The ancient holistic healing practice of stimulating the reflex points on the feet and hands has been traced back thousands of years to Ancient Egypt. The Egyptians contributed greatly to the development of science and medicine. Ancient Egyptian doctors were the first physicians to study the human body scientifically. Their medical wall paintings and engravings preserve the history of surgical operations, anatomical observation and medical treatments. It’s possible that over the centuries the practice of reflexology migrated slowly, from Egypt to Greece, Arabia and then on to Europe and Asia through the Roman Empire. Ancient cultures around the world including the Chinese, Indian, African and American Indians have all used the feet as a healing technique.

Reflexology is a unique method of using the thumb and fingers on reflex areas in the feet or hands which correspond to all of the Glands, Organs and Parts of the body to assist in healing and balancing the body by:

• Relieving Stress and Tension
• Improving Circulation
• Improving Nerve Flow and the Nervous System
• Boost Lymphatic function
• Improve sleeping patterns
• Increase Energy and Vitality
• Reduce Pain
• Enhance the body’s own natural healing process

Reflexology is not a foot massage; massage only stimulates relaxation of the muscles in a particular area. As when a Doctor hits your knee reflex and your leg kicks out automatically without your conscious thought, a Reflexologist is stimulating the same natural neurological responses in the body. In other words, your body will do whatever it needs to do; allow yourself to open up to the possibilities that through stimulating these reflexes in your feet or hands, you are helping your whole body, naturally!

Both Zone Therapy (the primary basis of reflexology study) and Meridian Therapy (Traditional Chinese Medicine) are based on the premise that energy channels or pathways traverse throughout the body, linking organs and body parts. Both ascertain that disease is caused by blockages. When congestions are cleared, energy is able to flow freely and your body is able to achieve a state of balance.

Another benefit of Reflexology is in helping to rid your body of unwanted toxins. Gravity naturally pulls toxins down from the body to the feet where they stagnate. By working on your feet, a reflexologist helps to move these toxins back into circulation so your body can expel them naturally. Combined with a healthy diet and exercise, reflexology can be very helpful in detoxing your body’s systems.

Apart from the obvious that reflexology helps sore, tired feet and makes you feel good, reflexology has been found to be effective for:

• Back and Neck Pain
• Sciatica
• Headaches, Migraines
• Infertility, Hormonal Imbalances, PMT, Menopause
• Arthritis
• Sleep Disorders
• Sports Injuries
• Digestive Disorders
• Stress-related Conditions
• Asthma
• Sinus Problems
• Colic
• Stroke

Suitable for all ages, the application and effect of reflexology is unique to each person. While Reflexologists do not claim to cure, diagnose or prescribe, the benefits of reflexology can have a powerful healing effect as it allows your body to regain its proper balance and remove unhealthy blockages that create illness. A Reflexologist treats the body as a whole. For best results, your participation is required; in all holistic therapies, it is important that you take responsibility for your own state of health - this is very empowering!

For me, this is the most rewarding field to be working in because of the opportunity to help others. The body is completely responsible for what it needs to do as reflexology helps to strengthen the body and it’s processes in a completely natural way.

I was first drawn to reflexology as a way to help my children, family and friends. I thought ‘how wonderful to be able to help them in this way’. Then a friend showed me where I could do a one-day course at the Reflexology Centre of Australia. This one-day course could be used as a personal way of doing reflexology for self and others or could be used towards further study. I was hooked; I had to learn this treatment that was just so amazing!

To find a reflexologist in your area, please look up the Reflexology Association of Australia’s website (reflexology.org.au) or listing in the Yellow Pages. Having reflexology with a certified reflexologist that’s registered as a Professional Member via the Reflexology Association of Australia gives you the added benefit of claiming Health Fund Rebates through your fund. If you’re not sure if you’re eligible to claim, please contact your health fund.

Reflexology aims to bring about greater unity of mind, body and spirit, as well as being an excellent form of relaxation. Regular reflexology treatments help create a state of balance and harmony within you and in your life! With reflexology, I can also help you with: lymphatic drainage, hormonal balancing, strengthening the meridians of the body, maternity/baby reflexology, foot care/hygiene, foot/lower leg exercises and help you to understand your unconscious reasons for ailments via metaphysical reasons (the thoughts and feelings) and reading the feet.

A journey of 1000 miles starts with a single step…happy feet, healthy bodies!