Health Benefits of Reflexology

Coming from a Chinese background and being brought up in Singapore, we always strongly believe that using holistic therapy like foot reflexology can help to balance the energy channels to improve well-being. Growing up, it was common practice for one of my family members visit the foot reflexology centre on a regular basis.

I was delighted to get invited to try out a session of reflexology with Sue Burford by the Association of Reflexologists, which supports professionally qualified practitioners. They have over 4,000 members and aims to increase knowledge of this non-intrusive complementary therapy. If you would like find your nearest professional reflexologist, do check out their website for enquiring about treatments.

Reflexology is a holistic treatment based on the theory of having different points of the feet mirror the internal organs, and so massaging your foot helps to stimulate your nervous system. Reflexologists believe that by working on the reflex points help to relax and ease stress.

As this is my first reflexology session with Sue, she spent at least 10 minutes to go through the pre-treatment health check-up, explain the diagram of the foot chart and reassure me that the whole treatment is painless and tailor-made for me.

Before she started the treatment, she gave my feet a warm wipe and covered one foot with the towel then started to work with my right foot. Throughout the treatment, I was sat up on a comfortable reclined table at her well-presented workplace.

The treatment lasted for 50 minutes which I thoroughly enjoyed. Sue took her time to work on each vital location and it had slightly different sensations on different part of my feet. I felt totally relaxed.

Once the treatment had finished, Sue summarised my general well-being. She was spot on and was able to tell me inside out. She also pre warned me that I might experience some side effects which luckily I didn’t experience at all. Some patients might have a different experience. She also advised me to drink plenty of water to aid the toxin-cleansing process. My husband did noticed that my feet looked very well moisturised with healthy looking skin.

I have always believed in the health benefits of reflexology in that it offers to improve circulation and promote well-being. It may be helpful for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), respiratory problems, asthma, headache, bladder problems, menopausal symptoms, period pain, stress, anxiety, back pain and migraine. If you are unsure, it is always best to speak to a professional reflexologist. Do remember that reflexology should not be used as an alternative to medical advice.

Sue Burford is a fully qualified registered and insured member of the Associated Complementary Therapists (ABT) and Association of Reflexologists (AoR) with over 20 years of experience. She also specialises in Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Thai Hot Compress Massage, Crystal Healing and teaches baby massage in Lichfield. Do check out her website for more details.

World Reflexology Week will be taking place this year from the 21-27th September 2015, do check it out.

Disclosure: I was offered a session for the purposes of writing this review however all thoughts and opinions remain my own. Images used with permission.