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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the most commonly asked questions, but if you do have any other queries, please reach out and get in contact.

What is reflexology?

Reflexology is considered and recognised as a holistic therapy, as it is a alternative approach of enhancing the body’s well being. Reflexology is the belief that specific points on the feet, or hands, or ears are linked to different body organs and systems. Reflexology involves applying pressure to these points to improve health and balance. Reflexology along with other holistic therapies is to connect to a persons energy system and to adjust it and bring a balance, or harmonise it, with the world in which it lives in.

How does reflexology work?

A reflexologist treats the whole body, aiming to bring the body back to balance and healing is both initiated and accelerated with having the treatment. This is done by treating reflex points on the feet or sometimes the hands, which correspond to all parts of the body’s glands, organs and structures. Now the benefits of a reflexology treatment can vary for everybody, as nobody is the same, the results and symptoms that someone may experience after a treatment will also be different for everyone. Reflexology has a whole range of benefits that different people will be seeking for. The four main benefits of having a reflexology treatments, they are: to help increase blood and lymph flow, to help relieve tension and stress, to promote nerve energy, and to also help the body maintain a state of balance. Many people will also see improvements with a condition that they may be suffering with. There are a range of conditions that reflexology can help ease symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, stress, IBS, diabetes, arthritis, or menopause, menstruation, cystitis, back pain, knew pain, and so many more

What are the health benefits?

​There are four main benefits of having a reflexology treatments, they are: to help increase blood and lymph flow, to help relieve tension and stress, to promote nerve energy, and to also help the body maintain a state of balance. If you have a condition reflexology can also help ease and relieve symptoms and make it easier to live with the condition. Reflexology can also help with stress, anxiety and depression, and other conditions which can also lead to a better life. It helps the body to have a better overall health.

What to expect on your first appointment

​Your first reflexology appointment will last approximately 1.5 hours. We will begin with a thorough consultation to discuss your health history, lifestyle, and any specific concerns or goals you may have. This allows your treatment to be tailored safely and effectively to your individual needs. Following the consultation, you will then be asked to remove your shoes and socks and lie comfortably on a treatment bed, fully clothed, with blankets provided for warmth and comfort. The session is gentle and calming, and you are encouraged to unwind fully. There will also be time at the end to discuss how you felt during the treatment and any aftercare advice.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments needed varies from person to person and depends on your individual health, lifestyle, and goals. Some clients feel benefits after just one session, particularly for relaxation and stress relief. However, others may take a couple of sessions before feeling any different.

 

​​For fertility support, reflexology is often most beneficial when received regularly and in alignment with your cycle. A series of sessions may be suggested to help support hormonal balance, reduce stress, and encourage overall wellbeing during your fertility journey.

What conditions can reflexology help support?
  • Asthma

  • ​Anxiety

  • Arthritis

  • Constipation

  • Depression

  • Diabetes

  • Eczema

  • Endometriosis

  • Fatigue

  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)

  • Hypotension (low blood pressure)

  • IBS

  • Insomnia

  • Menopause

  • Migraines

  • Muscular problems like back/neck/shoulder pain

  • PCOS

  • Sinusitis

  • Stress

  • Tinnitus

  • ...And many many more...

What should I do/prepare before and after my treatment?

Before your appointment, please ensure your feet are clean and you are well hydrated. Avoid eating a heavy meal before and only eat a light meal if needed. Avoid alcohol prior to your session, and wear comfortable clothing so you can relax fully during treatment.

 

After your reflexology session, it is important to drink plenty of water to support your body. You may feel deeply relaxed, tired, or energised — all responses are normal. Where possible, allow yourself time to rest and avoid strenuous activity or alcohol for the remainder of the day. Also avoid eating any heavy meals. Gentle movement, such as a short walk, can be beneficial.

What can I expect from Reflexology treatments?

Depending on what each client needs are, and what they would like to gain from having reflexology, will depend on the number of treatments recommended how regular each treatment is. Ideally a reflexologist would like to treat each client for 6 to 8 sessions. However they will still get benefits and normally feel the effects after just one treatment. The amount of treatments can depend on the individual, but it is best not to continue with treatments if after the third or forth the client is unable to report any changes. Depending on the client will depend on the amount of time between each session, however if after six or eight treatment, the client is starting to feel they are not feeling the effects quite as much compared to the beginning, it may be an idea to suggest to have more than a week between each treatment, and keep extending the amount of time between each session as time goes on. The duration of a full reflexology treatment should take between 45 minutes to 1 hour, however if the emergency routine is to be performed it should take about 20 minutes. The emergency routine should only be performed when a full routine is inappropriate, and only to be performed in certain circumstances, they are: when the body quickly need to be bought back into balance. It can also be performed if it is a clients first treatment and they have one or a few health issues such as diabetes, IBS, or a heart condition, this allows them to see how their body reacts, and symptoms of how they felt can be fed back the following treatment, the reflexology can then decide whether or not to proceed in doing the full routine. It can also be done if a clients suddenly doesn’t feel right during treatment such as a headache or becomes emotional, and it needs to be finished up quickly. Also it can be done when the body may not be able to tolerate a full routine without crisis. 

Can children and babies recieve reflexology?

Yes, reflexology can be performed on children using very gentle, age-appropriate techniques. Treatments can be shorter in duration and tailored to suit their needs, always ensuring comfort and safety. For babies and young children under the age of 16, a parent or guardian must be present throughout the entire session and consent will always be required prior to treatment. Each appointment begins with a discussion to understand any health concerns and to ensure reflexology is appropriate.

 

If you are unsure whether reflexology is suitable for your child, please feel free to get in touch to discuss their individual needs.

Are there any contraindications?

Reflexology is a safe, however there are times where it may not always be suitable and these are known as contraindications. Please do mention any significant health concerns at the time of booking and if you have a condition that you are receiving medical care for please do check with your doctor before commencing treatment.

It is important that you inform me of any medical tests or procedures that you are due to undergo prior to commencing treatment. 

 

Some examples of contra-indications are:

  • Immediately prior to medical tests or procedures.
  • Immediately prior to or immediately after surgery.

  • Where there is a contagious/acute infection or disease

  • Where there is an undiagnosed pain especially acute pain (a medical professional should be seen too give advise.

  • Thrombosis, phlebitis, or gangrene.

  • Directly over an area of varicose veins, bruises, cuts, painful areas, pr recent scars.

  • Pregnancy, however reflexology can take place after 14 weeks and only if the reflexologist has received additional training in maternity reflexology.

  • aeroplane flights (reflexology should not be given within 24 hours of flying

  • diarrhoea and/or vomiting

  • bacterial infections of the treatment area

  • fever/high temperature

  • fungal infections of the treatment area

  • haemorrhage/severe bleeding

  • After a heavy meal as cramps may be experienced.

  • On an empty stomach.

  • Intoxication / under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs, unless they are following a recovery programme.

  • Any rare or unusual condition.

  • Unstable heart condition.

  • Chronic cellulitis.

EP Reflexology & Therapies

info@epreflexologytherapies.co.uk

The Beauty Spa, 16-18 The Green, Warlingham, CR6 9NA

01883 626000​

epreflexologytherapies

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