Reflexology is a holistic healing art, which naturally and without drugs, stimulates every part, gland, and organ in the body. By applying pressure to the reflexes in the feet and hands, tension is released, circulation is improved, and the body is assisted in regaining its state of harmony and balance. Yvonne Chan, RAC, RCRT is a Certified Reflexologist for the Ear, Foot, and Hand.

What does the Certified Reflexologist do during a treatment?

• May apply pressure onto the referral areas, reflex points and zones on the feet. The technique is a hands on practice using fingers and hands

• Grapeseed carrier oil and essential oils are used only on the feet for Reflexology.

• Ask for feedback from the recipient during the treatment

How will Reflexology benefit my health?

• Releases tension

• Improves circulation
  

• Assists the body in regaining balance
  

• Provides preventative health care for the body

How do I prepare for a treatment?

• Light comfortable clothing must be worn

• Clean feet and trim toe nails
  

• Eat a light lunch, it is recommended to wait 90 minutes after you eat
  

• Avoid drinking alcohol

• Perfume should not be used because Yvonne is very allergic to strong commercial cosmetic scents
  

What should I bring?

• Bring or wear comfortable clothing
  

• Bring an extra pair of socks
  

• Bring a favorite CD (optional)
  

• Bring a eye mask (optional)
  

What is the recommended frequency of treatments?

• Chronic (long standing) conditions, weekly treatments will help the problems that have taken months and years to build up and may need some time to heal.
  

• In acute cases (recent problems), treatments may be given every 48 hours. It is important to wait 2 days to allow any toxins, which may have been released during the session, to be eliminated by the body with the least amount of stress. For acute problems the goal is to address the current symptoms and gradually move the treatments to once a week, once in two weeks, and eventually once a month.
  

• For people who want to try and maintain optimal health, a treatment once a month is ideal.
  

What should I do after a treatment?

• After a Reflexology treatment drinking lots of water for the next 48 hours and soaking in an Epsom salts bath will aid to release toxins. Not recommended for pregnant women, people with high blood pressure, and heart disease. The Epson salts do dehydrate the body, drinking water is very important after taking the bath.
  

• Wash feet first before taking a shower on the same day of the treatment. Excess oil on the feet may be very slippery.
  

Will Reflexology cure a condition?

• Reflexology does not cure anything, but people feel wonderful caring for their feet and body.
  

Reflexologist will not:

• Diagnose, but can mention tenderness in an area of reflex. There can be many reasons for the tender sensitive areas. Reflexologists do not prescribe drugs or ask anyone to stop taking any medications because we are not qualified, unless the practitioner does have the qualifications.
  

Potential Changes from a Treatment

You may experience some of these reactions to a Reflexology treatment. Depending on what the individual's health conditions are, sometimes a person's body will release toxins, before their body system reaches a natural balance and recovery.

1. Start to feel cold

2. Need to release gas

3. Notice increased perspiration

4. Feel an increase of mucus flow

5. Bowel movements

6. Get a headache, nauseous or bad taste in the mouth

7. Feel very tired - exhaustion often experienced by A- type personalities needing sleep. Others may just feel very relaxed, as the body has been put into the rest and repair phase during the treatment.

8. Feel very energetic - particularly if they have managed to fall asleep during the session

9. Get a rash, usually on chest and neck. The skin is the body's largest organ of elimination

10. If their eyes water, the treatment could have unblocked a tear duct

11. Feel an easing of pain as the nerves relax

12. Notice that their digestion and urination have improved due to balancing and relaxing the body systems.

13. On very rare occasions, get a nose bleed due to increased circulation

14. Usually leave feeling very relaxed and free of stress

Most people will benefit from reflexology, but it is recommended that people with the following conditions could have reflexology in a shorter time frame and with decreased pressure:

1. The elderly

2. Very young

3. Pregnant women, particularly in the 1st and last 3 months (the pituitary gland can trigger contractions)

4. Patients with heart conditions, high blood pressure, cancer, skin disease i.e. Athletes Foot

5. Pre and post surgery

6. The very ill

When will a practitioner refuse to give a treatment?

Any type of contagious skin disease, i.e. Athlete's Foot, a cluster of plantar warts, open cuts or anything that puts the practitioner's health at risk. As well as, people who are under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

(Source of information courtesy of Clare Thorpe,
Centennial College class notes and lectures)