How long will the treatment last?
Your first visit will involve an initial consultation followed by a full treatment, lasting approximately 1 hour 15 minutes in total. During the consultation, I will take a detailed medical history and we will have the opportunity to discuss all areas of your health, lifestyle and well-being. This will help me to understand what you are trying to achieve from reflexology and enable me to put together a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Subsequent treatments last approximately 55 minutes.
What happens during the treatment?
After you have removed your shoes and socks, the treatment begins with me cleansing your feet using baby wipes or soothing hot cloths (depending on the season), applying a moisturising foot balm and then using specific massage and pressure techniques on your feet using my hands. As you lie back, relax and enjoy the treatment, you are free to either chat or simply close your eyes and drift off to sleep. Treatments take place in either a reclining chair or on an adjustable massage couch.
After the treatment we will discuss your experience, review any areas which may be out of balance and, if appropriate, I will make suggestions or recommendations based on the findings.
Will it be ticklish or painful?
Because the pressure used is gentle but firm, reflexology does not tickle. Whilst there may be some sensitivity or slight discomfort in places, this is usually fleeting and is an indication of congestion or imbalance in a corresponding part of the body. For the most part, the sensation is pleasant, soothing and deeply relaxing.
How will I feel after the treatment?
Immediately after the treatment, most people feel relaxed yet energised with a definite 'feel good' factor. Occasionally people experience tingling sensations or report feeling lethargic, nauseous or emotional - these are all normal reactions and indicate that the treatment is being effective.
Over the next 24 to 48 hours, you may experience a range of physical symptoms and/or emotions as your body responds to the treatment. These reactions could include tiredness, a headache or skin outbreak, needing to go to the toilet more frequently or even a brief flare-up or temporary worsening of a previous or existing health condition. Equally, you may feel full of energy, deeply relaxed or may simply have a very good night's sleep. Everyone reacts differently to reflexology but any adverse reactions are typically short-lived and likely to be the result of positive healing activity within the body.
However your body reacts, in the 24 hours following a treatment, you should try to increase your fluid intake (water, diluted juices or fruit teas), get plenty of rest and avoid spicy foods and stimulants such as alcohol, coffee, tea and cigarettes.
Please see my Aftercare advice sheet for more information.
How many treatments will I need?
As the effects of reflexology are cumulative, a course of treatments will usually be necessary in order for you to get the best results. The total number of sessions and their frequency will depend on your individual circumstances and why you are having reflexology - people naturally respond differently to treatment and some conditions require more time to achieve results than others. Some clients come weekly, some fortnightly and some monthly.
After completing a course of reflexology for a specific condition, many people find it beneficial to continue with regular treatments in order to maintain their health and well-being.
Obviously if you are having reflexology purely for relaxation purposes, you may have a treatment as often as you wish.
