Reflexology is believed to have originated in China around five thousand years ago, when the Chinese people practiced a form of pressure therapy linked to the acupressure points in the body. The Chinese also discovered that the whole body can be treated through the feet. It wasn’t only the Chinese however, the ancient Egyptians also practiced a form of Reflexology dating back to 2,300 BC. The therapy was only introduced into Europe in the 16th Century and became popular in the 1930s when zone therapy was introduced as a concept by Eunice Ingham, a physiotherapist who practiced the therapy on her students, with remarkable results.
Reflexology is a form of specific massage on both feet and hands, although foot reflexology is by far the most popular. However, hand reflexology can be equally effective and can be practiced on amputees and on those who have painful issues with their feet. When illness or dis-ease happens within the body, it is believed that the body’s natural energy flow is impinged or blocked. Reflexologists regard the feet as a mirror of the body, with the right foot representing the right side and the left foot representing the left side, with all of the body’s systems and organs mapped out on the feet. By applying reflexology techniques to the associated reflex points, the reflexologist can detect tender or congested points and can manipulate these areas in order to allow the energy flow within the body to be restored to its optimum, thereby allowing the body to maximise its capacity to heal itself and prevent illness.
Reflexology is a preventative treatment rather than a cure for existing conditions, although many have noted an improvement in their condition after just a few reflexology treatments.Most reflexology clients of Shifting Stones find the treatment to be deeply relaxing and wholly beneficial to their overall wellbeing, with many commenting on how well they feel for days post treatment. Having a holistic treatment such as reflexology also channels the mind into the practice of looking after yourself better, perhaps through improved diet and exercise, thus creating the knock-on advantage of increasing your overall health and wellbeing. And once you start to feel better, you become more attuned to continuing down that path.
Our reflexologist Sylvia is now also offering The Indian Head Massage treatment. Which covers the shoulders, arms, scalp and face. The treatment can be done with or without oil and either through clothes or directly on to skin.
The benefits of Indian Head Massage are fairly far reaching and include:
- Helps to balance the body
- Helps to improve concentration
- Soothes away tension
- Helps to stimulate blood and lymph circulation
- Helps to relieve blockages in the chakras
- Relaxes the scalp which may improve headaches, migraines and eye strain
- Improves the condition of the scalp and hair
The treatment will take 30-40 minutes.
