Reflexology and Reflexology with Hot Stones

Reflexology is the practice of stimulating points on the feet, in order to encourage a beneficial effect on some other partof the body, or to try to improve general health. Reflexology does not seek to diagnose or cure medical conditions – mere imbalances in the energy of the body. Practitioners believe the foot to be divided into a number of reflex zones corresponding to all zones of the energy of the body, and that applying pressure to “tight” or “gritty” areas of a person’s foot will stimulate the corresponding part of the energy body and assist the self-healing process.

General application

Reflexologists apply pressure using their thumbs and fingers on “reflex zones” found on the feet and hands which are said to correspond to the different parts of the body.
Reflexology is a widespread practice in Asia, where foot reflexology is quite popular. Although many people are skeptical about the concepts underlying this practice, its use is spreading - perhaps because it is being taken simply as a relaxing massage therapy. It should be made clear that reflexology is not intended to diagnose or treat medical conditions, and is not a replacement for conventional medical practice.
Professional treatment as defined by the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT)

All professional treatment will begin with a consultation, to assess the current physical condition of the client and to identify any contraindications
A practitioner will most likely sanitise the feet before beginning. (During the treatment, clients are only required to relax and expose their feet to the reflexologist.) This is often followed by application of oil or powder with some relaxation techniques and then the reflexology itself. Throughout the treatment, a practitioner will notice any imbalances reflected in the foot, working over those areas for longer to aid the restoration of energetic homeostasis. Some therapists will use hand as well as foot reflexology, some as an alternative if the foot is injured in some way.
Treatment components can also include soft music, essential oil and soft lighting, although components vary considerably between practitioners and each will have their own method of working. A good practitioner will create an atmosphere that will relax and nurture a client.
A treatment can be expected to last about one hour, although this may vary and will be discussed before treatment. The number and frequency of treatments may also be recommended by the practitioner.

Contraindications

As with any physical treatment, there are some conditions that could prevent a practitioner from treating a client. Clients should avoid reflexology if they suffer from:

• Recent or healing fractures
• Unhealed wounds
• Active gout

Clients should seek medical advice before a treatment in the case of the following:

• Osteoarthritis affecting the ankle or foot
• Severe circulation problems in the legs or feet
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Presence of a pacemaker
• Unstable blood pressure
• Cancer
• Active Infections