European Reflexology and FootZone Therapy

Take Charge of Your Health

Learn to use your body’s own reflex system to help yourself and loved ones to better health and well-being

Dr. Oz, Professor of Surgery, Columbia University did Reflexology on the Oprah Winfrey Show. While working on Oprah he said it was great at easing tension. Oprah replied, "That's why reflexology is so great." Dr. Oz went on to state, "Every patient that I operate on at New York Presbyterian Hospital gets a reflexology type treatment...”

In Europe reflexology is widely used in hospitals, clinics & nursing homes.  It is an accepted component of general wellness.The European Academy of Reflexology and Healing Arts offers you everything you need to learn to treat yourself and loved ones or begin your professional training. Our Hands on format allows everyone to receive several treatments and feel confident.

Learn How to do Reflexology and How to Become a Professional Reflexologist at the Academy of European Reflexology and Healing Arts

What is Reflexology?

The foot contains a map of the body, allowing an experienced practitioner to massage or stimulate a particular part of the body, including the organs, blood circulation and more.  This method can range from a pleasant de-stressing of the body, to helping to heal physical complaints.  Eastside residents have found the Academy of European Reflexology and Healing Arts and Tonya Gamman to be an excellent alternative healing experience.

History

Variations of the modern practice of reflexology have existed in many of the ancient healing cultures including India, Egypt, China and Native American cultures.  Now widely practiced across the world, variations of the reflexology techniques are known in other countries as Pressure Point Massage, Compression Massage, Pointed Pressure Massage, Vita-Flex, ZoneTherapy, Reflex Zone Therapy or Reflexotherapy.

Firmly established in Issaquah for years, but just becoming more 'trendy' recently, Eastside residents turn to reflexology for a multitude of physical complaints and its ability to relieve stress and relax the body and mind.

Typical Reflexology Treatment

A typical reflexology session may begin with you sinking into and relaxing in a zero gravity recliner. Every effort is made to make sure you are as comfortable as possible. Then the treatment begins. At the outset, the reflexologist will ask you if you want the pressure to be applied soft, medium, or hard. They will also ask you if you have any particular physical complaints, so they can focus on the reflex points that will alleviate these complaints. They will apply the exacting method of European Reflexology treatment. This requires skill and knowledge to perform correctly and all of our practitioners are trained thoroughly in this method to reflexology.

The Treatment

Basically, reflex zones (nerve endings) in the feet are massaged or stimulated in a precise sequence in order to encourage blood circulation and normalize the function of the body's internal organs to aid the body's own healing processes. A complete session focuses on the hundreds of reflex points on the feet, each of which corresponds to a particular gland, organ or body part. This method covers energy points for stimulation of the glands, organs and systems including the nervous system, immune system, muscle system, skeletal system and circulatory system.   Pressure is applied with specific thumb, finger and hand techniques to the reflex points. As the reflexologist applies pressure to the various points, let her know if the pressure is too hard or too soft. Feel free to ask which part of the body a particular reflex point is effecting, especially if you feel pain there!

Pain

It is normal to feel some pain during a reflexology session, especially in early treatments. Pain levels will differ according to your physical health, tolerance to pain and the intensity of the treatment. Reflexology treatments have been referred to as a kind of exquisite torture. Torture when the practitioner hits a spot that is especially sensitive and exquisite because of the relief and feeling of  well being you experience after treatments. When you see a reflexologist on a regular basis, she can keep track of your progress and will keep a record of your visits. While a responsible reflexologist will not claim to be able to cure your physical symptoms, they can offer treatments that will lead to alleviation of symptoms. Just as with other natural therapies, reflexology focuses on the body's own healing processes, using its own recuperative resources to heal and restore.

Contraindications

Reflexology treatments should not be given to those with serious heart conditions. A responsible practitioner will also tell you that treatments cannot help people with certain extreme conditions: those who have damaged nerve endings through drug overdoses or sports injuries or those with advanced malignant tumors or those who are undergoing chemotherapy.

Benefits

Benefits of Reflexology: Some people may think that foot reflexology is just a fancy foot massage. However, while goal of massage is to simply to relax muscles and relieve pain, a reflexology treatment focuses on the nerve endings, which are found in and around muscles and bones in the feet. The goal is not relaxation alone, but the healing and preventative powers which affect the whole body, not just the feet.

Practitioners tout reflexology as a natural healing method, relieving many physical conditions without drugs and with no negative side effects! In fact, reflexology relaxation effects are so strong that recipients may fall to sleep at the end of an effective treatment. Many find that a good treatment in peaceful surroundings leads to a deep relaxation of the body and mind and a fantastic night's sleep later that night.

Treatment Times

Without a doubt, the most relaxing and mind-altering experience is Tonya’s deluxe treatment. Tonya focuses on the quality of the overall relaxation experience for her clients, with an effort to please all the senses. The ambiance of a soothing decor, soft indirect lighting, comfortable chairs, private rooms, and soothing music add to Tonya’s treatments to create an Oasis of relaxation for your enjoyment. Tonya’s treatments last 60-90 minutes for the initial foot reflexology followed by several additional therapies as desired by the client:  aromatherapy, with custom essential oils applied to the feet..Foot baths, Hot rock Reiki on the feet. Hand Reflexology and/or auricular therapy (ear acupressure points), which is guaranteed to bring tingles up your spine! These treatments allow busy mothers and overworked professionals to experience a quick escape from their daily activities. Sessions are usually 60-90 minutes depending on what services are desired.