Welcome to Leicester Reflexology
My name is Kathryn Elton and I have been a fully qualified Reflexologist for nine years. My tranquil treatment room is attached to my home which is in Wigston Magna, Leicester. Read more about me here.
What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is a Complementary Therapy that works on the feet or hands. Following  illness, stress, injury or disease, the body is in a state of "imbalance", and vital energy pathways are blocked, preventing it from functioning effectively and healing itself. Reflexology can be used to restore and maintain the body's natural equilibrium and encourage healing.
Reflexology is a precisely defined form of holistic treatment based on the principle that the anatomy of the body is reflected or mirrored in miniature on the feet and hands. Reflexology is a simple, non-invasive treatment which helps maintain a delicate balance within the bodies systems and structures. By using specific pressure techniques healing is both initiated and accelerated in the corresponding area of the body.
History of Reflexology
Archaeological evidence suggests that foot observation and applying pressure to hands and  feet are ancient traditions depicted in Egyptian pictographs dating from 2330 BC, reported in various texts from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM, starting from 3000BC) and also practiced by North American Indians.
The concept of reflexology as a medical therapy began to emerge in the 19th century, based on Western scientific research into the nervous system. The discovery was that pressure applied on one part of the body influenced another part of the body, creating a sense of health and well being, prompting the hypothesis that health can be affected in response to certain stimuli. This became known as "reflex therapy".
An American, Dr William Fitzgerald, after a visiting England in the 1900s, launched the idea of Zone therapy which divides the body into ten longitudinal zones running from the top of the head down to the feet (five zones per foot). Reflexology was fully developed in the 1930s under the influence of Eunice Ingham, who devised charts of reflex zones for the hands and feet. Her work is continued today by her nephew, Dwight Byers.
Reflexology is beneficial for many conditions including:
• Stress-related, or any condition benefiting from increased relaxation
o Stress
o Anxiety
o Depression
o Insomnia
• Hormonal Problems
o Period Problems
o Fibroids
o Endometriosis
o PMS
o Menopause
o Polycystic Ovaries
• Digestive Problems
o IBS
o Crohn's Disease
o Constipation
o General Digestion Problems
• Sciatica and back pain
• Migraines and general headaches
• Circulation
• Joint stiffness
• Arthritis
• Helps relieve stress and aids relaxation
• Helps relieve muscle tension and stiffness
• Alleviates discomfort during pregnancy
• Fosters faster healing of strained muscles and sprained ligaments
• Reduces pain
• Reduces muscle spasms
• Provides greater joint flexibility and range of motion
• Promotes deeper and easier breathing
• Improves circulation
• Reduces blood pressure
• Helps relieve tension-related headaches and effects of eye-strain
• Strengthens the immune system
• Mental Benefits
o Fosters peace of mind
o Promotes a relaxed state of mental alertness
o Improves ability to monitor stress signals and respond appropriately
o Enhances capacity for calm thinking and creativity
o Fosters a feeling of well-being
o Reduces levels of anxiety
o Creates body awareness
o Increases awareness of mind-body connection
On your first visit there is a preliminary talk with the practitioner. The Reflexologist then begins to work on your feet, or hands if necessary, noting problem areas. There may be discomfort in some places, but it is fleeting, and is an indication of congestion or imbalance in a corresponding part of the body. For the most part, the sensation is pleasant and soothing.
Usually a treatment session lasts between 30 minutes to 1 hour.
After the first treatment or two your body may respond in a very definite way: you may have a feeling of well-being and relaxation; or you may feel lethargic, nauseous or tearful, but this is transitory. It is, however, vital information for Reflexologist, as it shows how your body is responding to treatment.
The number of treatments will vary from person to person. If the aim is simply relaxation, then one treatment is wonderful - maybe topping up once a month to maintain the benefits!
In most cases, a series of (6 or so) sessions are necessary to resolve any problems. Some clients book a regularly weekly or monthly session as a preventative measure, to keep their systems balanced and in good working order. Typically, a client may choose to visit weekly until a consistent improvement is recorded. This can then progress to fortnightly and then monthly visits.
Indeed reflexology can benefit almost everyone. An increasing number of people are using this safe, natural therapy as a way of relaxing, balancing and harmonising the body.
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