FAQs

DOES REFLEXOLOGY HURT, WILL IT TICKLE?

It needn’t hurt, but there may be tender spots indicating that the corresponding area of the body is out of balance. Professor Hang, chairman of The China Reflexology Association in Beijing taught us to work up to the pain threshold and not beyond it otherwise the muscular tension created may impede free flow of energy.

For those of you with ticklish feet, a firmer pressure is used and slower movements. It only takes a minute or so to get used to it.

IS IT SAFE TO HAVE REFLEXOLOGY IN PREGNANCY?

Whilst there are risks throughout pregnancy, in the first three months there is a higher risk of miscarriage. However, there is no evidence to show that reflexology can bring on a miscarriage. Indeed, some reflexologists say it is effective for those women who have a history of miscarriage.

Those of you who have been receiving Chinese Reflexology with me will switch to Western Reflexology as Chinese Doctors have not put reflexology in pregnancy through their rigorous clinical trials. We should remember that pregnancy is a condition, not an illness.

Reflexologists work with caution with some medical conditions e.g. multiple pregnancies. Information should be given before you arrive for your first appointment. Providing mother and baby are ready and well, reflexology can be used to facilitate labour. Sessions should start at least 6 weeks prior to term and be received weekly until due date; only then can a priming for labour treatment be given.

“I am convinced that my weekly reflexology sessions before and during my pregnancy helped with the recovery after the birth of my son.” Evelina

CAN THE COST OF MY REFLEXOLOGY BE COVERED BY MY HEALTH INSURANCE?

Some insurers will cover the cost of your treatment; as each has different terms you will need to check with them directly. A receipt can be issued for you so you can claim back the fee.

DOES REFLEXOLOGY SPREAD CANCER?

There is no proof that reflexology spreads cancer. In fact, many people going through treatment for cancer find reflexology relaxing and leave their sessions with a sense of peace and wellbeing.

WHAT HAPPENS AT MY FIRST TREATMENT?

Your treatment will be explained in more detail and a medical history taken. Reflexology is given with cream or powder and may be received either lying down or sitting up; Daoyin Tao uses unperfumed oil and is received lying down.

HOW MIGHT I FEEL AFTER A TREATMENT?

People respond very differently to reflexology although most feel very relaxed, sleep well and feel centred with an increase in energy levels the next day. Occasionally clients have reported a headache or back ache after their first session. It is best to plan a quiet evening, where possible, to allow the effects to settle in to your system. Reflexology works by sorting out minor problems at their source rather than sticking a plaster over the symptoms.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?

This will depend on your specific health needs and your desired outcome. Ideally weekly for a few weeks, then reduce to a maintenance programme. In China, reflexology is given as a course of ten consecutive daily sessions; this is not possible for most people in the UK, but practise has shown that the more frequently it is received, the faster the results. Reflexology is part of ‘traditional’ medicine in China; many people rely on it for their health maintenance as western medicine is not available to them. In Beijing children from the age of 5 go to school early every day before their lessons start to work on each others’ feet; it is about staying well rather than attempting to repair a broken part!

ARE THERE ANY CONDITIONS WHICH ARE NOT SUITABLE FOR TREATMENT?

The importance of a full medical history! If you have any specific medical problems please inform me before you arrive for your first session

The Association of Reflexologists recommends that we do not work with the following:

• A history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Anything that increases the circulation may move a blood clot, e.g. a hot bath, running for a bus and as reflexology is believed to improve the circulation, it too may shift a clot. It is best not to take the risk.
• A history of unstable pregnancies. This is one of those situations where the Association of Reflexologists has recommended we don’t work in the event that a pregnancy spontaneously miscarries. Many of my clients come regularly for reflexology to balance their bodies in preparation for a healthy pregnancy. See the section above on reflexology in pregnancy.
• Severe cellulitis (infection of the skin and the tissues beneath it)
• Contagious or notifiable diseases e.g. measles, scarlet fever, whooping cough or glandular fever

WHAT ABOUT REFLEXOLOGY FOR THE TERMINALLY ILL?

Many terminally ill patients say they find the treatments physically and emotionally relaxing. It is a time when they can talk things through with someone who is neither a member of their family, nor wearing a white coat.

CAN CHILDREN AND BABIES RECEIVE REFLEXOLOGY?

Children respond well to reflexology and many love it. Sessions are shorter but no less effective and can help with minor ailments or sleep problems. It is easy to do and very powerful when done regularly; you will leave with a chart to follow so you can do reflexology on your own child. If you suspect anything serious, you should take him/her to the doctor.

The Association of Reflexologists recommends I obtain a signed consent form for working with children under the age of 18. Those with parental responsibility can sign this, either mother or father if they are married. Unmarried fathers will need to obtain written consent from the mother or the court.

You are required to accompany your child into the treatment area while he/she receives reflexology.

Rosanna holds a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) certificate.

Aemil, aged 6 weeks old, came in with his Mother for one of her regular reflexology sessions. He was crying a lot and feeding every 3 hours so I showed his Mummy where to work on his feet; the crying reduced and he instantly moved on to 4 hourly feeds

CAN REFLEXOLOGY REDUCE WRINKLES AND CELLULITE?

Wrinkles are part of the ageing process. Without doubt eating a healthy balanced diet, keeping hydrated and taking exercise will help slow the signs. Reflexology can ‘iron out the wrinkles in your mind’ and destress the body, putting a spring in your step…which is very youthful!

WHAT ABOUT REFLEXOLOGY AT WORK?

“Stress in the workplace is undermining performance and productivity in 9 out of 10 companies.” Industrial Society

If you want to find out how reflexology can help your company, or to arrange a trial day for your employees, make contact

REFLEXOLOGY WITHIN A MEDICAL PRACTICE?

Reflexology today is used as a complement to many forms of standard medical treatment. If you are interested in incorporating reflexology within your practice or would like further information on reflexology, how it could benefit your patients or theories on how it works, make contact

If you have a specific question, please make contact