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.
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What is Reflexology?
Reflexology (also known as zone therapy) is a holistic therapy which mainly focuses on the reflex points in the feet and hands. 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.This process also relaxes muscles, stimulates blood flow and helps the natural ability of the body to heal itself.

It is not thought of as a therapy for curing any specific conditions it is recognised as being helpful in relieving the symptons of stress, digestive disorders, chronic pain, arthritis and asthma.

It is not appropriate for use in conditions that require surgery or for people with heart conditions.

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A brief History of Reflexology
There is evidence that reflexology has been practiced for thousands of years by the Egyptian and Chinese civilisations.The original concept, which was probably being practiced over 5000 years ago, was based on massaging and manipulating certain reflex points in the hands and feet of the patient

Reflexology which was also known as Zone Therapy when it first became recognised and developed in Western culture in the 1930's. Since then It has become increasingly popular and is used variously as the main method of treatment or in a more holistic approach being used in conjunction with other healing methods.

The form of reflexology used today was founded by Dr William Fitzgerald, an American ear nose and throat surgeon, who introduced the concept of "zone therapy" in 1915. He noticed that pressure on specific areas of the body produced a anaesthetizing effect on a related area.of the patients body. 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.there has been various developments since that time most notably by Laura Norman and in the 1960's by Robert St. John.

Modern day Reflexologists tend to concentrate on the reflex points on the feet where these points are more accessible (It is also possible to achieve a similar effect by using specific points on the hands and less commonly on the torso)

.The main purpose of Reflexology is to keep the energy channels (similar to meridians in Chinese Medicine) unblocked. It is believed there are over 70,000 nerve endings within each foot and these connect to various parts and organs of the body. Most organs of the body have identifiable pressure or reflex points on the foot, and by massaging and manipulating these points impulses are transmitted to the connected organs and this can relieve any blockages causing problems in the relevant organ or gland. It is important that all organs and glands function at their correct level to maintain the health and overall balance of the body.

The massaging has other important functions; it is generally accepted that this treatment helps disperse the build up of crystals which often build up in the joints and nerve endings of the feet and hands, this accumulation of crystals is often caused by uric acid and excess calcium which can often lead to gout and other similar joint problems. Another feature is that the treatment produces a great feeling of muscle relaxation and it also improves the circulation of the blood and lymphatic fluid which in turn increases oxygen flow to body cells which has the affect of removing toxic waste.

The modern term Reflexology has developed from the concept that, as a result of the massaging and stimulation, impulses are transferred to the connected organ and this stimulus creates, an often involuntary reflex, this ensures that the paths or channels to these organs remain free of blockages thus maintaining good health and ensuring the overall balance of the body.

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How does Reflexology work?
The body is divided into different zones which are 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, brain and sinuses. The points that affects the heart, lungs and chest are found around the ball of the foot.The arch of the foot connects to the liver, pancreas and kidneys.The eyes and ears are affected by the joints where the foot and toe meet. The arch of the foot has an affect on the spine

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 it can, if used regularly, complement many 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 effects 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 in our guide 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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