What is Reflexology anyway?
Have you heard of Reflexology? If you are like most people, you may have heard the word Reflexology but might not know exactly what it is or what a treatment entails. While many believe it is just a really amazing foot massage, it is much more than that. Reflexology is a natural and holistic non-invasive therapeutic method based on the principles that our reflexes map to other parts, glands and organs of our body. Through the application of pressure on these reflexes found on your feet, hands, ears or face, reflexology can enhance relaxation, improve your circulation, encourage lymphatic action and reducing pain. The aim of reflexology is to bring the body back into a state of balance. Reflexology can help by allowing energy to flow smoothly, supporting or accelerating the recovery from stress, pain, surgery or for injuries.
Recovery and Healing
A reflexology therapist works on the feet, hands, ears or face reflexes to stimulate the body's own natural healing abilities and address any imbalances throughout the whole body. As an example, by using specific reflexology techniques on the adrenal gland reflex, an anti-inflammatory response is triggered to help heal the body. As a method of pain relief, research has shown that Reflexology may be an effective painkiller for such conditions such as osteoarthritis, backache, cancers and many more. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes Reflexology as a complementary health care practice.
When used for pain or injuries alongside conventional medicine, physiotherapy and massage, Reflexology can help reduce pain and speed up the overall recovery period. A number of experts that work with runners and athletes promote Reflexology as a benefit to recuperation and injury prevention. Regardless of whether you are a professional athlete, participating in a sporting activity to keep fit and healthy or someone experiencing day to day pain, stress or injury, including Reflexology into your wellness regime or recovery plan can be extremely beneficial.
Common ailments that Reflexology can help manage include: musculoskeletal pain, insomnia, anxiety, stress, hormonal and digestive issues just to name a few. The benefits reported most often are: reduced stress levels, increased sense of relaxation, decrease in body tension and pain, improved body function, overall sense of enhanced wellbeing, increased strength and mobility and more!
What to expect in a session?
Reflexology is safe for almost everyone although the pressure and length depends on your specific condition and needs. For the session, you will be placed in a relaxing and comfortable position on a massage table or a zero-gravity chair. The reflexologist will use their hands with specific techniques on the feet, hands, ears or face to activate the reflexes to the comfort of the client. Sessions last approximately 30 to 60 minutes and usually bring on deep relaxation. And since reflexology is non-invasive, no clothing is removed except for shoes and socks
Different Types of Reflexology offered at RFWC in Kanata:
Fertility Reflexology is used to help families conceive where there’s been challenges. This treatment for women and men is used to help specific fertility issues such as endometriosis, low progesterone, and low sperm motility/morphology, vasectomy reversal. Treatment protocols will also support natural conception, IVF, IUI, ICSI.
Maternity Reflexology focuses on alleviating the uncomfortable side effects of pregnancy on the body. The treatments can support the birth giver through all trimesters of pregnancy with specialized protocols for common symptoms and complaints that often accompany pregnancy.
Foot and Hand is the stimulation of the foot or hands for general relaxation or to help with health conditions in other parts of the body.
Cranial Facial Kansha Sequence is a unique technique composed of massage maneuvers, reflexology, auriculotherapy and lymphatic drainage. It comprises the head, the face, the ears, the neck, shoulders, arms and hands. The sequence is practiced using specific essential oils but can be delivered without the application of oil if preferred. *Treatment will not be practiced on a person diagnosed with epilepsy, recent concussion, major depression or in pregnancy.
Interested in learning more? Book a free consultation with our Reflexology Therapist Paulette Hébert, RCRT, MARR, MRCP here.
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