A Look At Reflexology
Operating from
Esporta, Wolverhampton reflexologist, Wolverhampton reflexology
tutor and practictioner Lynne Hancher what is reflexology? how
does reflexology work? history
of reflexology uses
of reflexology treatment side
affects costs comments faq
Wolverhampton Reflexologist
My name is Lynne Hancher and I practice reflexology
at Esporta in Wolverhampton. As an accredited member of the Association
of Reflexologists I also instruct in Reflexology.
Below I have assembled some information on reflexology
and its uses which I hope you find useful:
What
is Reflexology?
Reflexology
(inc. VRT - see later) is a complementary therapy that treats
the whole of the body through the stimulation of certain reflex
points usually located on the feet, though occasionally on
the hands. Reflexologists, through this apparently simple foot
massage, are able to help the body to heal itself by correcting
any imbalances that can occur through illness, accident, disease
or even lifestyle, correcting and maintaining the bodies natural
equilibrium by restoring critical energy pathways that flow
through the body, overcoming years of neglect and abuse. I
perform Reflexology in Wolverhampton and Staffordshire, though
there are many reputable therapists throughout the country.
It
is a safe, natural and gentle therapy that can be used on anybody,
including the elderly, the infirm and even babies.


A
Brief History of Reflexology
Whilst many people believe that
Reflexology is a recent concept, its actual origins go back
thousands of years. Similar techniques to those currently practiced
were used in India, China, Africa and many other parts of the
world. In an Egyptian tomb dating back to over 2000 BC, there
are pictographs depicting reflexologists at work
Unfortunately the knowledge and
experience of these ancient practitioners was for a long time
forgotten by the Western world and may have remained so if
not for the early work of Dr Alfons Cornelius in 1893. Convalescing
himself, he experimented with massage techniques which became
known as reflex massage.
In 1902 Dr William Fitzgerald
realized the importance of massaging key areas of the body,
forming what he called Zone Therapy. These ideas were then
further developed by Eunice Ingham who concentrated almost
completely upon the feet. It was her pupil, Doreen Bayly, that
finally brought the practice into the UK in 1966, and since
then it has flourished.
Today Reflexology is one of the
foremost complementary health treatments and more people and
organizations, including the NHS, are making ever greater use
of reflexologists and their skills.

How
does Reflexology work?
Whilst many people believe that
Reflexology is a recent concept, its actual origins go back
thousands of years. Similar techniques to those currently practiced
were used in India, China, Africa and many other parts of the
world. In an Egyptian tomb dating back to over 2000 BC, there
are pictographs depicting reflexologists at work
Unfortunately the knowledge and
experience of these ancient practitioners was for a long time
forgotten by the Western world and may have remained so if
not for the early work of Dr Alfons Cornelius in 1893. Convalescing
himself, he experimented with massage techniques which became
known as reflex massage.
In 1902 Dr William Fitzgerald
realized the importance of massaging key areas of the body,
forming what he called Zone Therapy. These ideas were then
further developed by Eunice Ingham who concentrated almost
completely upon the feet. It was her pupil, Doreen Bayly, that
finally brought the practice into the UK in 1966, and since
then it has flourished.
Today Reflexology is one of the
foremost complementary health treatments and more people and
organizations, including the NHS, are making ever greater use
of reflexologists and their skills.

What
is Reflexology used
for?
Reflexology has been used for
the improvement of general health, though it has been found
to be highly effective at relieving stress, fatigue, sleep
disorders, digestive disorders, ear complaints, constipation,
menstrual problems, high blood pressure, headaches and migraines,
sinus problems, arthritis, allergies, back and neck pains,
and some skin conditions.

Are
there any side effects to Reflexology?
As reflexology is not intrusive,
there are very few side effects to treatment. Most people feel
very relaxed or sleepy, though some are highly alert and refreshed.
However, normally both types are fully refreshed the next day.
A common side effect is an increased number of visits to the
toilet, as the body is flushing out toxins. Some people may
develop a few pimples.

What
a typical Reflexology Session entails
The
first session is normally the longest and can last anything
up to two hours. In that time, I'll ask you about yourself,
your health history, lifestyle, diet, etc. From there I'll
examine your bare feet and please - don't apologise! People
are often very conscious about their feet and I assure you
I've seen it all before. The most important thing is for you
to simply relax.
As I begin, I'll feel the reflex
points of your feet, feeling for what seems to me to be gritty
particles under the skin. These are indications of blockages
which I will massage away. You shouldn't feel any discomfort
but if you do, let me know as this is important information.
After this initial examination,
I'll be able to advise you how many more sessions you're likely
to need. These will need to be spread over a period of weeks
to enable the body to heal itself effectively, and each session
will be around an hour in length.

How
much does it cost?
Costs
can vary depending on time and location. Please contact me
initially for a brief discussion and appropriate prices.

Frequently
Asked Questions
Here
is a list of some typical questions I'm frequently asked. Hopefully
anything you might want to know is covered somewhere on this
page. If it isn't, don't hesitate to contact me.
Does it tickle?
Lots of people worry that they can't have reflexology because they're ticklish,
but it isn't a problem. Light but firm pressure is applied to the feet
and even ticklish people don't find it a problem.
Does it hurt?
There can be some discomfort during treatment, though this is minimal.
I have a verruca. Can I still have treatment?
Many people have corns, verrucas, calluses, bunions and all manner of ailments
on their feet. To a reflexologist, these can be vital signs. However, it is
important not to be afraid of them. They don't prevent you from receiving treatment.
If a part of your foot is inaccessible for any reason, the hand is treated
instead.
Will you be able to tell if an area is tender if I fall asleep during the
treatment?
The therapist is able to feel the grains or differences in the area so it is
OK to take advantage of this relaxing moment.

Patients
Comments about Reflexology
I
felt really good after my treatment, I was relaxed for ages
and then I felt so invigorated and full of energy, I couldn't
sleep because I had so much positive energy!
I'll be definitely having another treatment!
Claire from Willenhall

Reflexology Links
Lynne
Hancher is a member of the Association
Of Reflexologists
Other
Useful Reflexology Sites:
Merdian
School Of Massage
For
more information on Reflexology, try Brighton Reflexologist
Laurel Alexander
Creative
Health Centre in Stourbridge
Reflexology
with Anna-Louise Haigh's website the founder of Daoyin
Tao
Elaine
Otrofanowei Essex Reflexologist
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