The Benefits of Reflexology.

 “Oh that’s just a foot massage!”

Let me tell you now, it is so much MORE than just a foot massage and why I absolutely LOVE feet!

Simply put; the main difference between a massage and reflexology is; massage works ON the body, whilst reflexology works WITHIN the body!

I know- crazy!

I should tell you some more, shouldn’t I?! And how I've been helping people in Exmouth, Exeter and beyond with the wonderfull tool for healing that is...Reflexology.

Reflexology has been around for a pretty long time- some say, as far back as 6000 years, but as I wasn’t there,  I couldn’t tell you for sure. Its only until recently however its been making more of an appearance in the western world, as an alternative and complementary treatment to conventional medicine.

A reflexologist will stimulate the bodies natural healing process by applying pressure via specific reflex points, which all correspond to the body’s different organs and glands.

You can see by the reflexology map, how the body has been carefully mapped out into each foot.

Reflexology is all about balance, and creating equilibrium within the body so it can heal itself and return to optimum health and vitality.

By targeting certain areas of congestion that have become unbalanced, we can work those areas non invasively and all at the same time!

Can you imagine fixing your poor sleep, chronic migraines, limited hormone function and weak immune system all in one go?

I swear its like magic!

But the thing is its not (although that’s not to say I am continually amazed at some of the amazing treatment results I see in clinic from reflexology)

We just have to recognise that our body is an incredible vessel that is more then capable of healing its self.

Why else would reflexology have been around for so long? Long before antibiotics, antidepressants, blood pressure tablets and so on.

So what are the MAIN benefits of reflexology?

Relaxation- by releasing all the tension and stress within the body. Reflexology can induce a state of calmness throughout your body and mind. It works as a great aid to sleep disorders, including insomnia by restoring your body’s natural circadian rhythms.

Helps tackle anxiety and depression- whether your anxiety is caused by low hormone function, chronic pain and aches, or mental stress. Being deeply relaxing and balancing, it helps lower stress levels by supporting and managing the levels of cortisol in your body, alongside serotonin aka your happy hormone, so your body can physically start to step away from fight or flight mode.

Improves circulation and lowers blood pressure- as each organ is stimulated the bodies systems will work more efficiently as more oxygen is cycled.

This means an increase in metabolism and results in faster regrowth and healing of damaged cells.

Detoxification- We all put things into and onto our body which we know we shouldn’t do, as it completely impedes the proper functions of our body.

Keying into the organs that are responsible for filtering harmful toxins means the body is better able to manage the elimination process, without a back log building up. Which in turn……..

Improves immunity- If your body is healthy and in balance, guess what, your less likely to become ill!

Improved pain relief- in 2010 Dr Carol Samuel discovered that following reflexology for pain relief, patients experienced 40% less pain and could tolerate 45% more.

Finally, my area of expertise…… Hormone function- by working on the endocrine glands, reflexology can bring balance between a range of conditions such as infertility, poly cystic ovaries, PMS, and the menopause. And for all you men out there you can experience a balancing of your testosterone resulting in more energy, more muscle growth and less anxiety.

So there you have the MAIN benefits for reflexology, but here is a whole list of other benefits and conditions reflexology can help with too.

Just see here;

Arthritis

Pregnancy & Natural labour

IBS and other digestive disorders

Recurring UTI’s etc

Lymphatic/ Oedema

Headaches, Migraines, sinus problems

Asthma and other respiratory problems

Auto-immune disorders such as allergies and hay fever

Poor concentration and memory

Diabetes type 2

Nervous system disorders and nerve pain

Plantar Fasciitis

Oh the list just goes on and is probably endless given we are just working with the body’s natural tools to heal itself.

AND this folks is exactly why I LOVE feet and reflexology!

If your recognising your body is out of balance, and your managing a multitude of symptoms and problems, what have you got to lose by giving Reflexology a go!

It really could be the treatment to put you back into balance and leave you feeling more like you again!

( P.S; I promise it doesn’t tickle)