Reflexology
Anyone can benefit from treatments
Reflexology is a modern, wholistic therapy that is based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Although based on physiological and neurological studies, the focus is on the interconnectedness of the body and not on treating a symptom in isolation as modern medicine does.
Just like the universe is made up of energy, so is the human body. There are 12 energy pathways/meridians in the body, which correspond to the different organs. The 6 minor meridians start or end in the finger tips (lung, large intestine, circulation, triple burner, small intestine and heart) and the 6 major meridians which start or end in the feet (liver, spleen/pancreas, stomach, gall bladder, kidney, bladder). The meridians have 2 functions, supplying the organs with Chi/energy and removing toxins
away from the organs, protecting them from damage. We are surrounded by toxins all the time, even if we follow a healthy diet.
The 6 major meridians overlap the 6 minor meridians which is why stimulating the meridians in the feet has an overall effect on the whole body.
The feet are a map of the body, with each reflex corresponding to a specific organ/organ system. By stimulating the reflexes on the feet an involuntary response is elicited in the organs and glands along the meridian pathways. This sets a chain reaction in motion which causes physiological changes on a cellular level throughout the body.
~ Reflexologists do not diagnose, treat a specific disease or illness, interfere with medication, or prescribe medication. If you have a specific medical problem or complaint, you are advised to seek professional medical help. You should also discuss any problems or complaints with the therapist, or if you are unsure whether to continue with the treatments ~
What to expect from a treatment
The therapist will ask questions regarding past and present health and lifestyle habits and suggest improvements where necessary.
This together with a study of the feet and hands will give the therapist an idea as to which meridians are congested.
The therapist will first wipe the feet with disinfectant before loosening/warming up the joints in the feet and ankles.
A set sequence is then followed in which all the reflexes in the feet and ankles are stimulated using a firm pressure. Sensitivity or pain indicates congestion in the corresponding organ/meridian and after a few sessions this should ease, depending on the severity of the problem.
The treatment is ended off with a relaxing foot massage followed by the patient taking in 3 deep breaths while the therapist holds the solar plexus reflex.
Everyone is different, so reactions also differ. Some people feel more energized after a treatment, others may feel extremely tired.
There may be some side effects. This is called a healing crisis and is the body’s way of releasing toxins. Coming for weekly treatments will help support the healing process.
Reflexology and pregnancy
Pregnancy is one of the most significant experiences a woman will ever have, and in order to sustain the health and development of her growing baby she needs to prioritise her physical, mental and emotional health before, during and after the birth.
Pre-pregnancy reflexology helps reduce toxic load, corrects hormonal imbalances, increases blood circulation, reduces stress & generally prepares her body to support the growing baby
During pregnancy reflexology helps balance the hormones, helps eliminate toxins, helps manage and even prevent oedema, increases blood circulation to foetus, reduces physical aches and pains, creates a
sense of wellbeing for mother and baby, helps prepare for labour
Post pregnancy reflexology helps induce sleep, increases milk supply, balances hormones, and reduces the chance of post-natal depression
Reflexology is a gentle, safe yet e ective way to support a woman’s body on this special journey of becoming a mother.
Contra-indications include
- Pre-eclampsia
- Bleeding during pregnancy
- Deep vein thrombosis
- HELLP Syndrome (Haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count)
- PICA syndrome
About Melanie McIntyre
We need to learn to slow down, to breathe, to enjoy the simple things in life, to listen to our bodies and to rekindle our relationship with mother earth. Every-thing we put into our bodies either nourishes it or depletes it. Our health is our choice. I believe that going forward, therapeutic reflexology will play an integral part in helping people to rediscover that they too can achieve optimum health and wellbeing. Just as you service your car, so should you service your body.
My daughter struggled with food allergies and eczema from a young age. We tried all sorts of natural protocols including following an elimination diet & spending a fortune on desensitization injections. At age 6, out of desperation I consulted a dermatologist. As suspected, the standard treatment for eczema is cortisone. Nothing was even mentioned about diet or environmental toxins. We never went back but instead chose to continue with what we were already doing.
In 2017 I enrolled in a 2-year diploma to study therapeutic reflexology at the International Academy for reflexology and meridian therapy (IARMAT). I was captivated from day one by the body’s natural ability to heal and humbled by the constant abuse that our bodies endure daily. My daughter was my first case study. It was not an easy road, but with guidance and willpower we persevered. She has now been eczema free for 2 years and continues with her monthly reflexology treatments. I graduated cum laude in February 2020, just before our world erupted into chaos.
The covid-19 pandemic has led to an explosion of research that points to the devastating effects that diet and lifestyle has had on our microbiomes and therefore our immune systems. We have to change the way we live, it is the only way to prevent something like this happening again.