WHAT IS A REFLEXOLOGY?
“Reflexology is a natural healing art based on the principle that there are reflexes in the feet, hands and ears which correspond to every part, gland and organ of the body.”
Through application of pressure on these reflexes without the us­­e of tools, creams or lotions, the feet being the primary area of application, reflexology relieves tension, improves circulation and helps promote the natural function of the related areas of the body.

WHO CAN RECEIVE FOOT REFLEXOLOGY TREATMENT?
Reflexology may be performed on everyone. There are, however, changes in the session that are required for the following people:

HOW OFTEN?
The general rule would be to treat no more frequently than once every twenty-four to forty-eight hours for acute distress to allow released toxins time to be eliminated by the body without too much stress. For clients with chronic conditions, ideally do a session at least once a week. To speed recovery administer the first three treatments forty-eight hours apart. Our goal is to take care of the current situation, gradually increasing the time between sessions until the optimum of once a month is obtained for general well-being, preventative care, and optimum good health. It is ALWAYS the client's decision how often sessions should be done.

BENEFITS OF REFLEXOLOGY

• Promotes relaxation and release of tension

• Improves lymphatic and cardiovascular circulation, drainage, and elimination

• Helps the body to normalize itself naturally, without adverse side effects

FACTORS AFFECTING TENDERNESS:
• Stress—physical, emotional, and mental (all reflexes may be tender).
• Injury/trauma (callouses, corns, bunions are signs of trauma).
• Surgery (scar tissue).
• Medications (may reduce client's sensitivity).
• Level of wellness (sensitivity may increase with illness).
• Age (young/elderly).
• Phantom limb (after amputation the patient can still feel the limb)
• Footwear (feet regularly compressed into tight shoes can be tender

POSSIBLE CLEANSING RESPONSES TO A REFLEXOLOGY TREATMENT:
Cold feeling Because the body becomes totally relaxed, the blood moves away from the extremities and goes towards the centre of the body.
Funny taste in the mouth Reflexology promotes the body to cleanse itself of all toxins. The poor taste in the mouth could be a result of this cleansing.
Perspiration This is another way that the body disposes toxins. The body could also be releasing excess fluids.
Mucus It could be related to a clogged sinus, ileo-cecal valve, or small intestine that the body is trying to detoxify. The gall bladder could be increasing the amount of bile it is secreting into the small intestine causing loose bowel movements.
Diarrhea (or frequent bowel movements) From the stimulation of either the liver, gall bladder, or the digestive tract, this may normalize bowel activity. This stimulation can also cause a cleansing activity, allowing the body to excrete toxins through the feces.
Tiredness The body's response to a reflexology session causes it to switch into parasympathetic activity to rest and repair itself. The body does most of its repairing while we are sleeping.
Nausea and headache The body is trying to cleanse the toxins, especially in the liver and the bowels. This could be a response to this cleansing.
Greatly energized Since the body is cleansing itself, it will run "cleaner." Think of reflexology as a "re-set button" for organ functions.
Eyes watering Due to the cleansing of the lachrymal glands in the eyes.
Release of pain Because the nervous system is switching into parasympathetic activity the nerves are relaxed and aren't irritating the muscles. Reflexology also helps to relax the muscles, this in turn eases pain.
Temporary rash Toxins are released through the skin, which is the body's largest elimination organ. Some people may be sensitive to these toxins.
Gas release Releasing gas is another form of toxin elimination. Reflexology helps improve the stomach and bowel functions which may result in burping or flatus.
Improved urination The relaxation of the muscles in the urinary tract could cause a temporary increase in urine flow. The urinary system may be normalized, or improved urination could be a result of lymph drainage.Improved digestion A reflexology treatment activates parasympathetic nervous system activity and enables better digestion of food to take place.