Reflexology   Practitoners:    Jo Bareham (MAR) Appointments: 2.30 - 6.30 pm Wednesdays   Reflexology aims to help restore health and maintain the body’s natural equilibrium by gently manipulating reflex points on the feet that connect with the rest of the body.   Relaxation – Reflexology induces a state of deep relaxation to release tension from the mind and body.   The stress factor – Stress is believed to trigger 85% of physical illness. Reflexology can help support you on an emotional and physical level to manage the stress that day to day life can bring     Conditions helped by reflexology include: Back pain Stress & anxiety Asthma Insomnia Pre-conception, fertility  and pregnancy  related symptoms Sinusitis Arthritis   PMS, menopause Digestive disorders e.g. IBS, constipation The history Reflexology is a complementary, energy based therapy that works primarily on the feet to heal the whole person. Reflexology dates back to ancient Egypt, China and India. In the West, Dr William Fitzgerald first introduced it in 1913 as ‘zone therapy’. His theory was based on there being 10 vertical energy zones flowing through the body. He found a correlation between reflex areas of the feet and hands with other areas and organs of the body that were in the same zone.  In 1930 Eunice Ingham developed the zone technique further into reflexology. She produced foot maps that related to specific organs and systems of the body. Therefore stimulating a reflex on the foot may affect the corresponding body area. Reflexology still adopts this approach today. Its mode of action is also similar to acupressure utilising meridians. Reflexology does not claim to diagnose or cure.   How does reflexology work? Reflexology works by re-balancing the bodily systems enabling them to work in harmony on both an emotional and physical level. There are over 7,000 nerve endings on the feet that connect with the rest of the body, in addition to the many reflex points. By manipulating reflex points the following may occur: Stimulation of circulatory and immune systems Stimulation of the nervous & endocrine systems Deep relaxation & pain relief    Increase in energy levels A reflexology treatment A full case history is taken prior to the treatment. Objectives and expectations of the treatment are discussed in order to tailor the treatments appropriately. The treatment involves the client sitting in a reclining chair fully clothed with their feet slightly elevated. Only the feet are exposed during the treatment. The feet are warmed up using massage techniques and then sequences of reflexes are stimulated on different parts of the feet. The treatment is neither painful nor ticklish although sometimes certain areas may feel a little tender. This often relates to an imbalance within the corresponding area of the body.   Who can benefit? Reflexology is suitable for all ages of people with a wide range of conditions. Please highlight any conditions you suffer from or medication that you take when calling to book an appointment. Treating each client individually is key, ensuring that the whole person is treated and not just the symptoms.                                                                                                   Gift vouchers can be arranged and discounts are available for block reflexology bookings.   For more information please  contact Jo Bareham: Tel:                   01444 410368 / 07979 511235 Email:               email an enquiry Albion Clinic :   01273 628221   Jo Bareham is a full member of the Association of Reflexologists (MAR).