Reflexology at Twickenham therapy clinic
Reflexology is a particular type of massage that involves pressing certain points
on the feet, hands, and sometimes ears, with the intention to resolve various
health problems.
It is actually a type of traditional Chinese medicine. Traditional Chinese
culture believes in 'qi' which is the flow of energy through everyone's
body. When there is a problem with the body, tradition considers the qi
to be blocked, which can be resolved by reflexology. This is why the treatment
can be used to help seemingly unrelated conditions.
It has been practised in China and other areas of Asia for thousands of
years, but it was introduced to the UK in the 1960s by Doreen Bayly. She
was the namesake of the first reflexology school, The Bayly School, which
was established in 1978. It is now commonly used in practices as a holistic
therapy.
There are, however, other theories as to why reflexology works other than
it unblocks qi. Scientists have theorised that it calms the central nervous
system, that it reduces pain through touch, and that each part of the body
is split into zones that correspond to nerve endings in our hands and fingers.
What reflexology can treat
Whatever the workings are behind reflexology, it's a fact that many people
find it a great way to treat various conditions, including anxiety, back
pain, digestive problems, asthma, and bladder problems. It can be used to
treat conditions all over the body; even if a patient has a condition that
isn't so common, a reflexologist could help.
What to expect during treatment
During the first consultation, a fully trained reflexologist will discuss
the patient's health. They will want to know about any illnesses or conditions
including the problem that has brought them to see the reflexologist, and
will also talk about their diet and lifestyle.
They will then apply pressure to the soles of the feet to see which areas
of the body need some help, and treat them from there. The pressure won't
hurt; it's often quite pleasant, like a foot massage! They may also apply
pressure to the hands and ears. Further appointments are likely to be needed
to deal with the condition. Often, a patient will have 5-6 sessions.
Reflexology should be used as a supplementary treatment to medicine, or
to help conditions that doctors are not able to treat with medicine. It
can be very beneficial for a range of conditions, but people with certain
health concerns should see a doctor before they get treatment.
Therapist vacancy
Please contact the clinic.