The first visit will generally take about 15 minutes longer than subsequent appointments. You will be asked about your medical history, your general health, exercise regimen and your nutrition. Your lifestyle and any ailments will then be discussed, followed by an examination of your hands and feet. The entire area of both feet will then be treated and possibly also the hands and ears. The treatment usually lasts about 60 minutes. The very young or elderly may be given shorter treatments, but more frequently, so that the body systems are not over-stimulated. There is no need to get undressed – only shoes and socks are removed.

During your session you may feel different sensations in your feet. There may be sharp pain for short periods or your feet may feel very sensitive, but for the majority of the time you will feel a sensation of gentle and pulsing pressure. Sensitivity varies from person to person and from treatment to treatment, but generally the session will be calming and comforting and the pressure will be adjusted to suit the individual’s needs.

There are no known negative side effects as a result of reflexology. Since this treatment helps the body to normalise, a natural response is sometimes experienced if the body has toxins to release. These are often subtle and usually positive signs that your body is attempting to return to a state of balance and harmony. Symptoms usually last for 24-48 hours.

After effects may include:

Some people confuse reflexology with massage. While both reflexology and massage use touch, the approaches are very different. Reflexology focuses on ‘reflex maps’ of points and areas of the body in the feet, hands and ears using unique micro-movement techniques such as thumb or ‘finger walking’ and ‘hook and backup’ with the goal of creating a response throughout the body. While massage works from the ‘outside in’, reflexology works from the ‘inside out’, stimulating the nervous system to release tension.

Yes, reflexology is totally safe and beneficial during pregnancy, however it is recommended to wait until the 13th week of pregnancy by which time the placenta is fully established.

Reflexology dates back to ancient civilisations such as Egypt, India and China and was only introduced to the west in the early 20th Century.

Because reflexology is an ancient practice, its origin and history is difficult to trace, however, it is thought to have been passed down through an oral tradition, and possibly first recorded on the Egyptian tomb of Ankhamor in 2330 BC along with other medical procedures.

The frequency of visits depends on the health and wellness goals of the client. Clients with chronic conditions can benefit from bi-weekly or weekly sessions. Usually the time between visits increases as the body begins to regain a state of natural balance and vitality. Monthly visits can help keep stress in check and build immunity

Reflexologists do not diagnose or tell you about any congestion or tension they may observe during a session which may suggest abnormalities. One of the theories of reflexology is that the body will nurture and repair itself once released from stress. If the body is extremely stressed, you may be encouraged to seek medical advice.

No, there are many different methods and techniques, however all achieve the same results. Blocked energy causes many ailments and all methods of reflexology aim to unblock energy pathways.