Welcome to The UK Reflexology Guide
The Directory that provides all the information for Reflexology & Reflexologists in the UK.
If you are looking for a Reflexologist near you or you want to find out more about Reflexology as an alternative / complementary therapy plus what the therapists can offer, our guide has all that and more.
If you want to promote a Reflexology related business, product or service, we have free
listings for Reflexologists in our directories.

What is Reflexology?
Reflexology (also known as zone therapy) is a holistic therapy which mainly focuses on the reflex points in the feet. It has been estimated that there are over 70,000 nerve endings in each foot which connect to various other parts of the body.Massaging Pressure is applied to the feet and often the hands with specific thumb, finger and hand techniques without the use of oil or lotion. it is based on a system of zones and reflex areas that reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands with a premise that such work effects a physical change to the body.

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History of Reflexology
There is evidence that reflexology has been practiced for thousands of years by the Egyptian and Chinese civilisations.
The form of reflexology used today was founded by Dr William Fitzgerald, an American ear nose and throat surgeon introduced this concept of "zone therapy" in 1915. He noticed that pressure on specific areas of the body produced a anaesthetising effect on a related area. Developing his theory, he divided the body into ten equal zones which ended in the feet and hands.

In the 1930's a massage therapist called Eunice Ingham developed Dr Fitzgerald's concept of zones and introduced what is now known as 'reflexology'. She observed that congestion or tension in any part of the foot mirrored congestion or tension in a related part of the body. Therefore, treating the areas of the feet could have a relaxing and healing effect on different organs and tissues inside the body.

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How does Reflexology work?
The body is divided into different zones which aew represented by a point in the foot or hand. Reflexology, which was originally known as zone therapy, is based around the concept that nerve endings are imbedded in the feet and hands and they travel to the spinal cord and other parts of the body. By stimulating these nerve endings at various recognised pressure points reflexologists can help promote relaxation, stimulate vital organs in the body, improve circulation, and help the body's natural healing processes.
The body is divided into different zones and each zone is represented by a point on the foot or hand for example:
The left foot and hand represent the left side of the body, and the right foot and hand represent the right side of the body.
The tips of the toes and fingers will affect the head
The points that affects the heart, lungs and chest are foundaround the ball of the foot
The arch of the foot connect to the liver, pancreas and kidneys.
Thus by rubbing certain parts of the foot you stimulate the associated nerve endings and unblock the corresponding energy fields.

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What are the benefits of Reflexology?
Reflexology can treat many health relaated problems. Although reflexology will not fix problems such as fractured bones or hernias but it can if used regularly complement any other treatments you are receiving by keeping the circulation stimulated and the lymph system active.
Reflexology is also used for post-operative or palliative care.
You should also experience feelings of vitality and well-being after reflexology treatment which encourages the healing process throughout the body.
Reflexology is a popular alternative therapy. It promotes relaxation, improves circulation, reduces pain, soothes tired feet, and encourages overall healing. Reflexology is recommended as a complementary therapy and should not replace medical treatment.

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What does Reflexology treatment involve?
At your first session the reflexologist will ask you questions about your health and lifestyle in order to produce a detailed case history.
You will be asked to remove your shoes and socks and sit on a treatment couch or special reclining chair. Apart from your feet you will remain fully clothed
The general appearance of your foot will be examined to identify any sore or tender points that will need to be avoided when giving treatment.
The reflexologist will start with light and gentle movements to warm the feet up. gradually pressure is applied from the toes to the heel according to your comfort. The massage should never be painful, but if it is, you should mention it to the reflexologist. Lotion or oil may be used.but more often only talc.
Normally sessions should last between 30 minutes and an hour. The first session, because of diagnosis requirements, can be slightly longer.
How many subsequent treatments will be required depends on the needs of your body, it is usual for the reflexologist to discuss the full course of treatment with you after the first session. You should let your practitioner know how you feel at the end of the first session as it can help determine how your body is responding to the treatment.

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Are there any side effects from Reflexology?
There are no known major negative side effects as reflexology is not intrusive. most people report feeling very relaxed , though some are highly alert and refreshed. Sometime clients report a minor side effectc when they can initially notice an increased number of visits to the toilet, as the body is flushing out toxins. It is often recommended that patients drink plenty of pure water for some hours after a Reflexology session this will help with the removal of toxins and sustain the benefits received.

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We have hundreds of therapists listed on our pages so if you want to find a Reflexologist near you, use our Find a Therapist page

Our Reflexology guide covers the whole of the UK including-:

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