Overview
Reflexology is a non-invasive holistic therapy that applies pressure to specific points on the feet to promote healing and relaxation. It is effective for conditions like anxiety, depression, hormonal imbalances, and during pregnancy/fertility journeys. Every session is catered to each client’s unique needs in a calm environment, creating a comfortable and relaxing experience.
What Is Reflexology and How Does It Work?
Reflexology is derived from the idea that the soles of the feet represent a map of the rest of the body & correspond with organ systems. This is a non-invasive, holistic, touch therapy. It involves the application of pressure – complemented by massage – to stimulate particular reflexes on the feet. This encourages blood flow to these areas of the body & helps the body to heal itself, wherever required.
Reflexology is a safe treatment and has many benefits. It has been found to reduce stress, balance hormones, relieve pain, improve bodily functions, improve sleep, and restore the body to its natural equilibrium, thus improving physical emotional wellbeing.
Is Reflexology Right for You?
Reflexology is a safe treatment and has many benefits. Palliative care clinics often include reflexology as part of a treatment plan, due to the safety and effectiveness patients (and next of kin) feel from it.
The treatment is non-invasive and will allow you to relax in a comfortable environment with a trained practitioner working on the areas of your feet to improve your overall well-being.
Contraindications include:
- Open wounds
- Gout
- Broken bones
It is important to speak to your medical professional before proceeding with this treatment in the initial early stages of pregnancy.
Common Conditions That Benefit from Reflexology
There is strong evidence to suggest that reflexology is effective in assisting with the following conditions:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Constipation
- Digestive dysregulation
- Sinusitis
- Respiratory health
- Menopause
- Fertility support
Common Symptoms That Benefit from Reflexology
Symptoms can become all-consuming in day-to-day life. Seeking support through unique nurse lead reflexology, can be a fantastic way to compliment any other therapies that you may be receiving. Some symptoms that the treatment can help with include:
- Stress or anxiety
- Hormonal disruption
- Headaches and migraines
- Chronic pain
- High blood pressure
How Much Does Reflexology Cost?
Reflexology appointments are priced as follows:
- Initial general – £75
- Review general – £60
- Initial menopause – £100
- Review menopause – £85
- Initial fertility – £100
- Review fertility – £85
- Initial pregnancy – £90
- Review pregnancy – £75
These appointments can take a minimum of 1.5 hours for your initial and then an hour for review. This is to allow time for you to complete some paperwork and also to discuss your needs and expectations for the treatment with your practitioner. Time will be taken to explain your aftercare plan and what the practitioner has found during your appointment. You will not be rushed throughout this process as the aim is to maintain a calm environment to complement your reflexology treatment.
Payment is taken on the day of your treatment. This treatment is not covered by private health insurance, we can offer a receipt if you want to make a claim with them following your appointment.
Your Reflexology Consultation
Consultation times vary based on the need for the treatment. We allow time to complete a short form to collect relevant information for your appointment.
You will be asked some lifestyle and medical questions which your practitioner will discuss in more detail to get a better idea of what areas of treatment you might benefit from during your time here. You will be asked to make yourself comfortable on the heated bed, while your practitioner will step out of the room & give you privacy to adjust yourself, the pillows and the bed, ensuring your ultimate comfort.
During your treatment, you will have the option to speak with the practitioner so that you know what is happening throughout the appointment. Alternatively, you can proceed through the treatment in silence.
How To Prepare for Reflexology
There is very little preparation required for reflexology. We will ask you to expose the skin from your knee down. You are welcome to bring any pillows or blankets that you feel may assist with your comfort (more so for children) but we have worked extensively to ensure your comfort is considered during your treatment. Water will be provided and you will be given ample time to prepare yourself once your treatment has commenced. There will be time to speak to your provider in more detail about your symptoms or forward plan, and if you would benefit from further sessions.
What Happens During Reflexology
Relaxing music will be played, and the room will be ambiently lit. Your practitioner will cleanse your feet with warm towels & invite you to do some deep breathing to assist in relaxing your body.
You will be reminded that your practitioner will not talk to you during your treatment unless your preference is to talk throughout. Your treatment will be finished with the application of hot towels and an in-depth discussion of any findings.
You will leave with some water, aftercare advice and a wellness exercise.
Risks and Complications of Reflexology
Reflexology is a safe treatment from birth to end of life.
We request that you inform the clinic or practitioner if you are in the early stages of pregnancy, have any open wounds or medical conditions that we should know about in advance of proceeding with treatment.
After reflexology, you will feel relaxed and balanced. You feel a little emotional, but this is completely normal and doesn’t happen to everyone. The emotions are a way of helping the body to detox following reflexology.
You may feel like you need to urinate a little bit more frequently which is also normal. You might feel a little lightheaded when getting off the bed, as a consequence of the intense state of relaxation. For this reason, you are asked to get up gently and slowly to avoid dizziness. It’s important to avoid heavy exercise following reflexology. Before leaving you will be advised on your aftercare.
Why Choose Mid Ulster Clinic for Reflexology?
We offer reflexology appointments on a weekly basis and have short waiting lists for this service. Our team is qualified and highly trained in specialist reflexology treatments specifically catering to those couples who struggle with fertility. Your treatment plan will be developed and tailored to suit your needs and your practitioner will give you feedback following your time here in order to educate you on your own wellbeing and health. It is our pleasure to be able to provide this service from the clinic.
- Medically Reviewed