Frequently Asked Questions
How can you bear to touch people's feet?There is a common misconception that feet are dirty and undeserving! Anatomically they are the most marvellous and interesting structures and you need have no fear: a reflexologist will always use a cooling disinfectant swab before starting treatment.
Does it tickle?People find that reflexology is not a ticklish experience. The foot is held with one hand and the movements carried out with the other or with both at the same time. In any case, the pressure is normally firm enough not to arouse a ticklish response.
What happens during a treament?A full consultation is carried out, taking into account past and present medical conditions and your present general state of health. Then I may carry out Vertical Reflex Therapy (VRT) to "wake up" the reflexes, after which you lie down on my special couch and the feet are loosened up with massage movements before starting the full treatment. The choice of technique will depend on the symptoms present.
How long does it last?Normally a treatment lasts about an hour though you should allow an hour and a quarter for the first treatment. Some treatments may be shorter - it depends on the symptoms present as to what type of treatment is offered.
What is Vertical Reflex Therapy?VRT is a system devised by Lynne Booth, a leading reflexology practitioner who teaches throughout the world. It is offered in a standing / weightbearing position and the treatment is shorter because the reflexes have been found to work more powerfully in this position. Either the hand or the foot, or both, may be treated.
What is Neuro-reflexology?This is a treatment that was designed and proved (with the co-operation of a neuroscientist in a laboratory at the University of Ghent) by Nico Pauly, a manual therapist and reflexologist from Belgium. It is used as a tool to find out what is going on in the central and peripheral nervous systems and it is indicated particularly where someone has pain. Its action is to 'normalise' (balance) the nervous impulse between specific nerve reflexes on the foot and the corresponding tissues in the body. By exerting pressure on the nerve reflex, and timing how long it takes to reduce the pain response, two things are possible: to find out the severity of the congestion in the related part, and to start the process of releasing the congestion.
How did you decide to train in reflexology?I had a basic interest in all complementary therapies and a particular fascination with what can be achieved via the feet.
How many treatments will I need?This depends on how long you have had your condition, and your rate of healing. My job is to trigger your body's healing response. This is, literally, a fantastic mechanism that you may see described in learned (and scientific) circles as the body's intelligence /life force /vital energy /mind-body response, etc.
I am very stressed at work and my neck is sore on the left, but so is my right knee. Is the problem in my knee connected with my neck?The body works connectedly, each part relying on every other part to function efficiently. Yes, the imbalance in your neck will affect the way you hold yourself throughout your body and if your back is not straight, your pelvis will not be properly balanced and there may be knock-on effects on your knees. Your brain has told you that you have pain and need to do something about it. By treating holistically and at the same time helping the body to relax, all these sources of imbalance are covered.
