The Chinese are also known to have used reflexology in conjunction with acupuncture.  Dr Wang-Wei, a Chinese doctor in the 4^th century BC, evidently used to position acupuncture needles in his patients’ bodies and then apply very firm pressure with his thumbs to the soles of their feet.  This pressure was maintained until the desired therapeutic effects were achieved. 

Reflexology as we know it in the west has its origins in the study of Zone Therapy.  The leading researcher of Zone Therapy was Dr William Fitzgerald.  His experiments in the early part of the 19th century led him to discover that by applying pressure to key points on the extremities of the body - principally the hands and feet - he could anaesthetise an area of the body in order to carry out basic surgery.

A supporter and friend of Dr Fitzgerald's, Dr Joe Riley, was instrumental in bringing Fitzgerald's discoveries to the attention of a much wider audience.  A chance conversation between Dr Riley and Eunice Ingham, a physiotherapist, was to change the direction of Eunice Ingham's life.   

She was immediately fascinated by the potential benefits that seemed to be offered by Zone Therapy, and introduced reflexology into her physiotherapy department.  Eunice found that working with the feet was most effective, as they were the most sensitive and responsive areas, with thousands of nerve endings.  Reflexology was introduced to Britain in the early 1960’s and it’s popularity continues to grow. 

Reflexology works on the principle that there are reflexes on the hands and feet that are linked to all organs, muscles, glands and other areas of the body.  By applying a pressure technique to the hands and feet and stimulating these reflexes, this relaxing therapy can affect the corresponding organ or system of the body and help restore and maintain the body's natural balance.

Benefits of reflexology

Reduced stress
Increased energy levels
Improved circulation
A stronger immune system
Feeling of deep relaxation
The release of endorphins, the body’s feels good hormones (which can also provide pain relief)
More efficient removal of impurities and toxins

It has been estimated that over 75% of illness is stress related 

Can everyone enjoy reflexology?  

Reflexology is suitable for all ages and may bring relief from a wide range of conditions but there are certain conditions where you should avoid reflexology.  In some instances your doctor’s permission may be required before treatments can commence, for example if you have diabetes. 

(Children under sixteen must be accompanied by an adult).

What happens during a reflexology treatment? 

A reflexology treatment lasts for approximately an hour.  As it’s just the feet that are being worked on, you remain fully clothed; simply removing shoes and socks. 

At your first Reflexology appointment, there will be a full consultation to build up a picture of your health and lifestyle.  This will also give you the opportunity to ask any questions. 

You will then be invited to relax on a treatment couch or reclining chair.  Your feet will be cleansed at the start of the treatment and then a variety of reflexology techniques will be used involving relaxing massage and thumb and finger walking to apply pressure to the reflex points, these will be adapted to suit your individual needs.

After your treatment

At the end of the treatment, there will be some further relaxation techniques and you will then be encouraged to drink some water to help hydrate your body and stimulate the detoxification process.

After the treatment is complete, your thoughts on the session will be discussed any areas that were tender or required attention will be noted.  An aftercare plan will be suggested and you will have the opportunity to ask further questions and agree a treatment plan.

To gain maximum benefit from your reflexology treatment, try to rest afterwards, this helps your body’s natural healing process.

Everything that you discuss during your treatments is totally confidential.  All of your treatment records are secured and maintained in accordance with the Data Protection Act.

Testimonial of Catherine Walsh

I met Ken through his partner Pam.  When he began a course I was happy to be a ‘body’ for his case studies.  I have never liked my feet since childhood, due to them having a ‘buniony looking’ joint on the big toe.  The first treatment felt rather strange at first as I’ve never had reflexology done before and wasn’t used to my feet being handled, but once I relaxed, so did my feet.  Ken found a few areas where they were tender and correctly identified a few problems he thought I may be having.

I had the opportunity to have a treatment from someone else at the same college (and class) where Ken trained and I could tell the difference in technique.  I didn’t enjoy that treatment particularly as I felt that she wasn’t quite sure of what she was doing and it wasn’t at all as fluid which made the treatment feel disjointed.

Ken has a very relaxing and confident manner, you really feel that he knows what he is doing and exactly why he is doing it.

By the time the three treatments had finished, I felt that my stress levels were a lot better, my feet felt really relaxed (I tend to get a lot of cramp in them) and they’ve not been as soft since I was a baby.