WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM MY 1ST REFLEXOLOGY TREATMENT?
I can understand if you have never experienced reflexology before, you may be a little nervous prior to attending your appointment, remember that it is okay, and even expected for you to ask questions!
Here I will try to cover some of the concerns you may have to help put you at ease, but before I do so here are some requirements before your treatment that may aid the benefits.
BEFORE YOUR TREATMENT
Firstly make sure its a good time for you to have the treatment, don’t try squeezing it in-between school runs, dental appointments etc… as you want to give yourself enough time to arrive and be relaxed. If you are rushing about and arrive stressed out it will take longer for you to get into a relaxed state.
In the days before your reflexology session ensure your hydrated…… DRINK PLENTY OF WATER.
Do not eat before your treatment.
You will never to asked to undress for Reflexology , the only items of clothing to be removed is socks/tights and of course your shoes yet I would advise you to wear loose comfortable clothing so that you feel relaxed whilst laying down on a treatment couch with scented candles burning and relaxation music playing in the back ground….. BLISS.
The start of your first session, your therapist will then go through a health, diet and lifestyle consultation, the purpose of this is to find out about any medication that you need to take, recent operations you have had to under go and illnesses to understand and work along side your reasons for trying reflexology. Please do ensure that you tell the therapist everything, no matter how minor a symptom may seem to you, don’t be afraid to discuss any apprehensions or concerns as all information you give is confidential. The therapist will then begin by assessing your feet for open wounds, rashes, sores, plantar warts or bunions and will ask you about any foot or leg pain that could hinder treatment, if all is clear, the treatment is good to go….. reflexology …..lets begin our journey.
Regardless of your health condition/conditions ( migraine, nausea, sciatica, etc) the therapist will focus on the entire pattern of the reflexology therapy, starting at the toes and working down the foot. The therapist may apply a small amount of oil or powder to help them to work their fingers and thumbs across the reflex points on your feet and they will work on one foot at a time. Having a specific condition in mind allows the therapist to carefully feel and work the area corresponding to the problem, allowing the nerve pathways and congestion to be released and to promote the relation response for the entire body.
To get the most from your reflexology treatment
1 – Be as open to the treatment as you can.
2 – Relax and try to let your thoughts go.
3 – Remember to breathe, as this helps you to relax. Sometimes people hold their breath when a sensitive area is massaged, but it is best to breathe through it.
WHAT WILL I EXPERIENCE DURING THE SESSION?
Everyone will vary with their reflexology experience, even clients will feel different on session one than on session two or three. The experiences with reflexology sessions vary from a general sense of relaxation and rest to a conscious awareness internally of the area of the body where the therapist is working through. Many people will experience a “lightness” or tingling in the body, as well as feelings of warmth, a sense of “opening” or “energy moving” from the therapist pressure being applied to the specific body area or organ.
Other reactions during the session range from
– Perspiration of hands or feet
– Sensation of being cold or chilled
– Feeling light-headed
– Coughing
– Laughing/crying
ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS
Is it common to experience emotions?
It depends, you might be having a day filled with emotions whether that be sadness , joy or at this time of year exhaustion. Sometimes touch like music can bring your feelings to the surface and emotions may be released. So don’t be alarmed, your therapist will simply ask if you feel okay to continue, and will monitor how you are doing and adjust the treatment accordingly.
Is it okay to talk?
Yes it is fine to talk, but you may get more benefits from a relation treatment if you let go of your everyday worries and concerns. If you are nervous about the process and feel the need to engage in conversation your therapist will understand. Keep in mind that the therapists are trained not to talk themselves during the treatment, but will simply answer your questions, and will stay in constant contact with you regarding your pain levels and measuring relief.
REMEMBER REFLEXOLOGISTS DO NOT DIAGNOSE
One of the theories of reflexology is that the body will nurture and repair itself once released from stress. If the body is extremely stressed, the therapist may refer you to a medical team or another treatment, if appropriate, but at no time will the therapist give medical advice or diagnosis.
AFTER TREATMENT
The treatment will end with comforting strokes of the foot, the important aspect is for you to feel comforted and nurtured and to feel that you have had time for yourself during the session.
You should be advised to drink water, rest if necessary and pay attention to your body in the next few hours.
Treatment time will last 45-60 minutes and it is generally recommended that you have 4-6 weekly treatments initially, although reflexology is safe to have more frequently if required.
Reflexology can help with many conditions. Check out our many blogs on this subject, this is a great one to start on: https://beautyhavenbelfast.com/nervous-tics-in-children-reflexology-can-help/