Reflexology – the practice of wellbeing for today

With Women’s Health Week come and gone, attention has been given to how we manage our health and wellbeing in today’s fast paced world. More and more people are turning to different practices, often those that have been around for hundreds if not thousands of years!

The practice of reflexology for example, is based on an ancient form of therapy with evidence pointing to it being practised as long ago as 3000 B.C. Indeed different forms of working on the feet to affect health would appear to have been used by people all over the world throughout history, in ages and sites very distant from each other. 

In Chinese medicine for example, different body parts and internal organs were long thought to correspond with different pressure points on the body and reflexologists use to this day maps of these points in the feet, hands and ears to determine where pressure should be applied.

For those that practice reflexology and experience it, good results are said to relate to pain relief, muscle relaxation, improved digestive processes, circulation and lymphatic flow, some mums to be have also used it to help bring on labour!

Basic reflexology, once learned can have the extra benefit of being used by anyone at home to promote balance, reduce stress and manage pain.

For mother and babies, it can offer advantages both pre and post labour. Mothers to be can try it to help relieve morning sickness, swollen ankles, relieving aches and pains, whilst following labour a reflexology massage can help bring the body back into balance.  Even babies themselves can enjoy gentle massages on their feet to help with relaxation, this can be utilised for anxiety as they get older.

“Reflexology can be a wonderful way for mother and baby to not only relax but also a special time for them to bond, as often the reflexes relating to the baby’s condition, say for example with the bowel, are tender in the mother, where they might not have been before. Mother and baby are so linked that after a session together both feel the benefits”

Lyn Fava from The Australian School of Reflexology and Relaxation

The Australian School of Reflexology and Relaxation, offers a wide range of fun introductory events and workshops starting in October. They range from the Essence of Foot Reflexology through to Maternity Reflexology.