Cancellation
Cancellation Policy
Obviously things ‘crop’ up in life where we have to cancel appointments. Where possible please provide me with 24 hours notice. If you are running late and there is an appointment booked in after you unfortunately your treatment time may be cut short.
Cancellations on the day will incur a 50% charge of the total treatment price.
Preparation
When I visit your home please allow 10 minutes before and after the treatment for me to set up and put away my portable equipment respectively. These include a portable reclining chair and stool. I ask that you may provide a small side table/stool or chair where I can put my creams etc. Thank you.
History of Reflexology
The exact origin of Reflexology is hard to pin point and may date back as far as 4000BC (China) but it is believed the first recordings were those on the walls of the Ankhamor’s ‘Physician Tomb’ in Egypt (circa 2300 BC). Whilst Ankhamor was not a Physician himself, one chamber depicts interesting ‘medical’ pictures, in which some show four men working on each other’s hands and feet. Whilst not called Reflexology at that time this ancient therapy was also used throughout Eastern countries including China, Tibet, Vietnam and Japan. The ‘Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine,’ written around 1,000BC contains a chapter entitled ‘Examining Foot Method’ and is thought to be one of the first written texts discussing the connection between life force (Qi) and areas on our feet.
In the early 1300s Reflexology arrived in Europe and in 1582 two Doctors – Adamus and A’tais – published a number of papers on ‘Zone Therapy’. It was some time later in 1917, Dr William Fitzgerald wrote about ten vertical zones that extended the length of the body which are reflected in the souls of the feet. As an Ear, Nose and Throat Doctor, Fitzgerald found that by applying pressure to the toes and feet, certain parts of the body could be successfully numbed so that anaesthetic was not necessary in minor operations. He co-authored a book with Edwin Bowers titled ‘Zone Therapy or Relieving Pain at Home’.
It was Eunice Igham that created the Reflexology that we know today and it was in fact Eunice who named this therapy as Reflexology. Originally from South Dakota, USA she was working as a physiotherapist in the 1930’s with Dr Joe Shebly Riley who was a colleague of Dr Fitzgerland and who had expanded on Fitzgerland’s ‘Zone Therapy’ work. After using the Zone Therapy Technique she went on further to map the feet and create the Reflexology Mapping system that is still used today. In 1938 she successfully wrote her first book ‘Stories Feet Can Tell’. Practitioners have since advanced her works however her mapping principle still remains the foundation of this amazing therapy.
Contraindications or times when reflexology might not be appropriate
While reflexology is
an extremely safe healing practice, it is important to be aware of a few
contraindications or times when reflexology might not be appropriate. These
contraindications include:
Foot
injuries
Patients
with foot fractures, unhealed wounds, or active gout in the foot should not
have reflexology. Patients with osteoarthritis in the foot or ankle, or those
with vascular disease of the legs or feet (peripheral nervous system), should
consult with their Doctor prior to beginning reflexology on the feet.
Pregnancy
If you are already a regular client of mine we can continue with the reflexology devising a very gentle plan especially during the first trimester. If you are not a current client of mine and never had reflexology before we can wait until after the first trimester. Reflexology is extremely safe during pregnancy however in both instances it is preferable to gain the approval of your doctor before we proceed treatment during this special time.
Blood
clotting issues
Clients
who have thrombosis or embolism (which is an obstruction of the pulmonary artery
or a branch of it) should not receive reflexology.
Open
wounds
If a client has a mild cut or abrasion to the skin
this can be covered with a plaster and reflexology can be carried out. If the
client has a deep wound then this must be healed before having reflexology.
Infections
and verruca
If you have athlete’s foot or
any infectious or fungal foot conditions these must be treated and healed
before having reflexology. If you have a verruca this can be covered with a
plaster.
Coughs, Colds, Flu,
Stomach Sickness and Temperatures
If you are feeling unwell with any of the above please call to
rearrange your appointment.
What To Expect After Your Treatment – Possible ‘Healing Crisis’
Most people report feeling well after their session however the more toxic the system the more likely you may experience some healing symptoms.
The Herxheimer Reaction commonly known as a ‘Healing Crisis’ is a short-term detoxification reaction in the body.
After your treatment your body will be releasing toxins. It is therefore advisable to drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine and alcohol after your treatment and where possible don’t do anything too strenuous.
As the body detoxifies, you may experience flu-like symptoms including headaches, joint and muscle pain, body aches, sore throat, general malaise, sore lymph nodes, sweating, chills, nausea or other symptoms including runny nose, emotional sensitivity and increased visits to the bathroom.
Please note that many people do not experience a detoxification reaction of any kind.
The more toxic the body is the more significant these reactions can be but please be assured this is a sign that the body is detoxifying and clearing impurities from the system so that the body can rebalance itself. Please remember that Reflexology will not bring about a new problem in the body however may temporarily increase existing symptoms whilst the body works on balancing itself and clearing out toxins. If experiencing any of these reactions, as well as drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol or caffeine, I generally advise clients to avoid other things for a couple of days that may be stimulating a detoxification process ie certain supplements that may be used for heavy metal detoxification or liver stimulus.
The good news is that any healing crisis is temporary. It may start immediately or a day or so later and can last several days. This signifies the healing process in underway and people most often report that once these symptoms have cleared they have a renewed sense of energy and wellbeing.
Please make a note of all symptoms after your treatment and please do not hesitate to call me if you wish to do so.
Not everyone has a detoxification reaction and on the whole most people feel an increase in energy and balance in emotions.
Where Will the Treatment Take Place?
Adams also came to understand how important it was that his carefully crafted photos were reproduced to best effect. At Bender’s invitation, he joined the prestigious Roxburghe Club, an association devoted to fine printing and high standards in book arts.
How Many Treatments Should I Have?
It is generally recommended that a course of 6 sessions (one session per week) are booked to see the full benefits of Reflexology however results may be achieved after 1 session only. Acute symptoms may benefit from 2 sessions per week to start with. After the initial course you may wish to have 1 session per month to keep your body in balance or carry on with your weekly appointments.
'Wherever you stand be the Soul of that place'