OK I admit it, even though I like to think of myself as a woman who takes care of her body, I’ve never actually had any kind of professional treatment done until now – my very first fling with a session of reflexology! As you can imagine, I could hardly contain my excitement at the thought of my feet being pampered and pandered to by a true professional… what more could a girl ask for?
What is it supposed to do?
Reflexology is a type of foot massage that is said to stimulate, restore and maintain the body’s natural equilibrium and energy flow, encouraging the body to heal itself from any kind of imbalance, illness, injury, or stress. Dating back to ancient times, it is based on the principle that there are reflex areas in the feet (and hands) that are linked to other areas and organs of the body.
What benefits does it claim?
Though reflexology can’t claim to cure, it has been recognised by many doctors and health care professionals as a treatment that may bring relief to a wide range of acute and chronic conditions such as pain management, digestive disorders, hormonal balancing, infertility, sleep disorders, migraines and many muscle problems such as back pain, arthritis and sports injuries. The treatment also excels in its therapy of anxiety, depression and other stress-related conditions. Reflexology generally helps us to cope with the increasing levels of stress faced in today’s society – whether young or old, healthy or not, it is suitable for all ages, and so is an ideal, medication-free therapy for both troubled teens and elderly patients!
Is there any science behind it?
This sounds like it’s just too good to be true, but yes, there’s actually genuine research behind it! The main research into the practice of reflexology was done by Eunice Ingham in the 1930s, who discovered that tension in any part of the foot is mirrored in the corresponding zone of the body.
For more information, visit www.aor.co.uk (the association of reflexologists).
What is it like?
If you are having the treatment done for the first time, you will undergo a preliminary consultation (lasting approximately 15 minutes) with your reflexology practitioner to determine your present and past health lifestyle and conditions.
Then comes the fun part. The treatment will last between 45 minutes and an hour (depending on the size of your feet and how much is wrong with you!), as calming earth sounds play in the background. My reflexologist for the hour, Nicole, used only the magic of her hands to apply special pressure techniques to my feet to detect the most subtle of imbalances in the body and release all signs of tension.
My experience began with gentle relaxation techniques on my feet, each caress making them (and me!) feel like they’d won a ticket to heaven. Next came the full reflexology treatment. Despite knowing that I’d have to stay focused so that I’d be able to remember and record the procedure for your pleasure (as well as mine), I found myself drifting off to sleep. Throughout my experience, I think that I must have felt well over 100 of the 7,000 nerve endings present in the feet.
As promised, Nicole revisited the imbalances that she had initially discerned from my feet to reinstate natural energy flow and completed the treatment with a short foot massage. It turns out that that nagging feeling I’d had in my left shoulder wasn’t just a figment of my imagination, as Nicole had sensed it too! But not to worry – three more sessions and I was assured that I’d be as good as new!
After the treatment ended and I had reached my well-being peak, I was given a glass of water and told to drink plenty of it for the next couple of days to help eliminate toxins from the body. Since I’m not a smoker or much of a caffeine drinker, it was painless for me to avoid smoking and caffeine for the following 24 hours as advised. But alcohol and light meals would need a bit of negotiation. The most undemanding part of the reflexology aftercare for me, was that I allowed my body to rest as much as possible.
Be warned, some people may experience extreme relaxation and deep sleep as side-effects of their treatment!
Where and how much?
Nicole Plant, Tel: 96 371173, Pallouriotissa, Nicosia.
£15 each session (discounts are offered if you book a series of treatments).
