Frequently Asked Questions about reflexology

Please wear comfy clothes so I'm able to access your feet and knees easily. You will only be asked to remove your shoes and socks during the session. If you wear contacts, it would be great to wear your glasses instead, in case you fall asleep.

Avoid drinking any alcohol or eating a heavy meal before your session. I will send you a consultation form that you can fill in beforehand or we can fill it in together during the session. Otherwise, you don't need to do anything.

Make sure you drink plenty of water to help flush out any toxins from our session. I will give you your first glass when you're with me after the reflexology. Ideally it would be great to avoid any caffeine or alcohol for 24 hours to allow your body to cleanse.

Reflexology has been practised for thousands of years in many cultures around the world.  The origins of reflexology can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where depictions of foot massage therapy have been found in tombs dating back to 2330 BC. Reflexology practices were also documented in ancient China, India, and Greece, suggesting a widespread understanding of the connection between the feet and overall well-being. 

In the early 20th century, American physician Dr. William Fitzgerald revived interest in reflexology, introducing his "Zone Therapy" concept in 1917. Eunice Ingham, a nurse and physiotherapist, further developed reflexology in the 1930s, creating a comprehensive system of reflexology maps. 

Today, reflexology remains a popular complementary therapy, practiced worldwide for its potential benefits in promoting relaxation, reducing pain, and enhancing overall health. It is based on the idea that specific points on the feet, hands, face and ears correspond to different organs and systems in the body.  Reflexologists believe that by balancing, stimulating or sedating these points, your body's natural flow of energy is restored and maintained.

Yes, reflexology can be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety by:

• Promoting relaxation: Reflexology can help to relax the muscles and release tension, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety.
• Reducing stress hormones: Reflexology may help to reduce the levels of stress hormones in the body, such as cortisol.
• Improving mood: Reflexology may help to improve mood by increasing the levels of endorphins, which are the body's natural painkillers and feel-good chemicals

There is an article in Science Direct called 'Reflexology Exploring the Mechanism of Action' released on 22nd May 2022 by Judith Watley, Judith Perkins and Carol Samuel.  Section 13 looks at how reflexology helps manage pain:

Pain can be negatively influenced by emotional stresses, and conversely any relaxation response may have the reverse effect. The alleviation of pain may also be linked to the empathy shown by the therapist, for example empathetic comments were shown to modulate the effects of pain [90]. Other factors which may influence the alleviation of pain are the effects of touch [91] or distraction [92] or even the discussion about the anatomical processes giving rise to the pain [93].

The manipulation of fascial layers during reflexology may also have something to add about the alleviation of pain, especially pain associated with inflammation. Cells known as fibroblasts exist in deep fascial structures, which play an essential part in the regulation of inflammation, and the dysregulation of these fibroblasts has been implicated in chronic inflammation [44]. Fibroblasts produce collagen which is a pre-requisite for remodelling and for tissue repair. Researchers have discovered specialised fibroblasts which have been called fasciacytes [94]. The fasciacytes produce hyaluronan, a glycosaminoglycan which helps to lubricate joints and allow for sliding between layers of fascia. The quantity of hyaluranon varies throughout the body with greater amounts surrounding joints, the ankle retinaculum for example where greater movement is necessary. Hyaluranon regulates inflammation and tissue repair but its role is variable depending upon its molecular weight, thus it may act as pro or anti-inflammatory [95].

Manipulative treatments, and the use of mechanical transduction which instigates a piezoelectric response, may stimulate the activity of fibroblasts causing them to proliferate and potentially reduce the pain associated with inflammatory conditions such as fibromyalgia [96].

In addition, the technique of Positional Release (initially known as Strain-Counterstrain) developed by American osteopath Lawrence Jones in 1955, in conjunction with fascial release has been shown to reverse inflammatory cell behaviour within 60 s of application [[97], [98], [99]]. 

Reflexologists who use twisting and stretching reflexology techniques on the foot and ankle may well be tapping into the same processes

Read the full article here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1744388122000743

My passion is women's health and I have had excellent results helping pregnancy, peri/menopausal symptoms, fertility, balancing hormones (regulating period cycles, reducing PMS, menstrual pain etc..) as well as helping clients with stress and anxiety,  plantar fasciitis, digestive issues, sleep, relaxation and self care.

Yes! there is plenty of research proving reflexology can help make a difference but many still don't agree with it as the study numbers are small. I truly believe that one of the main problems around the science and research is that the technology is yet to be invented to prove how reflexology really helps us physically and emotionally. I've written a blog about it if you'd like to read more: https://thebigtoe.co.uk/big-toe-blog-and-press/f/is-there-any-scientific-evidence-to-support-reflexology

Foot reflexology and foot massage are both relaxing and beneficial treatments for the feet, but they have some key differences.

A  foot massage focuses on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the feet. It uses a variety of techniques, such as kneading, rolling, and stretching, to relieve tension, improve circulation, and reduce pain. Foot massage can also help to improve flexibility and range of motion in the feet.

Reflexology is a type of alternative medicine that is based on the idea that there are reflex points on the feet that correspond to different parts of the body. By applying pressure to these points, reflexology practitioners believe that they can promote healing and balance throughout the body. Reflexology is often used to treat a variety of conditions, including pain, headaches, stress, and digestive problems.

Reflexology is the better choice if you're looking for a more holistic approach to healing and your wellbeing.

Reflexology is generally a very safe therapy for most people, however if you do have any underlying health conditions I would advise you speak to a healthcare professional first. I'm unable to treat you if you have deep vein thrombosis, blood clots, seizures, cellulitis or any infections or current injuries to your feet or legs.

I completed an Association of Reflexologists accredited course in 2003 with Philip Salmon in London. I am still a member of Association of Reflexologists and am insured with Alan Boswell. I've been on more recent courses working with reflexology for fertility, pregnancy, peri/menopause, using essential oils, baby and toddler reflexology and mental health.