practice of reflexology. The
inscription reads (in hieroglyphics)
"Do not let it be painful" says one
of the patients. "I do as you
please", an attendant replies.

At about the same time the
Chinese divided the body into
longitudinal meridians, which they
said constituted the body's energy
system. They believed that pain or
illness was caused when one or
more of these meridians were
blocked, disrupting the body's
natural flow of energy and
creating an imbalance.

Reflexology was practised in the
United States in the early 20th
century by Dr William Fitzgerald.
Whilst head of the Nose and
Throat Department of St Thomas
Hospital in Connecticut he
discovered 'Zone Therapy'. He
found that exerting pressure on a
person's hands and feet produced
pain relief. These discoveries led
him to map out areas of the body
and their connections, as well as
noting the conditions affected by
the pressure points.

In the 1930s Eunice Ingham, a
physiotherapist, extended the
work of Dr Fitzgerald and
painstakingly mapped the feet with all the corresponding organs and
glands of the body. She worked
with medical practitioners and
therapists to prove her findings
and to demonstrate to them that
reflexology was a useful diagnostic
tool. She became known as the
'mother of modern reflexology'.