Therapy name: Reflexology
Regulatory Body: Moving towards voluntary self-regulation
Efficacy: Lower back pain, asthma, dementia
Overview: Reflexology is the stimulation of nerve endings (particularly in the feet) by specific massage techniques. This effects changes in another part of the body and can be used to create health and help to overcome disease.
How it works: The body is divided into different zones where each is represented by a point on the foot or hand. Nerve endings in the feet and hands travel to the spinal cord and then to other parts of the body.
What to expect: The Reflexologist will take a detailed case history. You will then be asked to sit down and remove your shoes; the general appearance of the foot will be examined. The treatment involves compression massage to the feet.
Known Contraindications: It is not advisable to have reflexology if you are pregnant, have recently undergone surgery on a malignant tumour, have foot wounds, burns or infections, have deep vein thrombosis or if you are a daily user of strong pain medication.