European Style Foot Reflexology or FootZone
Therapy
By Tonya Gamman
Amidst the hustle and bustle of our stress-filled lives in the metropolis of Seattle
is a pocket of relief, peace and pleastreatmen
Many Eastside
residents take a break from the rat race to relax and restore with reflexology.
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 throughly in this method to
reflexology.
The Treatment
Basically, reflex zones (nerve
endings) in the feet are massaged or stimulated in a presice 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 stimutation 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 wellbeing 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 can not 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 allows 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.
Tonya says, “It's my goal that my clients feel totally relaxed
and rejuvenated after a visit so that they can get back to their activities feeling refreshed and renewed."
So, if you're looking for a healthy way to relax and a natural high, or just a great self-pampering session, try a
Reflexology treatments for yourself see how reflexology treatments can lead to enhanced health, profound relaxation and pleasure,
and a rejuvenation of the spirit!
