Reflexology

Reflexology involves massage and manipulation of the feet, based on the premise that different areas of the feet correspond to different areas of the body. Through reflexology massage of the foot it is possible to treat ailments in other areas of the body, and even to detect problem areas or disorders that have occurred in the past, or may arise in the future.

In practice the right foot relates to the right side of the body, and the left foot to the left side. The theory behind reflexology is that reflex points in the foot are linked by energy lines, or meridians, to distant areas of the body. In this idea it is similar to acupuncture.

Like the majority of alternative therapies, reflexology is holistic in approach. The principle behind treatment is to do with rebalancing the body's energies, unblocking them and restoring smooth channels of communication. To this end it has an important role to play not just in the treatment of disorders, but in promoting positive health, reducing stress and aiding relaxation. Reflexology cannot actually cure illness but can stimulate the body's own healing resources and dramatically reduce pain. Reflexology is very useful for the following:

• morning sickness
• constipation
• piles
• indigestion and heartburn
• swollen ankles (but not the swelling of pre-eclampsia)
• anxiety and insomnia, depression
• pain in labour
• to stimulate contractions - but only during labour
• to stimulate milk production