Reflexology is the practice of applying pressure to the feet and hands, utilizing specific thumb, finger and hand techniques on a system of zones and reflex areas.

A reflexology chart mirrors a reflection of the body on the feet and hands, the left foot and hand represents the body’s left half and right foot or hand its right half.    It is a belief that there are ten energy meridians (channels) that run from the base of the feet, through to the top of the head.  The energy meridians are believed to pass through various organs or the body and by applying pressure or massage to specific parts of the foot you can help to stimulate or relax the flow of energy in a particular area.   The aim of the treatment is to help a client to relax, de-stress in order to help free channels of energy within the body that may have become blocked or impaired as a result of stress or ill health.

Initially Reflexology was known as pressure point therapy and was mainly used for pain relief.   This type of treatment was introduced into the Western part of the world in 1909 by a Dr. William Fitzgerald, an eye, nose and throat specialist.   Dr. Fitzgerald sometimes applied bands or clips to various parts of the feet or hands in order to anesthetise parts of the ears, eyes, nose throat before performing operations.  However, you must bear in mind that at the time the main form of anaesthetic was chloroform which was often more life threatening than the operations.

Physiotherapist Eunice Ingham is credited with developing a system of reflex areas in 1938 and responsible for the mapping out of the whole body onto the feet.  This is recognised as present day Reflexology.

Hot Stone Reflexology   

Hot stone reflexology combines the benefits of an individual reflexology treatment with warmed basalt stones for a relaxing and deeply rejuvenating full body treatment.

The heat from the stones quickly opens the energy pathways and it is estimated that reflexology when used in conjunction with hot stones is a deeper and longer lasting treatment than one done with the hands alone.    The heat from the stones improves the relaxation response and increases healing through improved blood flow and circulation.

Please note:-   
Reflexology should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment; you should consult a health professional if you are at all worried about any aspects of your health.