Reflexology

Reflexology in Edinburgh

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Reflexology is a therapy based on the theory that all the organs, glands and systems of the body have corresponding reflex points in the feet and hands. By stimulating these reflexes, a treatment can clear congestion in a particular area and maintain a healthy balance in mind and body. At Active Health in Edinburgh we support complimentary therapies like reflexology and value their role in health and well being. It is understood that reflexology is not a diagnostic tool and not used individually for specific treatment of particular conditions. The outcome of a reflexology treatment is felt on an individual basis and may improve symptoms accompanied by daily stress and tension.

blissful relaxation

It is interesting that there are records of reflexology as early as 2500 BC in Egypt. Other documented findings from the Chinese, Japanese, Native American and Inca’s are also found. In the Unites States, Eunice Ingham did modern studies and development of the reflexology technique in the 1930’s. She was the first to map the body and chart them with the corresponding reflex points that are published today. The theory of working zones and reflexes on the hands and feet corresponding to these points and with the Qi meridians (life force energy), reflexology aims to bring balance and clear congestion in these areas.

The primary result during and after a reflexology treatment is a documented and consistent feeling of blissful relaxation. This depth of relaxation has often allowed patients to drift off and sleep during a reflexology treatment at Active Health’s calm setting in Edinburgh. This relaxing outcome has many medicinal benefits that are clinically proven. Stress reduction is a proven way of lowering the body’s cortisol levels. Scientists have connected elevated cortisol levels with lower immune function, weight gain, increased blood pressure, cholesterol, heart disease and even cause a risk of depression and mental illness.

Therefore the lower stress levels assisted with reflexology can assist the bodies natural healing capabilities, to increase immunity, regulate sleep, aid psychological well being helping anxiety and depression and is also commonly used to support fertility programs and during pregnancy too. With the abundance of nerve endings in the feet and hands (approximately 7200 in the feet and 2500 in each hand), reflexology aims to stimulate these nerves and increases blood supply. The balancing and unblocking of these impulses (and Qi) aim to help normalize the body’s endocrine, respiratory, circulatory, lymphatic, skeletal, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems.

On average, people take approximately 10 000 steps per day, when running this added force is 2 ½ times their body weight. With the amount of time we all spend on our feet and the pressures that they endure regularly, it is important to take good care of them!

Typically, reflexology is performed on the feet while the patient sits comfortably in a chair or lies on a treatment table. A reflexology treatment is administered with firm yet gentle pressure that is monitored around those sensitive areas. In most cases, no oil is used although aromatherapy oils can be used to enhance the results during a reflexology treatment at Active Health Edinburgh. There is no equipment required which makes reflexology a safe and effective method used with the practitioner’s fingers and hands only. Even though a medical consultation is done prior to treatment the reflexology session will always treat the whole of both feet, thus the whole body and can also target the specific zones during a session. At Active Health, we aim to make each reflexology treatment an enjoyable experience and indulge in the quiet space we have created here in Edinburgh.