Reflexology

Reflexology Haywards Heath

Reflexology, an ancient healing practice, has been a cornerstone of holistic health for centuries. With roots tracing back to ancient Egypt, China, and India, reflexology involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet, but reflex points can also be treated on the hands and ears. Each reflex point corresponds to an organ system within the body so it has a system-wide effect.

Reflexology is much more than a foot massage; it’s a holistic treatment. By applying targeted pressure to these reflex points, a reflexologist can help release tension, improve circulation, and promote the body’s natural healing processes by helping to manage stress and pain.

During a session, a reflexologist will use their hands, fingers, and thumbs to apply the right type of pressure that suits you, to these reflex points. This is a deeply calming and balancing treatment.

Who is the treatment suitable for?

Reflexology is a complementary therapy that involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet, hands, or ears, which correspond to different organs and systems in the body. It’s believed to help with a variety of physical and mental conditions by promoting relaxation, reducing pain, and improving circulation.

• Stress and Anxiety: Reflexology can promote relaxation and reduce stress levels.
• Pain Relief: Often used to manage pain from headaches, migraines, back pain, and arthritis.
• Digestive Issues: May aid in relieving symptoms of IBS, constipation, and bloating.
• Hormonal Imbalances: Helps support conditions like PMS, menopause symptoms, and fertility issues.
• Sleep Disorders: Can improve sleep quality by promoting relaxation.
• Chronic Conditions: Used to help manage symptoms of conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and asthma.

Reflexology can benefit people of all ages, from children to the elderly, and is often used as an adjunct to other treatments.

The science behind it all..

When pressure is applied to these reflex points, it is believed to send signals through the peripheral nervous system to the central nervous system (CNS), which consists of the brain and spinal cord.

• Nerve Pathways: The body is rich in nerve endings, especially in the hands and feet. These nerve endings are connected to various parts of the body through complex neural pathways. When reflex points are stimulated, sensory neurons carry signals to the spinal cord and brain. The CNS processes these signals and sends responses back to the corresponding organs or systems, potentially promoting relaxation, improved blood circulation, and homeostasis (balance within the body).
• Parasympathetic Activation: The ANS controls involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate. It has two main branches: the sympathetic nervous system, which triggers the “fight or flight” response, and the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes “rest and digest.” Reflexology is believed to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping to slow the heart rate, reduce blood pressure, and relax the muscles. This shift from a sympathetic to a parasympathetic state can alleviate the physical and psychological symptoms of stress, leading to a sense of calm and well-being.
• Stress Hormone Regulation: Reflexology may also impact the endocrine system by regulating the release of stress hormones like cortisol. High cortisol levels are associated with chronic stress, which can disrupt many bodily functions, including immune response, digestion, and sleep. By promoting relaxation, reflexology can help lower cortisol levels, contributing to overall health and resilience.
• Endorphin Release: Endorphins are neurotransmitters that act as natural pain relievers. Reflexology, by stimulating specific reflex points, may trigger the release of endorphins, which can help reduce pain and induce a sense of euphoria. This mechanism is similar to how other forms of touch therapy, like massage, are thought to work.
• Chronic Pain and Reflexology: For chronic pain conditions, reflexology might provide relief by interrupting the cycle of pain and stress. Chronic pain often leads to increased stress, which in turn exacerbates the perception of pain. By reducing stress and promoting the release of endorphins, reflexology can help break this cycle, providing relief and improving quality of life.

Meet Ana…

Ana is our clinical massage therapist and reflexologist at Winslow Skincare. Ana qualified with ITEC in 2014, she is also a member of the Complimentary Therapist Association CTHA. She is also a Jing Advanced Clinical Massage therapist (2021), offering more specific pain management protocols. She combines several valuable modalities from her massage toolbox such as Myofascial release, Trigger point therapy, Acupressure, stretching techniques, postural assessment, rehab work and aftercare.

Ana believes that massage and reflexology combined is a powerful treatment that can relax, relieve and restore the body. From the first consultation, she aims to create a listening, caring and safe environment for you. This is the most in-depth hands-on treatment you’ll experience.

She provides an outcome-based treatment designed to return your body to a place of ease and balance through her skilled and calming style of massage.