The Good Health Guide

Liz Bygrave CTha writes:
Even after all these years of practising reflexology, I still marvel sometimes at how such an enjoyable activity can also be so good for us. Reflexology induces an almost trance like state of relaxation (the only other therapy that matches this in my experience is cranio-sacral therapy) and whilst you sink into this blissful state, it’s good to know that you’re also improving your health!

Based on the principle that ‘reflexes’ to all the parts of the body are mapped out on the feet, & that skilled and precise massage of these reflexes can bring the body back into balance, reflexology is great for detoxification, hormonal balance, back pain & other musculoskeletal problems, and of course stress (see also our Pregnancy & Birth feature for how reflexology can help at this stage of life).

Jane Yeomans MAR IGPP has found that reflexology is good for anxiety, stress & depression as well as the physical ailments brought on by stress such as asthma & hayfever. She has also found that clients with back problems find that their symptoms improve dramatically after a course of treatments. I would echo her experience with stress & back pain - I have found for example that sciatica & frozen shoulder respond wonderfully to reflexology - of all the people I’ve treated for sciatica over the years, most have either experienced significant relief or complete cessation of symptoms. Women’s health problems also tend to respond really well.

Fabienne de Backer has had great results with insomnia, with the effects of just one session lasting anything from a few days to a few weeks. Many of her clients find that reflexology helps them to feel on top of things during difficult periods of their lives such as divorce or the menopause. She has found that hayfever, IBS, headaches, energy & arthritis all respond well. She has also worked a lot with cancer sufferers and finds that the general feedback is a wonderful feel good feeling the following week.

The contact details of all the practitioners mentioned in this article can be found in the Listings section.
So what are you waiting for!(Liz Bygrave IGPP ITEC)