What to Expect?

 

The initial session for new clients usually lasts for 90 mins, including a brief health history and pre-treatment consultation to determine the best approach and treatment programme for your needs.

 

I will explain how reflexology works and what happens during a session. It is okay, for you to ask questions if you have any.

 

I may choose to work only on the feet, or the hands, depending on your specific health issues. Some problems respond better to work on the feet, others to work on the hands; yet others respond better to the reinforcement of work on both - hands and feet. In some situations, for example a patient in the hospital may have IV's and multiple tubes and wires, so a reflexology session may be limited to the feet by necessity.

 

If I choose to work on your feet, you will lie down, remaining fully clothed except for your shoes and socks. I usually start by wiping your feet with a moist cloth, and then I will begin by assessing your feet for open wounds, rashes, sores, plantar warts or bunions and will ask you about any foot or leg pain that could hinder treatment.

 

Generally a session lasts between 40-50 minutes. You can rest or talk during the session at your discretion. If you fall asleep during the session, you will still receive the benefits of the treatment.

 

Experiences with reflexology sessions vary from a general sense of relaxation and rest to a conscious awareness internally of the area of the body where the I’m working through the foot or hand.

 

Many people experience a "lightness" or tingling in the body, as well as feelings of warmth, a sense of "opening," or "energy moving" from the gentle pressure to the specific body area or organ. There is often a physical perception of energy flowing through every organ, valve, gland, or muscle, as well as a sense of communication between each body system.

 

Other reactions during the session

range from physical to emotional and may include:

 

Perspiration of hands or feet

Sensation of being cold or chilled

Feeling light-headed

Coughing

Laughing

Crying

Sighing deeply

Overwhelming desire to sleep

Disappearance of all pain and discomfort

Loose, relaxed muscles

Feeling like all organs are hanging freely, not stressed and connected

Thirst

Rarely, contraction of muscle groups (pain)

 

How many sessions are needed?

The number of sessions varies and is determined by the client's health and reasons for seeking reflexology. But in general, results from reflexology are often subtle and are cumulative. Thus, you are more likely to see greater benefits from regular sessions (for example, once a week for six weeks) than if you had a session once every six months.

 

If you are dealing with a specific illness or condition, you may need to have more frequent sessions. A general recommendation might be to begin with a session every week for 6-8 weeks, followed by a "tune-up" every two to four weeks.